OIL & GAS Energy Efficiency BAT Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK
Project Summary
Energy Efficiency BAT Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK
Project Value: £30k Key Project Elements Environmental Permitting Regime compliance Gasification, Liquefaction and Refining Sector Natural gas refining BAT assessment of energy efficiency BAT assessment of technical, managerial and operational techniques Benchmarking energy efficiency of process plant
Energy Efficiency Action Plan
CRA provides a range of consultancy services to major gas refining installations in the UK, including assisting in management of Environmental Permit compliance. CRA performs regular assessments of the techniques employed to manage the environmental impacts of the installations to ensure the operators are employing the Best Available Techniques (BAT) as defined in guidance and standards set by the local Environment Agency and the European Environment Agency. BAT assessments performed by CRA include reviews of the managerial, technical, and operational techniques employed to minimise impacts from resource and energy consumption, waste production and emissions to the environment. CRA performed a BAT assessment of the energy efficiency of process plant on a gas refining installation. The assessment involved a review of energy consumption on the installation, identifying and quantifying energy sources and energy consumption by intensive plant including compressors, oil heaters, steam generators and thermal treatment units for process off-gases. Data on energy consumption and unit output were gathered for individual plant, and benchmarked against other similar plant and/or the manufacturers or industry standards to assess the fitness of the individual plant. The techniques employed to minimise energy use through production planning, operations and maintenance were documented and assessed against indicative BAT standards set out in Environment Agency and European guidance. Measures employed to reduce energy consumption included good practice in maintenance and cleaning of equipment, operating equipment at maximum load and limiting start-ups and shut-downs through production and maintenance planning. The findings of the BAT assessment were reviewed with the operator and an Energy Efficiency Action Plan developed. Further actions included development of methods for improved monitoring of energy efficiency of certain plant to allow future decisions to be taken on utilisation and investment. The plan also included a commitment to review options for waste heat re-use and rationalisation of site heating requirements to minimise operation of less efficient plant. Adoption of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan will facilitate improved energy efficiency, minimise production costs and reduce emissions to air from combustion plant.
Ref: PS0069