Green Petroleum Refining - Mathematical Models for Optimizing Petroleum Refining Under Emission Constraints

Abstract

Petroleum refining processes provide the daily requirements of energy for the global market. Each refining process produces wastes that have the capacity to harm the environment if not properly disposed of. The treatment of refinery waste is one of the most complex issues faced by refinery managers. Also, the hazardous nature of these wastes makes them rather costly to dispose of for the refineries. In this thesis, system analysis tools are used to design a program that allows for the selection of the optimal control, minimization and treating options for petroleum refinery waste streams. The performance of the developed model is demonstrated via a case study. Optimal mitigation alternatives to meet the emission reduction targets were studied by evaluating their relative impact on the profitable operation of the given facility. It was found that the optimal mitigation steps was to reduce emission precursors by conducting feed switches at the refinery. In all cases, the optimal solution did not include a capital expansion of the emission control facilities and equipment.