The paper outlines methods to optimize energy consumption and minimize hydrocarbonlosses in refineries. In doing so, a site will benefit from lower operating costs and a reduction in CO2-emissionsand hydrocarbon releases to the atmosphere. An energy consumption and hydrocarbon losses base line for a sitecan be established using a Corrected Energy and Loss (CEL) Index methodology. This process also highlightsopportunities for improvement within the processing units, off-plots, utilities, and overall energy management.Scope for improvements can be found in the areas of procedures, practices, maintenance, as well as, in thedesign of the hardware. Areas for loss abatement can range from simple good housekeeping to the installation ofhardware, such as, vapour recovery systems. As part of our proprietary Pacesetting Programme, a Shell Energyand Loss (SEAL) Study is used to optimise energy consumption and minimize hydrocarbon losses. The modulehas proven very successful with more than 10 studies being completed during the last four years, wherebybenefits have been identified in the order of US￠15/bbl (on average). Keys for success in realizing the benefitsinclude: full involvement of site personnel, as well as, strong follow-up support during implementation.
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