Emissions reduction is one of the most serious challenges industry is currently facing and there is a need for decision support tools to assist operating companies in the identification of the most promising opportunities for improvement. The integration of process simulation models with internet technologies can result in emissions management systems that enable rapid analysis and identification of emissions reduction opportunities. Using simulation software such as Aspen HYSYSTM, chemical species of interest (benzene, methane, H2S, etc.) can be traced based on their thermodynamic and transport properties. The potential for emissions reductions is very significant once reliable and actionable information is available. Currently available systems have been instrumental in improving emissions reporting; however, these tools (usually based on average emission factors) do not have the resolution required for opportunity identification and are likely to result in misleading conclusions. Simulation models can, however, provide the resolution to capture the opportunities and avoid incorrect assumptions. Process Ecology has developed an innovative methodology to implement these concepts with promising results for the management of BTEX emissions from glycol dehydration. Reporting emissions from dehydration units to various stakeholders is done on a timely and consistent basis while simultaneously providing management with a set of tools to prioritize efforts in energy efficiency and emissions reductions programs. This approach was implemented for approximately 100 operating dehydration units operated by Encana in Western Canada. The results, benefits achieved and some interesting trends / opportunities will be presented in this paper.
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