Development of a Refinery Sox Emission Reduction Strategy at the Chevron Canada Ltd. Burnaby Refinery

摘要

As a requirement to approval of an amended air emissions permit for Chevron Canada’s Burnaby Refinery, the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) mandated that Chevron investigate ways to further reduce refinery emissions of sulphur oxides (Sox). The FCCU, which was identified as one of the largest Sox emission sources in the refinery, was specifically targeted for emissions reductions. The Chevron Burnaby refinery project team embarked on a rigorous study to identify and evaluate the various commercially available Sox emission reduction technology options. This study analyzed the numerous impacts of the Sox reduction technologies on the refinery and the surrounding community. They evaluated such factors as performance, environmental and community impacts, economic factors, and risk/feasibility. In addition, the technology assessment included engaging members of the scientific community to conduct a peer review which provided a non-biased perspective on the list of technologies and on the ranking process. As a result of this evaluation, Chevron Burnaby selected the Sox reduction additive technology as the preferred technology option to reduce Sox emissions from the refinery. INTERCAT’s Sox reduction additive, Super SOXGETTERTM, was selected as the most cost effective additive, capable of meeting the newly established Sox emissions limits. To verify the performance projections of the Sox reduction additive technology under long term operating conditions, and to assess any operational impacts, the refinery embarked on a controlled 18 month trial to maintain Sox emissions at substantially reduced levels. At the completion of this trial, the refinery will propose an air permit amendment to the GVRD that will reflect sustainable emission reductions. This proposed Sox emission reduction implementation plan is expected to achieve an annual Sox reduction of approximately 600 tonnes per year. This paper details the process which the Chevron Burnaby Refinery followed in developing their Sox emission reduction strategy and discusses results of the long term testing of Sox reduction additives. Results are presented which verify the performance of additives in the unit and validate the selection of INTERCAT’s Super SOXGETTER. Results showed that in spite of variations in FCCU operating conditions and changes in SO2 emissions targets, Super SOXGETTER met performance expectations throughout the entire length of the long term trial. The Super SOXGETTER additive technology demonstrated particular strengths in achieving the required level of Sox reduction, as well as in minimizing impacts on the surrounding community, all at significantly lower capital and operating costs than the refinery initially estimated.