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The global attention to sustainable practices puts industries under the radar. One of the most controversial industries is oil and gas. Without a doubt, energy plants play a crucial role in our modern society. Yet, these operations can posses threats to the environment if left unchecked. To address these concerns, many plants are adopting green waste management solutions. In this article, we will discuss sustainable ways of managing waste in refineries.
Waste Minimization Through Process Optimization
Refineries can reduce their waste generation by fine-tuning their operations. Besides, optimization leads to a more profitable business. Thus, this solution is perhaps the most acceptable for businesses.
Optimization is only possible through solid observation. Real-time monitoring systems play a crucial role in this endeavor. Identifying possible areas of optimization allows professionals to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Circular Economy Principles
By-products or waste of refineries are getting more valuable every day. This is due to the cost of raw materials increasing. Different industries and plants working with each other create a recycle-based system. The waste of one practice becomes the raw material of another. This helps reduce the call for new materials.
Advanced Waste Treatment Technologies
Refineries are equipped with better waste treatment practices due to advancements in technology. These practices can be listed as biological treatment, chemical oxidation, and membrane filtration.
To summarize, biological treatment employs microorganisms to break down wastewater. By-products of refineries contain organic compounds. These compounds act as food for microorganisms. Chemical oxidation and membrane filtration mostly operate together. Chemicals promote flocculation while membranes act as filters.
In principle, these waste management methods aren’t new. Yet, they are much more efficient thanks to new advancements.
Energy Recovery from Waste
As we mentioned earlier, the by-products of refineries still hold great value. Their economic value is directly attached to their calorie content. Waste material can be repurposed by processes such as pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion. These processes generate biofuels out of waste material. In addition to waste management, these processes generate renewable energy sources.
Employee Engagement and Training
Training is an often overlooked aspect of waste management. Teaching the workforce about the importance of practices such as segregation is crucial. When employees possess the knowledge, collective environmental impact can be substantial.
Conclusion
Refineries need to meet global energy demands while minimizing environmental impacts. In this article, we’ve listed ways of answering both of the concerns presented. These approaches can help pave the way for a greener future.
