PTQ Q4 2024 Issue

The world’s best refineries can be more efficient than some of the newest ones because they continuously improve their operations, adapt to their environments, and balance their financial and operating metric

advanced technologies to improve efficiency and opera - tional performance. These refineries have had time to refine their processes, optimise equipment, and implement inno- vative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption. • Experience and expertise: Refineries with a long opera - tional history have accumulated vast experience and exper - tise in refining operations. They have developed a deep understanding of their processes, feedstocks, and equip- ment, allowing them to optimise operations and achieve higher efficiency levels through continuous improvement efforts. • Process integration: Older refineries often have well- established infrastructure and process integration. They have had the opportunity to integrate various units and processes to maximise efficiency, minimise energy losses, and optimise resource utilisation. Newer refineries may still be in the process of fine-tuning their integration and achieving optimal operational synergy. • Flexibility and adaptability: Established refineries have the advantage of being able to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements. They have the ability to adjust their operations, upgrade equipment, and implement new processes to meet evolving industry stan - dards and market demands, making them more efficient and competitive. While it is not uncommon for older refineries to be more efficient than newer ones, it is important to note that newer refineries also have many advantages. New refineries often benefit from the incorporation of the latest technologies and equipment from the outset, resulting in higher energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, newer refineries may have the advantage of being built in regions with access to abundant and lower-cost feed - stocks, giving them a competitive edge in terms of produc- tion costs. New refineries are also often built in regions with growing markets, giving them an edge in terms of distribu - tion costs for their refined products. Ultimately, efficiency levels can vary widely across

refineries, regardless of their age. Each refinery’s per - formance depends on a multitude of factors, including investment in technology, operational expertise, process optimisation, and market dynamics. Continuous improve - ment efforts and the adoption of best practices are essen- tial for both older and newer refineries to maintain and enhance their efficiency levels in an ever-evolving industry. A Woody Shiflett, Blue Ridge Consulting LLC, blueridgeconsulting2020@outlook.com One phrase sums it up: ‘Operational Excellence’. A refinery that has in place systems, training, and regular refresher training for safety, maintenance, environmental steward - ship, and operation procedures, and is led by true leaders – not merely managers – who set clear goals and targets, reinforce them with measurable and transparent metrics, hold all personnel equally accountable, and reward stellar performance can achieve extraordinary efficiencies and results. Such leaders exhibit the ability to carefully listen to their people, admit their own shortcomings, and adjust accordingly, embrace effective new ideas, and build and maintain a team that has esprit de corps . ‘Best’ and ‘new - est’ are not necessarily synonymous. I am fortunate to have as a friend a retired refinery general manager that did this. Q How can hydroprocessing operators better manage the high heat release during O2 and olefin hydrogenation (for example, when processing lipid feeds)? A Woody Shiflett, Blue Ridge Consulting LLC, blueridgeconsulting2020@outlook.com Liquid recycle is the most effective way to manage heat release. However, it results in reduced throughput in revamps of existing units or units in co-processing operation, and it adds Capex in new units compared to fossil fuel units of comparable capacity. This is not to say that more traditional treat gas recycle has no role. It does, and with sufficient recycle compressor capacity or expansion, it can move the needle for percentage of renewables co-processing notably

PTQ Q4 2024