(109b) Energy Optimization Studies to Enhance Both New Projects and Return on Existing Assets

The demand for refined products has risen steadily in recent years at rates greater than both crude oil and refining capacity. As a result, the supply demand balance has tightened for both crude oil and refining capacity. These circumstances are driving several key trends in the refining industry. Energy prices have increased significantly in the US and throughout the world. Most projections call for energy prices to remain relatively high in the future. Also, investment and projects for new refining capacity have increased dramatically in the last few years. New and improved energy optimization techniques can enable refiners to address both of these trends. Energy optimization can enable refiners to significantly improve the economics of new capacity projects and also reduce energy costs in existing facilities at the same time. This is achieved via the combination of the latest pinch analyses and tools coupled with process knowledge and optimization. Case studies from recent projects will be used to illustrate how energy costs have been substantially reduced with very quick payouts not just in new capacity projects, but also in existing refining facilities. Several case studies will be presented for projects ranging from addition of single major units to refinery expansions involving several process units.