The Situation
A Canadian refinery was unable to reach targeted run rates for discounted heavy Canadian crude, due to consistently poor effluent quality. The plants' primary treatment configuration was designed to handle the solids loading, but the influent variability was challenging the system control by manual treatment adjustments, and as such, excursions were still occurring.
The refinery improved reliability, reducing sludge by 600 MT per year, and processed more discounted heavy Canadian crude by an additional 315,000 bpd.
The Results
After completing a thorough MOC (Mechanical, Operational, Chemical) system audit, Nalco Water recommended and implemented the 3D TRASARTM Technology for Wastewater (3DTWW). This automation platform measures influent and effluent contaminant load and adjusts chemical when and where needed.
Even with average influent turbidity levels higher by 60%, the effluent contaminant loading was improved by 24%, vastly improving reliability of the wastewater operations, reaching a higher compliance level on discharge KPIs.
On top of the improved reliability, the site was able to reduce sludge by 600 MT per year, and process more of the discounted heavy Canadian crude by an additional 315,000 bpd.
