Waste Minimization: A Hidden Energy Savings?

Abstract

Several changes in the last few years have forced a re-examination of waste generation within the petrochemical industry. In today's political/regulatory arena, industrial waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, has become an extreme potential liability in handling, storing, and disposal. Traditional methods, such as fueling boilers and furnaces, are coming under increasing regulatory scrutiny and control. Even when the heat value of a waste material can be recovered, the energy used to manufacture that material is lost. The answers are becoming apparent: to (1) preferably not produce waste at all, or (2) recover as a usable product. This results in not only a reduction in cost and liability but a substantial reduction in energy use per unit of product sold. The following is a discussion of how a large Gulf Coast petrochemical facility is tackling waste minimization and a look at some of the energy savings that have been attained.