TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies – Future Pathways
Advancing the Circular Economy & Value of Life Cycle Analyses
Forum 22 | Technical Programme Hall 4
29
April
10:00
11:30
UTC+3
Life Cycle Analyses (LCA) are an essential step in designing more sustainable products and processes, which begin at resource extraction and reach end-of-life disposal. Experts will explore how LCAs inform sustainable decision-making and promote efficiencies to reduce waste. The forum will address innovative strategies for designing products and other benefits of transitioning to circular models with the support of LCAs.
As global carbon emission regulations tighten and carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) take effect, the petroleum industry faces increasing pressure to reduce product carbon footprints (PCFs) and to develop more sustainable products. Traditionally, PCF reduction has relied on decreasing overall carbon intensity through the adoption of low-carbon technologies and the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems—strategies that often require substantial capital investment. However, for blended products such as gasoline, additional PCF reductions can be achieved by optimizing the selection and allocation of blending components, providing more cost-effective mitigation opportunities. In practice, product blending and operations optimizing of petroleum companies rely on systems like PIMS (Process industry modeling system) and RPMS (Refinery and petrochemical modeling system). However, these systems suffer from two critical limitations: they lack the capability to systematically trace the PCF throughout the entire production process, and they fail to incorporate PCF optimization into operational decision-making. To address these challenges, this study proposes an integrated model framework that couples Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with production planning optimization, building on advanced recursive algorithms and dual-linear programming solving technique, the framework establishes a systematic method for PCF calculation under different carbon footprint allocation principles. By treating PCF as a transferable physical attribute within the production process, the framework enables cradle-to-gate tracking of PCF from intermediate to final products, while facilitating optimization to minimize the PCF of targeted output. The proposed model framework is validated through a case study involving a refinery with an annual capacity of 10 million tons, located on the east coast of China. Results indicate that among all refinery outputs, polypropylene (PP) exhibits the highest PCF, followed by gasoline, whereas aviation kerosene shows the lowest PCF. Through optimizing blending strategies—specifically, increasing the proportion of low-PCF components such as light naphtha and raffinate, while reducing the proportion of high-PCF components including etherified gasoline, alkylate, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)—the PCF of gasoline products can be reduced by 27.2%, corresponding to a decrease of 0.23 tCO₂ per tons of product. This study demonstrates that targeted production planning offers an effective means to reduce the PCF of specific refinery products without significant cost escalation. Nonetheless, achieving broader, PCFs decreasing will continue to require complementary investments in advanced low-carbon technologies.
Co-author/s:
Yanming Cao, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Qing Li, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Co-author/s:
Yanming Cao, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Qing Li, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
A key component of refinery operations is the use of caustic solutions to sweeten Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) streams. However, this process is essentially constrained by the equilibrium-bound nature of mercaptan removal and the irreversible degradation of the active sodium hydroxide (NaOH) into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) as a result of CO₂ contamination. There are major OPEX and hazardous waste disposal issues as a result of current process designs that accept this degradation as an inevitable operational cost. This paper introduces a paradigm shift: This study introduces paradigm shift, a novel approach to process re-engineering that uses in-situ electrochemical regeneration to eradicate degradation's underlying cause rather than just managing it.
The fundamental chemical constraints of traditional caustic treaters were dissected using an analytical framework. A new process flowsheet with a side-stream Electrochemical Regeneration Cell (ERC) was created based on this analysis. In order to improve the ERC's architecture and confirm its performance against changing, real-world challenges, the main focus of this work was a multi-stage process design and validation analysis.
1. Irreversible Degradation Stopped: The ERC, through the imposition of a controlled electric potential, splits stable sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) successfully into active NaOH and CO₂ gas, which is subsequently vented [4].
2. Shift in Equilibrium: The ERC always eliminates the sodium mercaptides (NaSR) by oxidizing them to disulfide oil (DSO), thus disrupting the reaction equilibrium and enabling the lean caustic to achieve near-complete elimination of mercaptans from the LPG.
3. 90%+ Caustic Consumption Reduction: Process modeling proved that this closed-loop system will lower fresh caustic purchases and spent caustic disposal by more than 90%.
The in-situ Electrochemical Regeneration Cell is an unprecedented advance in caustic treating technology and represents the most substantial new innovation in caustic treating technology in decades. By transitioning from simply managing degradation to eliminating it, this process re-engineering solution offers a pathway to not just a reduction of operating costs but a reduction of hazardous waste and an overall improvement in the efficiency and robustness of LPG sweetening operations.
The fundamental chemical constraints of traditional caustic treaters were dissected using an analytical framework. A new process flowsheet with a side-stream Electrochemical Regeneration Cell (ERC) was created based on this analysis. In order to improve the ERC's architecture and confirm its performance against changing, real-world challenges, the main focus of this work was a multi-stage process design and validation analysis.
1. Irreversible Degradation Stopped: The ERC, through the imposition of a controlled electric potential, splits stable sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) successfully into active NaOH and CO₂ gas, which is subsequently vented [4].
2. Shift in Equilibrium: The ERC always eliminates the sodium mercaptides (NaSR) by oxidizing them to disulfide oil (DSO), thus disrupting the reaction equilibrium and enabling the lean caustic to achieve near-complete elimination of mercaptans from the LPG.
3. 90%+ Caustic Consumption Reduction: Process modeling proved that this closed-loop system will lower fresh caustic purchases and spent caustic disposal by more than 90%.
The in-situ Electrochemical Regeneration Cell is an unprecedented advance in caustic treating technology and represents the most substantial new innovation in caustic treating technology in decades. By transitioning from simply managing degradation to eliminating it, this process re-engineering solution offers a pathway to not just a reduction of operating costs but a reduction of hazardous waste and an overall improvement in the efficiency and robustness of LPG sweetening operations.
QatarEnergy LNG produces 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and approximately 14 MTPA of sales gas. In addition, two condensate refineries produce approximately 307,000 barrels per stream day of products. Other associated facilities include two helium refineries, the world’s largest sulfur granulation facility and storage and loading facilities for LNG and other liquid hydrocarbon products in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. QatarEnergy LNG is currently undergoing a massive expansion taking its LNG production to 142 MTPA and scaling up supporting infrastructure. QatarEnergy LNG takes seriously its corporate responsibility to manage waste in line with the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and best industry practices. QatarEnergy LNG’s waste management approach, including the incorporation of circular economy principles, has led to the Company achieving its best-ever recycling rates in the range of 55% of total waste generated, as well as significant cost savings and revenue generation. This approach is based on the effective integration of both waste management systems and infrastructure and has led to the development and implementation of new processes and procedures, along with efficient use of existing waste facilities. QatarEnergy LNG has also introduced the concept of circular economy to its waste operations by developing innovative recycling and reuse solutions for its major waste streams based on partnerships and collaboration with local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which in turn help support the growth of waste management infrastructure and expertise within the country. In practice, the circular economy approach has allowed QatarEnergy LNG to prioritise and implement sustainable solutions to a variety of materials that would otherwise be landfilled, ending their useful life cycles, with no economic or environmental benefit to the community. These recycling initiatives currently include molecular sieve recycling for local cement production, waste sulfur reuse for sulfuric acid production, enhanced recycling of lube oil and waste hydrocarbons and others. This paper will outline QatarEnergy LNG integrated approach to waste management, including the application of circular economy principles to develop sustainable waste recycling and reuse opportunities and cross-industry synergies. It will also provide an overview of QatarEnergy LNG forward vision to achieve sustained and pace-setting recycling rates of greater than 70% by 2030 as part of its long-term environmental strategy while contributing to overall circular economy within the State of Qatar. Keywords: circular economy, waste management, enhanced recycling, resources management, waste to worth.
Co-author/s:
Hilal Saad Al-Mohannadi, Environmental Affairs and Regulatory Manager, QatarEnergy LNG
Co-author/s:
Hilal Saad Al-Mohannadi, Environmental Affairs and Regulatory Manager, QatarEnergy LNG
Objective/scope:
Cementing substitution in Oil and Gas is a process of reducing the quantity of cement consumed during well construction by using suitable materials which behave like Portland Cement though use alternative means to produce. Volcanic ash is a locally occurring material which uses mining techniques to procure and has cementitious properties making it a candidate for cement-substitution. The work efforts demonstrate the value addition volcanic ash provides as a cement substitute for use in well construction operations and significant reduction in Carbon-footprinting.
Methods/Procedure:
To determine the suitability of the volcanic ash as a cement substitute, a series of analytical and operational testing would help demonstrate the performance in comparison to neat cement as well as existing alternative materials used currently. The analytical testing would describe the behavior of the volcanic ash independently and then blended with Portland cement to identify potential improvements to the cement integrity for long-term isolation as well as determine how to use it effectively for field operations. The operational testing provides the information needed to successfully deploy in the well constriction operations including PSD and routine oil well cement performance testing provided the analytical testing supported the effectiveness as a cement substitute.
Results/Observations:
The analytical and operational testing supported the value addition local volcanic ash as a cement substitute for well construction operations. The analytical testing included SEM and XRD analysis to characterize the influence of the volcanic ash independently as well as with set cement as a suitable alternative for cement substitution. The operational testing enabled cement designs ready for field deployment which are equivalent to similar alternative material designs used today. The use of volcanic ash as a cement substitute could reduce cement consumption in well construction operations influencing the total consumption of Portland cement whose manufacturing process may not be favorable for the environment long-term. In addition, the impact of carbon foot printing has been reduced significantly.
Novel/Additive Information:
Locally acquired volcanic ash has a strong quarry life and can be a suitable alternative for Portland cement in the years to come. The result shown a great outcome for carbon footprinting reduction, which enormous contribution in Environmental safety and protection. The work efforts demonstrate the ongoing efforts to support sustainability solution in Petroleum Engineering.
Cementing substitution in Oil and Gas is a process of reducing the quantity of cement consumed during well construction by using suitable materials which behave like Portland Cement though use alternative means to produce. Volcanic ash is a locally occurring material which uses mining techniques to procure and has cementitious properties making it a candidate for cement-substitution. The work efforts demonstrate the value addition volcanic ash provides as a cement substitute for use in well construction operations and significant reduction in Carbon-footprinting.
Methods/Procedure:
To determine the suitability of the volcanic ash as a cement substitute, a series of analytical and operational testing would help demonstrate the performance in comparison to neat cement as well as existing alternative materials used currently. The analytical testing would describe the behavior of the volcanic ash independently and then blended with Portland cement to identify potential improvements to the cement integrity for long-term isolation as well as determine how to use it effectively for field operations. The operational testing provides the information needed to successfully deploy in the well constriction operations including PSD and routine oil well cement performance testing provided the analytical testing supported the effectiveness as a cement substitute.
Results/Observations:
The analytical and operational testing supported the value addition local volcanic ash as a cement substitute for well construction operations. The analytical testing included SEM and XRD analysis to characterize the influence of the volcanic ash independently as well as with set cement as a suitable alternative for cement substitution. The operational testing enabled cement designs ready for field deployment which are equivalent to similar alternative material designs used today. The use of volcanic ash as a cement substitute could reduce cement consumption in well construction operations influencing the total consumption of Portland cement whose manufacturing process may not be favorable for the environment long-term. In addition, the impact of carbon foot printing has been reduced significantly.
Novel/Additive Information:
Locally acquired volcanic ash has a strong quarry life and can be a suitable alternative for Portland cement in the years to come. The result shown a great outcome for carbon footprinting reduction, which enormous contribution in Environmental safety and protection. The work efforts demonstrate the ongoing efforts to support sustainability solution in Petroleum Engineering.
Yerzhan Abylkhanov
Chair
Oil and Gas Production Department Director
KazMunaiGas National Oil & Gas Company
Salisu Isihak
Vice Chair
Senior Business Advisor to the Managing Director
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.
Xiaoxiao Liu
Vice Chair
Vice Chief Engineer
SINOPEC Economics & Development Research Institute Company Limited
A key component of refinery operations is the use of caustic solutions to sweeten Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) streams. However, this process is essentially constrained by the equilibrium-bound nature of mercaptan removal and the irreversible degradation of the active sodium hydroxide (NaOH) into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) as a result of CO₂ contamination. There are major OPEX and hazardous waste disposal issues as a result of current process designs that accept this degradation as an inevitable operational cost. This paper introduces a paradigm shift: This study introduces paradigm shift, a novel approach to process re-engineering that uses in-situ electrochemical regeneration to eradicate degradation's underlying cause rather than just managing it.
The fundamental chemical constraints of traditional caustic treaters were dissected using an analytical framework. A new process flowsheet with a side-stream Electrochemical Regeneration Cell (ERC) was created based on this analysis. In order to improve the ERC's architecture and confirm its performance against changing, real-world challenges, the main focus of this work was a multi-stage process design and validation analysis.
1. Irreversible Degradation Stopped: The ERC, through the imposition of a controlled electric potential, splits stable sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) successfully into active NaOH and CO₂ gas, which is subsequently vented [4].
2. Shift in Equilibrium: The ERC always eliminates the sodium mercaptides (NaSR) by oxidizing them to disulfide oil (DSO), thus disrupting the reaction equilibrium and enabling the lean caustic to achieve near-complete elimination of mercaptans from the LPG.
3. 90%+ Caustic Consumption Reduction: Process modeling proved that this closed-loop system will lower fresh caustic purchases and spent caustic disposal by more than 90%.
The in-situ Electrochemical Regeneration Cell is an unprecedented advance in caustic treating technology and represents the most substantial new innovation in caustic treating technology in decades. By transitioning from simply managing degradation to eliminating it, this process re-engineering solution offers a pathway to not just a reduction of operating costs but a reduction of hazardous waste and an overall improvement in the efficiency and robustness of LPG sweetening operations.
The fundamental chemical constraints of traditional caustic treaters were dissected using an analytical framework. A new process flowsheet with a side-stream Electrochemical Regeneration Cell (ERC) was created based on this analysis. In order to improve the ERC's architecture and confirm its performance against changing, real-world challenges, the main focus of this work was a multi-stage process design and validation analysis.
1. Irreversible Degradation Stopped: The ERC, through the imposition of a controlled electric potential, splits stable sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) successfully into active NaOH and CO₂ gas, which is subsequently vented [4].
2. Shift in Equilibrium: The ERC always eliminates the sodium mercaptides (NaSR) by oxidizing them to disulfide oil (DSO), thus disrupting the reaction equilibrium and enabling the lean caustic to achieve near-complete elimination of mercaptans from the LPG.
3. 90%+ Caustic Consumption Reduction: Process modeling proved that this closed-loop system will lower fresh caustic purchases and spent caustic disposal by more than 90%.
The in-situ Electrochemical Regeneration Cell is an unprecedented advance in caustic treating technology and represents the most substantial new innovation in caustic treating technology in decades. By transitioning from simply managing degradation to eliminating it, this process re-engineering solution offers a pathway to not just a reduction of operating costs but a reduction of hazardous waste and an overall improvement in the efficiency and robustness of LPG sweetening operations.
QatarEnergy LNG produces 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and approximately 14 MTPA of sales gas. In addition, two condensate refineries produce approximately 307,000 barrels per stream day of products. Other associated facilities include two helium refineries, the world’s largest sulfur granulation facility and storage and loading facilities for LNG and other liquid hydrocarbon products in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. QatarEnergy LNG is currently undergoing a massive expansion taking its LNG production to 142 MTPA and scaling up supporting infrastructure. QatarEnergy LNG takes seriously its corporate responsibility to manage waste in line with the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and best industry practices. QatarEnergy LNG’s waste management approach, including the incorporation of circular economy principles, has led to the Company achieving its best-ever recycling rates in the range of 55% of total waste generated, as well as significant cost savings and revenue generation. This approach is based on the effective integration of both waste management systems and infrastructure and has led to the development and implementation of new processes and procedures, along with efficient use of existing waste facilities. QatarEnergy LNG has also introduced the concept of circular economy to its waste operations by developing innovative recycling and reuse solutions for its major waste streams based on partnerships and collaboration with local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which in turn help support the growth of waste management infrastructure and expertise within the country. In practice, the circular economy approach has allowed QatarEnergy LNG to prioritise and implement sustainable solutions to a variety of materials that would otherwise be landfilled, ending their useful life cycles, with no economic or environmental benefit to the community. These recycling initiatives currently include molecular sieve recycling for local cement production, waste sulfur reuse for sulfuric acid production, enhanced recycling of lube oil and waste hydrocarbons and others. This paper will outline QatarEnergy LNG integrated approach to waste management, including the application of circular economy principles to develop sustainable waste recycling and reuse opportunities and cross-industry synergies. It will also provide an overview of QatarEnergy LNG forward vision to achieve sustained and pace-setting recycling rates of greater than 70% by 2030 as part of its long-term environmental strategy while contributing to overall circular economy within the State of Qatar. Keywords: circular economy, waste management, enhanced recycling, resources management, waste to worth.
Co-author/s:
Hilal Saad Al-Mohannadi, Environmental Affairs and Regulatory Manager, QatarEnergy LNG
Co-author/s:
Hilal Saad Al-Mohannadi, Environmental Affairs and Regulatory Manager, QatarEnergy LNG
Objective/scope:
Cementing substitution in Oil and Gas is a process of reducing the quantity of cement consumed during well construction by using suitable materials which behave like Portland Cement though use alternative means to produce. Volcanic ash is a locally occurring material which uses mining techniques to procure and has cementitious properties making it a candidate for cement-substitution. The work efforts demonstrate the value addition volcanic ash provides as a cement substitute for use in well construction operations and significant reduction in Carbon-footprinting.
Methods/Procedure:
To determine the suitability of the volcanic ash as a cement substitute, a series of analytical and operational testing would help demonstrate the performance in comparison to neat cement as well as existing alternative materials used currently. The analytical testing would describe the behavior of the volcanic ash independently and then blended with Portland cement to identify potential improvements to the cement integrity for long-term isolation as well as determine how to use it effectively for field operations. The operational testing provides the information needed to successfully deploy in the well constriction operations including PSD and routine oil well cement performance testing provided the analytical testing supported the effectiveness as a cement substitute.
Results/Observations:
The analytical and operational testing supported the value addition local volcanic ash as a cement substitute for well construction operations. The analytical testing included SEM and XRD analysis to characterize the influence of the volcanic ash independently as well as with set cement as a suitable alternative for cement substitution. The operational testing enabled cement designs ready for field deployment which are equivalent to similar alternative material designs used today. The use of volcanic ash as a cement substitute could reduce cement consumption in well construction operations influencing the total consumption of Portland cement whose manufacturing process may not be favorable for the environment long-term. In addition, the impact of carbon foot printing has been reduced significantly.
Novel/Additive Information:
Locally acquired volcanic ash has a strong quarry life and can be a suitable alternative for Portland cement in the years to come. The result shown a great outcome for carbon footprinting reduction, which enormous contribution in Environmental safety and protection. The work efforts demonstrate the ongoing efforts to support sustainability solution in Petroleum Engineering.
Cementing substitution in Oil and Gas is a process of reducing the quantity of cement consumed during well construction by using suitable materials which behave like Portland Cement though use alternative means to produce. Volcanic ash is a locally occurring material which uses mining techniques to procure and has cementitious properties making it a candidate for cement-substitution. The work efforts demonstrate the value addition volcanic ash provides as a cement substitute for use in well construction operations and significant reduction in Carbon-footprinting.
Methods/Procedure:
To determine the suitability of the volcanic ash as a cement substitute, a series of analytical and operational testing would help demonstrate the performance in comparison to neat cement as well as existing alternative materials used currently. The analytical testing would describe the behavior of the volcanic ash independently and then blended with Portland cement to identify potential improvements to the cement integrity for long-term isolation as well as determine how to use it effectively for field operations. The operational testing provides the information needed to successfully deploy in the well constriction operations including PSD and routine oil well cement performance testing provided the analytical testing supported the effectiveness as a cement substitute.
Results/Observations:
The analytical and operational testing supported the value addition local volcanic ash as a cement substitute for well construction operations. The analytical testing included SEM and XRD analysis to characterize the influence of the volcanic ash independently as well as with set cement as a suitable alternative for cement substitution. The operational testing enabled cement designs ready for field deployment which are equivalent to similar alternative material designs used today. The use of volcanic ash as a cement substitute could reduce cement consumption in well construction operations influencing the total consumption of Portland cement whose manufacturing process may not be favorable for the environment long-term. In addition, the impact of carbon foot printing has been reduced significantly.
Novel/Additive Information:
Locally acquired volcanic ash has a strong quarry life and can be a suitable alternative for Portland cement in the years to come. The result shown a great outcome for carbon footprinting reduction, which enormous contribution in Environmental safety and protection. The work efforts demonstrate the ongoing efforts to support sustainability solution in Petroleum Engineering.
Jinyang Zhao
Speaker
Engineer
PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation
As global carbon emission regulations tighten and carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) take effect, the petroleum industry faces increasing pressure to reduce product carbon footprints (PCFs) and to develop more sustainable products. Traditionally, PCF reduction has relied on decreasing overall carbon intensity through the adoption of low-carbon technologies and the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems—strategies that often require substantial capital investment. However, for blended products such as gasoline, additional PCF reductions can be achieved by optimizing the selection and allocation of blending components, providing more cost-effective mitigation opportunities. In practice, product blending and operations optimizing of petroleum companies rely on systems like PIMS (Process industry modeling system) and RPMS (Refinery and petrochemical modeling system). However, these systems suffer from two critical limitations: they lack the capability to systematically trace the PCF throughout the entire production process, and they fail to incorporate PCF optimization into operational decision-making. To address these challenges, this study proposes an integrated model framework that couples Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with production planning optimization, building on advanced recursive algorithms and dual-linear programming solving technique, the framework establishes a systematic method for PCF calculation under different carbon footprint allocation principles. By treating PCF as a transferable physical attribute within the production process, the framework enables cradle-to-gate tracking of PCF from intermediate to final products, while facilitating optimization to minimize the PCF of targeted output. The proposed model framework is validated through a case study involving a refinery with an annual capacity of 10 million tons, located on the east coast of China. Results indicate that among all refinery outputs, polypropylene (PP) exhibits the highest PCF, followed by gasoline, whereas aviation kerosene shows the lowest PCF. Through optimizing blending strategies—specifically, increasing the proportion of low-PCF components such as light naphtha and raffinate, while reducing the proportion of high-PCF components including etherified gasoline, alkylate, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)—the PCF of gasoline products can be reduced by 27.2%, corresponding to a decrease of 0.23 tCO₂ per tons of product. This study demonstrates that targeted production planning offers an effective means to reduce the PCF of specific refinery products without significant cost escalation. Nonetheless, achieving broader, PCFs decreasing will continue to require complementary investments in advanced low-carbon technologies.
Co-author/s:
Yanming Cao, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Qing Li, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Co-author/s:
Yanming Cao, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
Qing Li, Senior Engineer, PetroChina Planning and Engineering Institute, China National Petroleum Cooperation.
