Forouzan Arash Nezhad
Student
Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
Forouzan Arash Nezhad is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. Her research focuses on sustainable process engineering, decarbonization technologies, and chemical innovation in energy systems. She has authored research on carbon mitigation in refining and petrochemical operations and is particularly interested in the application of process intensification and CCUS in legacy facilities.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Pathways to Net-Zero Refining and Petrochemical Facilities
Forum 16 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
30
April
10:00
12:00
UTC+3
In recent years, the pressure of environmental regulations and the global goal of reducing carbon emissions have led refineries to change and rethink their operating practices. This research focuses on practical and implementable improvements to existing refineries rather than designing new and costly infrastructure. We introduce a set of simple but effective solutions that, by combining process optimization and the use of clean technologies, can lead to a significant reduction in pollutant emissions.
In this regard, measures such as upgrading heat recovery systems, improving catalyst performance, and simplifying chemical reaction pathways in units such as hydrocrackers and desulfurization units have been investigated. It is also proposed to replace part of the energy required with solar steam systems and green electricity, and to use CO₂ absorption units (including amine solutions and solid adsorbents) without the need for long-term shutdowns of operations.To test how realistic these measures are, we worked with engineers and planners from the energy sector to look at costs, timelines, and possible operational limits. The framework was built to stay flexible, so each refinery can adjust it according to its size, location, and specific needs. Our estimates suggest that, with the right incentives and supportive policies, emissions could be cut by 40–45%, and the required investment may be recovered within only a few years.
This design goes beyond a theoretical idea and is capable of being piloted on a real scale. Combining academic research results with field experience, this approach makes it a valuable starting point for moving towards low-carbon and sustainable refineries.
Co-author/s:
Mehrzad Lamuchi Deli, Engineer, National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC).
In this regard, measures such as upgrading heat recovery systems, improving catalyst performance, and simplifying chemical reaction pathways in units such as hydrocrackers and desulfurization units have been investigated. It is also proposed to replace part of the energy required with solar steam systems and green electricity, and to use CO₂ absorption units (including amine solutions and solid adsorbents) without the need for long-term shutdowns of operations.To test how realistic these measures are, we worked with engineers and planners from the energy sector to look at costs, timelines, and possible operational limits. The framework was built to stay flexible, so each refinery can adjust it according to its size, location, and specific needs. Our estimates suggest that, with the right incentives and supportive policies, emissions could be cut by 40–45%, and the required investment may be recovered within only a few years.
This design goes beyond a theoretical idea and is capable of being piloted on a real scale. Combining academic research results with field experience, this approach makes it a valuable starting point for moving towards low-carbon and sustainable refineries.
Co-author/s:
Mehrzad Lamuchi Deli, Engineer, National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC).
