Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EPC-EqTech (EPC-EqTech – an innovative turnkey solution to process spent caustic created in the Oil&Gas industry at low-cost and that meets wastewater regulations)
Reporting period: 2021-07-01 to 2022-06-30
Spent Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or “caustic soda” or “caustic” is an effluent by-product created in the oil and petrochemical refining industries that is highly challenging to cost-effectively treat. Today, the global Oil&gas industry spends ~3.5 bn€ p.a. to process spent caustic -making it a critical challenge. However, due to regulatory tightening designed to reduce environmental impacts, costs are now climbing further. Beyond cost implications, the regulations mean that for many operators across the globe, disposal of spent caustic is almost impossible as there are fewer local approved disposal facilities. As a result, large stockpiles of this hazardous waste are now accumulating at refineries with no means of disposal.
EPC-EqTech, started in July 2022, will be delivered by a consortium of four partners that contribute the required skills, experience and capability to finalise the EPC-EqTech technology development, complete extensive pilot trials and successfully bring the solution to market within three years for the sustainable and low-cost treatment of the spent caustic.
The key objectives for this FTI project are for Aquatec and Cetaqua to scale-up and finalise the EPC technology (maximising efficiency & output, tailoring to water and reaching target costs). Key materials selection and design recommendation inputs as well as certifications will be completed by DEKRA. Collaboratively, we will demonstrate system performance and validate the technology during extensive trials at Tüpras’ refinery in Kirikkale.
EPC-EqTech, started in July 2022, will be delivered by a consortium of four partners that contribute the required skills, experience and capability to finalise the EPC-EqTech technology development, complete extensive pilot trials and successfully bring the solution to market within three years for the sustainable and low-cost treatment of the spent caustic.
The key objectives for this FTI project are for Aquatec and Cetaqua to scale-up and finalise the EPC technology (maximising efficiency & output, tailoring to water and reaching target costs). Key materials selection and design recommendation inputs as well as certifications will be completed by DEKRA. Collaboratively, we will demonstrate system performance and validate the technology during extensive trials at Tüpras’ refinery in Kirikkale.
Work performed from the beginning of the project:
- WP1: D1.1 Project management plan submitted
- WP2: work package finalised and D2.1.Assessment protocol for final design specification submitted. MS1 achieved
- WP3: optimisation of the design almost finalised and D3.1. Optimal plant layout configuration plans/optimised designs submitted. MS2 achieved
- WP4: equipment purchase and pilot plant building on-going
- WP5: site requirements specified to Tüpras local team, who is working on the site adaptation
- WP6: D6.1 Marketing resources submitted. First media article released on 09/11/2021. 9th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management attended in Corfu, Greece to present the project
- WP1: D1.1 Project management plan submitted
- WP2: work package finalised and D2.1.Assessment protocol for final design specification submitted. MS1 achieved
- WP3: optimisation of the design almost finalised and D3.1. Optimal plant layout configuration plans/optimised designs submitted. MS2 achieved
- WP4: equipment purchase and pilot plant building on-going
- WP5: site requirements specified to Tüpras local team, who is working on the site adaptation
- WP6: D6.1 Marketing resources submitted. First media article released on 09/11/2021. 9th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management attended in Corfu, Greece to present the project
The EPC-EqTech project will produce an environmentally and economically viable solution for all Oil&Gas downstream spent caustic wastes to effectively degrade hazardous and organic pollutants to known regulatory standards. The core unique feature is that it is capable of Low/Medium/Hard COD removal at a low CAPEX and OPEX cost and higher pollutant control compared to competing solutions.
EPC-EqTech solution can significantly reduce or completely eliminate COD in a wide-variety of spent caustic streams. The technology also eliminates strong odours and Health&Safety concerns stemming from the presence of sulphides and mercaptans in the streams, as well as removing toxic compounds from effluent destined for an on-site WWTP. As already established, EPC-EqTech saves 12,500 tons CO2 p.a. /unit against the main competitors technology, based on the unit sales projections described later, this equates to an equivalent of 3,787,500 tons CO2 at year 10 of sales. In addition to this, as an alternative to processing off-site there are the related regional advantages of reduced transport related CO2, reduced risk in transportation of hazardous materials, increased safety for refinery workers as well as significantly reduced odours from the plant to local area.
So far, the pilot plant has been designed and the equipment purchase is on-going. It is expected to start the trials in January 2023
EPC-EqTech solution can significantly reduce or completely eliminate COD in a wide-variety of spent caustic streams. The technology also eliminates strong odours and Health&Safety concerns stemming from the presence of sulphides and mercaptans in the streams, as well as removing toxic compounds from effluent destined for an on-site WWTP. As already established, EPC-EqTech saves 12,500 tons CO2 p.a. /unit against the main competitors technology, based on the unit sales projections described later, this equates to an equivalent of 3,787,500 tons CO2 at year 10 of sales. In addition to this, as an alternative to processing off-site there are the related regional advantages of reduced transport related CO2, reduced risk in transportation of hazardous materials, increased safety for refinery workers as well as significantly reduced odours from the plant to local area.
So far, the pilot plant has been designed and the equipment purchase is on-going. It is expected to start the trials in January 2023