Energy Saving Separations Technologies for the Petroleum Industry: An Industry-University-National Laboratory Research Partnership

Abstract

This project works to develop technologies capable of replacing traditional energy-intensive distillations so that a 20% improvement in energy efficiency can be realized. Consistent with the DOE sponsored report, Technology Roadmap for the Petroleum Industry, the approach undertaken is to develop and implement entirely new technology to replace existing energy intensive practices. The project directly addresses the top priority issue of developing membranes for hydrocarbon separations. The project is organized to rapidly and effectively advance the state-of-the-art in membranes for hydrocarbon separations. The project team includes ChevronTexaco and BP, major industrial petroleum refiners, who will lead the effort by providing matching resources and real world management perspective. Academic expertise in separation sciences and polymer materials found in the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Refining Department of the Colorado School of Mines is used to invent, develop, and test new membrane materials. Additional expertise and special facilities available at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) are also exploited in order to effectively meet the goals of the project. The proposed project is truly unique in terms of the strength of the team it brings to bear on the development and commercialization of the proposed technologies. Background: Petroleum refining is the nation's most energy intensive industry. Estimates for 1994 indicate that the Petroleum industry used 6.3 quads (quadrillion BTU) [1]. Of this, atmospheric and vacuum distillation accounted for 35-40 percent of the total. Crude oils vary in content based on the place of origin and must be refined and separated into useful components. Currently this is primarily done by distillation, a process in which the fluids must be heated until boiling. This is the primary reason for the high energy costs associated with the refining process.