Energy supply for Azerbaijan refineries

Abstract

The structure of energy outlays at an oil refinery (OR) with a fuel profile is analyzed, and reserves of their economy, and possible means of improving energy demand are revealed. It is demonstrated that in perspective, the energy-saving problem can be rationally solved by the construction of an integrated gasification plant as a component part of the OR with generation of electric power in a combined cycle. A complex flow diagram is proposed for the refining of crude, which will make it possible to create an integrated complex based on traditional processes and the latest electrotechnical technologies. Such a complex can thereafter be readily converted to an oil refinery of the future -a basic supplier of electric power and hydrogen.Oil refining is a capital-and energy-intensive branch of the economy. Energy consumption at these plants for their own needs is equivalent to 6-7% of the volume of the crude refined, and increases to 10% with increasing complexity of the process. To lower expenditures for heat and power, in addition to the implementation of energy-saving procedures, virtually all OR are striving to adjust their internal production of energy, since prices paid for outside energy will increase. Thus, external conditions are forcing OR to expend resources not on reconstruction of their basic plants, but on construction of steam boilers, since the demand for power and steam is high. Over the long term, the development of their own power generation at OR will be ineffective.At the same time, implementation of programs for the production of ecologically clean petroleum products is accompanied by implementation of new energy-and capital-intensive processes, and the energy demand will increase at OR. It will be rather problematic to meet this growth under stringent financial conditions. In conformity with new ecological requirements, and also the governmental energy programs of various countries, therefore, economy of material and energy resources, as well as modernization of the energy-saving system are critical trends in the development of oil refining in addition to implementation of new procedures and improvement in the structure of OR. Rational and economical consumption of these resources -diminution of losses, conversion to resource-saving and waste-free procedures, utilization of secondary resources -will ensure economy of hydrocarbon fuel throughout the fuel-power complex.The problem can be solved by the implementation of new generations of production processes with a high