SCFI provides expert engineering support for clients operating hydrothermal oxidation facilities. One such facility is processing sulphidic spent caustic at an oil & gas refinery in Austria. SCFI carried out a de-bottlenecking study on the existing spent caustic treatment plant by performing an in-depth process analysis and on-site evaluation of the equipment and operating methodlogy.
The Opportunity
Existing processes are all subjected to change, be it changes to the feedstock, increased throughput, or increased maintenance requirements. With change these plants operate further and further away from their best design efficiency points. SCFI Ltd. realises that small changes to existing systems can improve performance, allowing it to cope with the new set of design inputs.
Scope of Support
SCFI Ltd. specialises in hydrothermal oxidation and provides support to customers that would like to improve their existing systems.
Engineering study performed for OMV involved detailed consideration of existing process equipment and the need for any potential upgrades. The scope included two site visits; the first to identify the required tie-in points for execution of the de-bottlenecking recommendations and the second during the turn-around of the site.
Furthermore, the historical process trends were analysed and a process model was developed to predict the plant operating performance based on key input parameters. Discussion for personnel operating the plant was used to ensure the inputs to the model are validated.
Finally, a comprehensive feasibility study with engineering recommendations, including the expected plant performance post-implementation of the recommendations, as well as cost estimates were provided.
The Success
All the deliverables set out at the start of the Engineering study were met within the agreed timeline.
It was a pleasure to work with the engineering experts of the company SCFI. We found SCFI project organization to be professional, the delivered high quality work helped us to define the further steps of the project. We appreciate the easy and efficient communication channels, honest discussions about technical matters, the creative and fit-for-purpose solutions.
OMV Downstream GmbH – Austria
