Improving energy efficiency in the Ethylene Plant

At the beginning of April, at HIP-Petrohemija Pančevo, measurements and analysis of flue gas composition on boilers B-1001A and B-1001B were successfully carried out within the boiler unit of the Ethylene Plant. The particular significance of these activities is reflected in the fact that the measurements were performed using the engagement of internal resources, which represents a significant step forward towards the systematic energy efficiency management, especially considering that previous flue gas analyses were conducted by engaging external resources, i.e. contractors, and were focused exclusively on legal obligations regarding the control of harmful atmospheric emissions.

It is important to emphasise that increasing energy efficiency is one of the key priorities at the level of the entire HIP-Petrohemija and requires continuous engagement and focus of all employees. The presented example is just one of more than 200 projects implemented in this area, all of which collectively contribute to more efficient operations.

The measurements were performed on boiler B-1001B using the new TESTO 350 device, followed by optimisation of operating parameters. Owing to improvements in the combustion process, a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions and fuel consumption was achieved, while maintaining boiler efficiency at approximately 88%, which is considered good operational performance of the system under real operating conditions.

These activities represent an important step in the development of the new business process of the Energy Sector, aimed at introducing planned controls on the energy efficiency of key equipment, as well as defining measures for its continuous improvement in cooperation with plant users. Their implementation creates the conditions for exceptionally high savings estimated at several hundred thousand euros annually, while simultaneously strengthening awareness and active employee participation in the field of energy efficiency.

The measurement and analysis process was led by Branislav Barašević, Reliability Information System Implementation Engineer in the Reliability Sector, with the expert support of Alexander Surzhikov from NIS Downstream. The activities related to the optimisation of boiler operation were led by Miroslav Šimšić, Deputy Plant Manager for Pyrolysis, Primary Fractionation and Energy of the Ethylene Plant, together with his team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues for their outstanding commitment to the aforementioned energy efficiency improvement processes.