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Specific Challenge

Meet NH3 (ammonia) effluent limits set by the NPDES permit program

REGION - USA REGION - USA

Gulf Coast

REGION - USA

Challenge

  • Develop a biological solution to decrease NH3 levels and enhance the refinery’s capabilities to process high-NH3 and high-organic-acid crude types, which had previously hindered the nitrifier population in the biological system

Solution

  • Add supplemental bacteria to the WWTP’s biological treatment section to suppress the effects of harmful organic acids in the waste stream
  • Reduce concentration of inhibitory compounds in the biological system and augment the current nitrifier population to spur additional growth and reduce NH3

Result

  • Implemented solution within 30 days without disruption to operations 
  • Estimated annual savings to the operator of ~USD 280K 
  • Maintained processing of high-NH3 and high-organic-acid crude types, resulting in increased flexibility and profitability

Challenge 

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at a refinery encountered difficulties in meeting NH3 (ammonia) effluent limits specified by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program for river discharge. As the refinery processed more “opportunity” crude with elevated NH3 content, a solution to reduce the ammonia concentration became crucial.

Solution 

To address this challenge, Halliburton recommended a bioaugmentation approach. They proposed adding supplemental bacteria to the WWTP’s biological treatment section. This strategy aimed to suppress the effects of harmful organic acids present in the waste stream. By doing so, the concentration of inhibitory compounds in the biological system decreased, and the existing nitrifier population was augmented. This additional growth helped reduce NH3 levels. Importantly, the cost of this solution was potentially lower than the fine associated with a single NH3 exceedance.

~$280K

Annual value

Result

Halliburton implemented the supplemental bacteria solution within 30 days without disrupting plant operations. As a result, the operator estimated an annual value of approximately USD 280K. This approach allowed the refinery to continue processing high-NH3 crude and certain high-organic-acid crude types, which had previously hindered the nitrifier population in the biological system. Ultimately, this solution maximized flexibility and profitability.

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