Envorem Supports Saudi Aramco in Revolutionising Sludge Management
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Envorem partnered with Saudi Aramco to tackle a significant environmental and logistical challenge at the Shaybah Gas Oil Processing Station No. 2. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in sustainable oily sludge remediation, showcasing the potential for innovative technology to redefine industry practices.
The Challenge
The Shaybah facility, a vital hub in Saudi Aramco’s operations, faced a recurring challenge during its periodic maintenance shutdowns: managing the large volumes of oily sludge generated by the maintenance activity. Previously, this sludge was transported some 800 kilometers for disposal, a process that was not only expensive but also had a substantial carbon footprint. With no recycling solution available, Aramco had no viable alternative option.
Sludge from such facilities presents complex challenges due to its highly viscous nature and the presence of contaminants like sand, shale, waxes, bitumen, and unexpected debris such as rags, gloves, and plastic bottles. Transporting this material over long distances not only adds logistical complications but also significantly increases the environmental toll through CO2 emissions and resource wastage.
A Sustainable Solution
Envorem came to the attention of Aramco with its revolutionary, greentech approach, designed to process sludge on-site with remarkable efficiency and without generating emissions. A funded pilot project was agreed and this plug-and-play system, housed in 40-foot containers, was operational in no time. The solution which makes innovative use of hydrodynamic cavitation, focused on transforming waste into valuable resources by maximizing the recovery of oil and water while minimizing residual waste. It enablesthe separation of sludge into its core components with unparalleled efficiency and speed.
The project kicked off on June 10, 2024, and wrapped up successfully on August 16, 2024. By processing the sludge directly at Shaybah, Envorem’s technology eliminated the need for long-haul transportation, significantly reducing carbon emissions and operational costs.
The Results
Residual waste was reduced by 97%
The outcomes of the project speak volumes about the potential of Envorem’s technology. Over the course of the project:
1,300m³ of sludge was processed, including oily water.
2,080 barrels of oil were recovered and returned to Aramco.
920m³ of water was treated and recycled, meeting stringent quality standards.
Residual waste was reduced by an astonishing 97%
The project also delivered tangible environmental benefits. By avoiding traditional disposal methods like incineration or landfill, the team achieved a 97% diversion from landfill, conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Remarkably, the initiative saved 332 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions from transportation alone - the equivalent of a transatlantic flight from London to New York.
Not only did the project show that costs could be saved — reducing expenses by 40% compared to traditional disposal methods - it also demonstrated the viability of recovering valuable resources from waste. The recovered oil and water were seamlessly reintegrated into Aramco’s operations, highlighting the dual financial and environmental value of this innovative approach.
A Sustainable Future
Envorem on site at the Shaybah facility
The project, in which Envorem was given local support by Greenland Environmental Services took place over the summer of 2024.
The project has highlighted a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the oil industry faces mounting pressure to adopt greener practices, Envorem’s technology provides a scalable and efficient solution to one of its most persistent challenges. The success at Shaybah underscores the potential for transformative change in how oily sludge is managed, paving the way for broader adoption of these practices across the sector.
As Envorem looks ahead, this milestone underscores its mission to transform the way oily sludge is managed worldwide— just 22 Envorem systems displacing incineration, could save more CO2 than all the world’s non-oilfield carbon capture projects combined. This project serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when innovation is given a chance to shine.
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