Oil Sludge & Oil Contaminated Soil:
A Problem Needing a Helping Hand
Photo: Alberta Tar Sands Tailings Pond
what’s the problem?
As the world gradually transitions from fossil fuels to greener energy alternatives, we must all strive to make oil production as clean as possible.
The Oily Sludge Dilemma
A byproduct of crude oil production and and maritime fuel usage is the creation of oily sludge, a hazardous waste that poses a significant disposal challenge. Every day, the oil and maritime industries generate over a million barrels of this sticky, viscous substance, which is notoriously challenging to handle and dispose of without harming the environment.
Burn
Treatment by Incineration/Thermal Plant
Landfill
Pits / Lagoons / Tailings Ponds
In Europe, oil sludge treatment often involves incineration, which, converts hydrocarbons to CO2 and squanders the oil in the sludge. Elsewhere, landfill is often the chosen disposal method, but this is not a treatment and only delays the inevitable need to treat the sludge, whilst creating the persistent risk of contamination to our water sources and ecosystems.
Over 1 million birds each year are affected like this. To them, the oil lagoons look like a water lake - we can end this and simultaneously save money!
A small sludge lagoon - Let’s get rid of these for good!
Oil Contaminated sludge & soil: a constant supply
To get from the oil wells to the refinery, crude oil passes through a myriad of pipelines and tanks, all of which trap sludge which is periodically removed. This infrastructure also has the potential to leak; a leaking pumpjack or pipeline can rapidly contaminate large areas of land and such leaks are frequent. Typically, the contaminated soil would be excavated and transported to a waste facility, but with no viable treatment solution, in most cases, it would be simply stockpiled.
Addressing this issue is perceived to be a huge financial burden.
Even at a very conservative figure of $100/tonne to remediate, the annual new volumes of sludge and soil place a value on the Global market in excess of $12 Billion per annum and a legacy market of over $180 Billion.
Environmental considerations are increasingly becoming a “boardroom” issue for oil producers. Our goal is to offer a helping hand by providing a way to spend less and simultaneously reduce emissions
Envorem is about to change the game.
Top banner image credit: File photo by Andrew S. Wright, Flick
Accelerating Envorem's Technology
We invite you to join us in changing practices for greener alternatives. Learn how Envorem's advanced technology is poised to make a significant impact in the field of oil sludge recycling, leading the way to a cleaner and more sustainable future for us all.