Proper grinding and removal of waste and debris from the production stream is one of the most important steps to maintaining an efficient and reliable oil refining operation. Debris accumulation can cause damage to the pipeline and pumps as well as create safety hazards for operators who must clear the waste by hand after it clogs the pipeline. Incorporating a waste grinder within a midstream application, however, can help eliminate debris, maintain proper flow rates and minimize costly downtime and wasted energy. Specifically for bitumen processing, bits of plants and other organics extracted from the oil sands cause a great deal of wear and tear on the production pipelines. A proper waste grinder offers both a reduction solution for those materials, along with elimination of the safety concerns posed by clogged pipelines and manual unclogging. With the proper grinding technology at the right location, oil extraction and refinery efforts can proceed without the stress of equipment failure.
Grinders reduce debris that can cause downtime and pose safety risks.
04/20/2015
Figure 1. Waste grinders improve midstream flow. (Images courtesy of JWC Environmental)
As North America continues to grow as a major oil producer, effective waste reduction technologies will help ensure the safety and integrity of pipelines, protect equipment from damage and create safer work environments.
Figure 2. Waste reduction technologies help ensure the integrity of pipelines, protect equipment and create safer work environments.
Designed for wet and dry grinding applications, the grinder is a powerful shredder for oil and gas applications. The two-shafted grinder with its extra-large, robust cutting chamber was ideal for processing Suncor’s high volume of solids. Suncor purchased three custom units for the production line. Since the installation, the line has been productive, efficient and free of clogs. Most notably, workers haven’t had to unclog the lines by hand since the installation of the three units.