Some Environmental Impacts Of Khartoum Refinery

Abstract

This research aims at studying major issues of Sudanese oil industries environmental impact, particularly the case of Khartoum Refinery Company (KRC). Studies cover the impact of waste in (gaseous – liquid – solid) states, specimen were collected and analyzed during April 30th and May 25th‐ 2006. Background on the early trials of producing and processing of crude oil in Sudan together with the impacts of consequence disposal wastes. Assessment of the environmental impacts from KRC, alternate methods of waste management in addition to developing the present applied methods. Mobile and online analyzer were used to measure the contents of the released gases (H2S– SO2 – CO – NOX). Results show compliance with standard criteria from Sudanese Standard and Metrology Organization specify for refineries. Liquid state wastes from process units were studied at the wastewater treatment plant. Samples were taken from the last stage pre‐disposal, analysis of (pH – oil content – SS sulfide ‐phenol ‐COD – BOD) showed an increase in COD content, others comply with standards. Treated wastewater was found to be disposed in evaporation ponds. Trees able to absorb wastewater and gas found planted to reduce environmental impact of the disposed water. Solid wastes including sludge in crude storage tanks used to be removed and buried in specified area and Special technique of sludge dissolving and residual crude recovery must be applied. Sludge from industrial wastewater treated, dried and buried. The study recommends regeneration and reuse of spent catalyst, most hazardous waste.