CONSERVATION OF
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
Oil and gas conservation means their better and more efficient
use with regard to economic, social or environmental costs and benefits, resulting in
attainment of higher energy use efficiencies, minimization of wasteful practices and
wastage and protection of the environment.
2. Despite discovery of new sources of unconventional energy and
due to existing inadequacies in supply of other forms of commercial energy relative to
demand, petroleum remains the primary energy source in India and a preferred swing fuel.
Its consumption has been increasing at a very steep rate from 3.5 MMT in 1950-51 to 84.3
MMT in 1997-98 and projected to reach 130 MMT in 2001-02 and 175 MMT in 2006-07.
3. Out of the known Indian reserves of 660 MMT of Crude Oil and
648 Billion Cubic Metres of Natural Gas, only a part may be technically and economically
feasible to exploit. This fact, coupled with the present and expected consumption rates
implies that these reserves may not last even 10 years. Our present indigenous production
is only 33 MMT and is less than 50% of our annual requirement. Therefore, the Government
attaches high priority to minimizing the gaps between indigenous production and
consumption of petroleum products. The need of the hour is to conserve petroleum by its
judicious use, substituting it by other resources wherever feasible and restricting its
use only to the essential needs.
4. Various steps are being taken to promote conservation of
petroleum products in the following areas. The following specific activities are taken up
from time to time.
IN HOUSE CONSERVATION IN UPSTREAM AND REFINING SECTORS
Effective and result-oriented conservation methods adopted by
the upstream undertakings in the oil sector include reduction of gas flaring by
re-injection of gas to underground reservoir, installation of waste heat recovery systems,
utilization of non-conventional energy sources and close monitoring of all conservation
efforts by ONGC and OIL. Energy audits, efficiency upgradation of equipment and
appliances; substitution of diesel with Natural Gas, deployment of solar-powered
illumination panel, battery operated vehicles, Bio-gas etc., are other steps taken.
The oil refineries implement various schemes like revamp and
replacement of low efficiency furnaces and boilers, installation of heat exchangers,
economizers and co-generation equipment, and adoption of improved house keeping practices.
They benchmark energy consumption levels with international pacesetters for improvement.
They also implement ‘ENCON’ (Energy Conservation) schemes like heat integration
and technology upgradation for yield-energy optimization, vapour recovery system to arrest
the avoidable escape of gases through flare, tank seal etc.
In addition, they have implemented an Action Plan to produce and
sell high grade lubricants to the extent of about 2.5 lakh tonnes per year to replace the
lubricants of lower efficiency, in a phased manner and constantly upgrade lubricants in
line with the international developments meeting Euro Standards. Multi-grade railroad
engine oils with diesel saving potential have been developed for introduction in Indian
Railways.
(D) Although transport losses are inevitable while moving the
petroleum products by import tankers and coastal tankers over sea routes and at ports of
unloading, a number of steps taken by the Ministry to keep the loss down to the lowest
level have led to a progressive reduction.
As a part of the Government’s response to the oil crisis of
early seventies, the PCRA was set up in 1976 to undertake studies to identify the
potential and to make recommendations for achieving conservation of petroleum products in
various sectors of the economy. It sponsors R&D activities for the development of
fuel-efficient equipment / devices and organizes multi-media campaigns for creating mass
awareness for the conservation of petroleum products. Fuel oil utilization studies, energy
audits, boiler modernization scheme, introduction of equipment bank concept, use of energy
vans, development of oil consumption norms, model depot projects, driver training
programs, demonstration clinics/ workshops/ exhibitions, consumer meets, education
films/TV spots, hoarding/ electronic display, distribution of printed literature, R&D
projects are other activities.
6.1 MULTI MEDIA MASS AWARENESS PROGRAMME
Multi-media
campaigns to create mass awareness about the need for conserving petroleum products and
motivating users to take concrete steps to actually conserve are undertaken by PCRA and
the Oil Marketing Companies through various media such as TV, Radio, Press, printed
literature, outdoor publicity. Extensive use of Publicity Van of the Government Field
Publicity Department of the States is made for increasing the reach amongst the consumers
in the semi-urban and rural segments.
6.2 OIL
CONSERVATION FORTNIGHT (OCF)
The success of the first
Oil Conservation Week (OCW) organized in January, 1991 has led to its continuance in the
subsequent years and finally, an extension to Oil Conservation Fortnights (OCF) from 1997.
These are organized by the entire Oil Sector in close coordination with the concerned
Ministries / Departments of the Union and State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings,
Chamber of Commerce etc., with PCRA acting as the nodal coordinating agency. Mass
awareness and educational programmes and various sectoral activities are undertaken.
Inaugural functions are presided over by dignitaries such as Union Ministers, Governors,
Chief Ministers, etc. and the Fortnight ends with a Valedictory function in every State.
6.3 END USERS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
In addition
to the activities of PCRA detailed above, sectoral conservation steps taken by it are as
follows:
TRANSPORT SECTOR
Adoption of
practices conducive to increased fuel-efficiency
Training programmes
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Replacement of old and
inefficient boilers, furnaces and other oil-operated equipment with efficient ones
Promotion of fuel-efficient practices and
equipment.
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Standardization
of fuel-efficient irrigation pumpsets
Rectification of existing pumpsets to make
them more energy efficient
HOUSEHOLD SECTOR
Development
as well as promotion of the use of fuel-efficient equipment and appliances like kerosene
and LPG stoves
Action Group meetings and adoption of States has been introduced
to give further impetus to the oil conservation movement and for focussed attention at the
State level.
6.4 R&D PROJECTS
(i) RECOVERY OF KEROSENE IN TEXTILE PRINTING
In view of the
large-scale losses of kerosene used in the drying section of the textile pigment-printing
machine, an R&D project was successfully commissioned to recover kerosene vapors.
Under this project at one plant 180 KL of kerosene worth Rs. 14.4 lakhs is being recovered
and recycled per annum. The technology developed is being promoted in the textile sector.
(ii) BATTERY OPERATED VEHICLES (BOV’s)
Battery operated
vehicles around Taj Mahal area run by Agra Development Authority (ADA) have operated
satisfactorily for the last six years leading to a savings in diesel and reduction in
pollution. To provide thrust and to promote the operation of BOV’s, PCRA has
sponsored two BOV’s to be operated by Airline Authorities at IGI Airport for
transportation of passengers from terminal to Aircraft and back as a demonstration
project. Moreover, to encourage and support the operation of BOV’s on a larger scale
a subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh per BOV is being provided by PCRA, in addition to the subsidy
(upto 50% of the cost of vehicle) being provided by MNES.
(iii) SYNCHRONIZATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
A study undertaken at
Delhi in 1996 revealed a wastage per day of petrol and diesel of 3 lakh and 1 lakh litres
respectively by vehicles while waiting for green signal at the traffic intersections,
amounting to a financial loss of Rs. 246 crores per annum. The study brought out a scope
for MS & HSD saving by synchronization of traffic signals and reducing the waiting
period for the vehicles.
To demonstrate,
projects in 5 cities viz. Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai were taken up for
synchronization. Project at Calcutta has since been successfully completed with the result
that City and State administration, Traffic Police, PWD etc. are convinced about benefits
of synchronization of traffic signals. Projects in other towns are in advanced stage of
completion.
6.5 FURTHER TIPS FOR CONSERVATION TO BE TAKEN BY
INDIVIDUALS
(A) CONSERVATION AT HOME
Customers are
recommended a switchover to Nutan gas stove or Nutan wick stove developed by Indian Oil
and aimed at fuel conservation
While cooking use wide
bottom vessels with covers
Allow food articles
taken out of the refrigerators to attain room temperature before cooking them
Soak cereals and dals
for sometime before cooking them to reduce the cooking time as well as the fuel
consumption.
Use just sufficient
water for cooking
Pressure cookers used
with separators lead to substantial fuel saving.
Reduce flame by
bringing the burner knob to the simmer position as soon as the water starts boiling
Try to eat together to
avoid repeated warming of food. This not only saves fuel but also preserves the
nutritional value of food
Light the flame only
after all preparations have been made and the vessel is ready to be put on the stove.
Use hot water from
solar water heaters for cooking if the facility is available
Try to use a solar
cooker, if facility and time permit
In the rural sector,
use of gobar gas plants, would be an excellent fuel conservation technique
If feasible, the use
of electric hot plates could also be a fuel-saving tip.
(B) KEROSENE FOR ILLUMINATION
Switch-over to Nutan Hurricane Lanterns developed by Indian Oil both for better illumination & fuel conservation is recommendedThe use of electric lamps or solar lanterns, if feasible.
(C) CONSERVATION ON ROADS
The first rule of fuel
conservation would be to travel judiciously and curtail wasteful driving
Wherever possible/
available and convenient, use public transport instead of using personal transport
Matching the size of
the vehicle to your need would also go a long way in conserving fuel. For instance if you
have the option of a personal car and a scooter, then use the scooter when only two
persons have to travel, and the car if more persons have to travel or heavy luggage needs
to be transported.
Car pooling to work
will not only conserve fuel but will also improve social relations with your colleagues
Following traffic
signals will help avoid traffic jams and reduce lower gear driving and idling.
As far as possible,
avoid idling the vehicle, be it a car, scooter or any other mechanized transport.
The criteria for
choosing the vehicle you are going to buy should be its fuel efficiency.
There is no substitute
for timely attention, servicing and tuning of the vehicle in fuel conservation and
emission control. This should include checking of injectors and spark plugs, correct tyre
pressure, re-greasing, topping up or renewal of lubricants for engine and gear boxes.
The use of quality
lubricant is extremely important. There should not be any compromise on this aspect.
Correct driving habits
are important for conservation. Try to avoid sudden speeding, braking & stopping,
clutch riding, idling, over- speeding, and over-loading
Have your vehicle
checked for emission control regularly – not only because defaulters are fined, but
because it leads to fuel conservation and pollution control, which as citizens of India,
is our moral duty. It is time we inculcate these measures to become a part of our daily
routines. Only by practising and preaching these conservation tips can we think of future
progress. Given the difficult times ahead, it becomes our responsibility to spread this
awareness, particularly amongst it the youth who will be citizens of tomorrow. Good habits
taught early will salvage the oil shortage to a great extent.
7. ROLE OF OIL INDUSTRY TO PROMOTE OIL CONSERVATION
7.1 Soft loan and subsidies are given by Oil Industry (OIDB) for
conducting energy audits, purchase of energy audit equipments/ instruments, upgradation of
maintenance facilities at garage, LIP rectification, foot valve replacement, upgradation
of testing facilities to foot valve manufacturers for promoting oil conservation.
7.2 The Oil Industry is also promoting the use of alternate
sources of energy to the maximum extent possible. Many petrol pumps are provided with SPV
system. Some Oil Company colonies have solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar lanterns,
gobar gas plants, improved choolhas, efficient kerosene stoves & lanterns. In
some select villages in the districts of Solan, Sultanpur and Jaisalmer Wind mills are
also being considered. All these will act as stimuli for other to emulate.
Petroleum
Conservation, then becomes our joint responsibility be it the industries, individual
citizens, organizations, Oil Companies or the Government. Each one of us has a specific
and significant role to play.
8. INTER FUEL SUBSTITUTION
8.1 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG) is used as a fuel in transport sector in many countries. It is a safe, clean
burning and environment friendly fuel. It has been established that exhaust emissions like
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are significantly reduced as compared to other fuels.
Toxic emissions such as lead and sulphur are completely eliminated. Existing petrol
vehicles can use CNG by fitting a conversion kit. The CNG converted vehicles have the
flexibility of operating either on petrol or on CNG.
An experimental
programme to use CNG as fuel in transport sector in the country was initiated by GAIL in
1992, whereby CNG was made available in Delhi, Mumbai and Baroda. The supply of CNG in
Mumbai and Delhi are managed by two joint ventures viz. Mahanagar Gas Nigam Ltd. and
Indraprastha Gas Limited respectively and in Surat and Ankleshwar, by a private company.
The average cost of converting a petrol car to CNG is about Rs.35,000. There are over
10,000 CNG converted Petrol vehicles in Mumbai and over 3000 such vehicles in Delhi. 11
buses of DTC are running on CNG in Delhi, with 2 existing diesel buses converted to CNG on
trial basis.
CNG dispensing retail
outlets on mother-daughter concept as well as online dispensing units have been set up in
Delhi. Under the former system, Natural Gas is compressed and filled into truck mounted
cascades (basket of cylinders) in the mother compressor station and transported to
daughter units for dispensing to CNG vehicle. The mother station initially set up in
Ghaziabad has been re-located and brought near to Delhi at Sarai Kale Khan, in
May’97. At present there are seven daughter and four on-line dispensing retail
outlets in Delhi. Further expansion of the infrastructural network to 80 CNG outlets is
proposed by March 2000. The process of acquiring land sites to set up the required number
of outlets is going on.
8.2 FEASIBILITY OF ETHANOL/METHANOL AS
AUTOMOTIVE FUEL
Exploration of the feasibility of using
alcohol-blended fuel has also received attention in this Ministry. Recommendations of
Technical Committee studying this issue have testified to the safe usage of blended
alcohol upto 6% with gasoline which does not require any modification of engine design,
the only stipulation being that the alcohol should be of anhydrous variety. Consideration
of the use of this fuel is still in progress.
8.3 USE OF LPG AS AUTOMOTIVE FUEL
LPG is recognized as superior fuel to
petrol and diesel in terms of the vehicular emissions. To abate pollution caused by
vehicles, a number of countries in the World have been using LPG as auto fuel for more
than last 30 years.
In India, the use of LPG as auto fuel has
been prohibited by Motor Vehicles Act and LPG Control Order, 1974. With the liberalization
in the marketing of LPG initiated in 1993 by decanalizing the import of LPG and
introduction of parallel marketing of LPG, a number of private sector including
multinationals have started making investment in the development of infrastructure for
import of LPG and its marketing. The availability of LPG from the public sector as well as
private sector has also been increasing through indigenous production as well as imports.
In order to take further actions relating
to amendment of the Acts/Rules/Control Order, an Expert Committee was constituted. Taking
into account the recommendations of the Committee, the concerned Ministries and
Departments are in the process of making necessary amendments.
9. STEPS TAKEN BY THE MINISTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
9.1 UPGRADATION OF FUEL QUALITY
(A) INTRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL
In pursuance of the
need for reduction of environmental pollution due to emissions from vehicles, from
April,1995 the Oil Companies have made available unleaded petrol in the in the city of
Agra and the four metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Madras and radial routes emanating
from these metros. Petrol with reduced lead content of 0.15g/ltr. (maximum) was made
available all over the country from December, 1996. The availability of unleaded petrol
was extended to Capitals of state and Union Territories by June, 1998 and would be
extended to throughout the country by March 2000.
(B) SUPPLY OF LOW
SULPHUR HSD
The sulphur in diesel
has considerable potential to pollute the air and damage human health, especially with
regard to respiratory disorders caused by high level of respirable particulate matter.
Hence, Low Sulphur Diesel i.e., containing 0.5% sulphur by weight as against the normal
proportion of 1% by weight was supplied w.e.f. April, 1996 in metros and Taj Trapezium.
Supply of diesel with still further reduction of sulphur content upto only 0.25% by weight
has been envisaged w.e.f. January 2000 in the entire country. It was, however, introduced
in Taj Trapezium w.e.f. 1.9.1996 and in Delhi from 14.8.1997. An investment of Rs. 5600
crores has been made to set up a diesel hydro desulphurization plant in the country. A
further reduction in the sulphur content to 0.05% in diesel in the National Capital Region
w.e.f. April 2000 in compliance of Supreme Court orders to adopt Euro II norms in the
country is contemplated in a phased manner.
(C) SPECIFICATION OF 2-T OILS FOR 2-STROKE ENGINES
To address the
environmental issues relating to emissions from 2/3 wheelers, Synthetic 2-stroke engine
oils meeting JASO, FC, Japan have been introduced w.e.f. 1.4.1999. These environment
friendly oils reduce visible smoke and lead to fuel conservation.
(D) RESTRICTIONS IN BENZENE CONTENT
The benzene
content in gasoline is to be restricted to a maximum of 3% by volume in metro cities and
5% by volume in other cities as required under the notification of the Central Pollution
Control Board from the year 2000. In Delhi, this has already been implemented.>
(E) ADDITIONAL STEPS TAKEN IN DELHI
Pre-mixed
dispensers for supply of petrol to 2-stroke engine have been installed at all retail
outlets of all Oil Marketing Companies by December 1998 and ban enforced on sale of loose
2T oils at petrol stations and service garages from that date. One Fuel Testing Laboratory
(FTL) has been set up at Noida for monitoring fuel adulteration.
9.2 PROTECTION OF TAJ MAHAL
TEN POINT INITIATIVE FOR REDUCTION OF POLLUTION IN TAJ>
In recent years, the impact of air pollution on the Taj Mahal
has become a matter of grave concern. It has been recognized that corrosive impact of
pollutants and emissions from industries, vehicles, etc. in the vicinity of Taj needs to
be addressed first. Keeping this in view, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has
launched a 10 point programme aimed at reducing air pollution for protection of this
national monument by introducing cleaner fuels. The progress of implementation of the
programme is closely monitored by a task force set up in the Ministry. The point-wise
status of implementation of the programme is given below:
(i) LPG FOR ALL HOUSE HOLDS
The entire waiting
list for LPG connections in Taj Trapezium area has been cleared and connections are now
offered across the counter.
(ii) PREFERENTIAL ALLOCATION OF LPG FOR INDUSTRIES
Under this
programme Oil Companies supply LPG to industries and commercial establishment in the Taj
Trapezium area on demand.
(iii) SUPPLY OF LEAD FREE PETROL
Unleaded petrol
has been made available throughout Agra.
(iv) LOW SULPHUR DIESEL FOR TRANSPORT
Extra Low sulphur
Diesel containing 0.25 per cent sulphur is supplied in Taj Trapezium w.e.f. 1.9.1996 and
supply of 0.05% Extra Low High Speed Diesel would be put in place shortly.
(v) INTENSIFICATION OF
ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT BY MATHURA REFINERY
Under this
programme, 1 lakh trees have been planted in the vicinity of Taj. Sufficient care has been
taken for maintenance. Extension of the target is being considered.
(vi) NATURAL GAS FOR INDUSTRIES
Six lakh cubic
metres of natural gas per day has been allocated for supply through pipelines to the
industrial units in the area. Pipelines to Agra and Ferozabad are ready. Gas purchase
agreements have already been signed with a number of industrial units in Ferozabad and
Agra. Out of these units have already started using natural gas and fifty more would do so
by Dec. 1999. The distribution of gas would be undertaken by a Joint Venture Company
(JVC). Pending formation of JVC, GAIL has been implementing the project for setting up the
distribution network in Agra and Ferozabad. However, the progress is conditional on the
underpinning of the gas pipeline to the Yamuna River Bridge.
(vii) COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FOR VEHICLES
CNG for transport
vehicles would be introduced in Agra City after the issue of the gas pipeline support
across the Yamuna Bridge is resolved. The identification of sites for CNG facilities is in
progress.
(viii) CLEAN FUEL FOR MATHURA REFINERY
To reduce
sulphurous emissions from Mathura Refinery, 1.4 million standard cubic metres per day of
natural gas has been allocated for the Mathura Refinery. The supply of gas to the Refinery
has already started since 30.12.96
(ix) HYDROCRACKING TECHNOLOGY FOR MATHURA REFINERY
The Hydrocracker
technology in Mathura Refinery would improve the quality of product by reducing sulphur
content, and in turn the adverse impact of emission. The overall progress of the project
has been as per schedule and it is expected to be commissioned by Feb.2000.
(x) IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH ADB
A technical
agreement to carry out the study involving an expenditure of US$ 6,00,000 has been entered
into between ADB and Deptt. of Economic Affairs to carry out project and feasibility
studies on Socio-economic development of Taj Trapezium. The study has been carried out by
TERI and the report is expected to be finalized shortly.
10. FUTURE THRUST AREAS
To give added
momentum to oil conservation efforts, there is an urgent need for an Integrated Energy
Policy. This policy would include legislation on energy conservation, which makes energy
audits mandatory for industries; energy labeling of equipment’s necessary and BIS
standards mandatory. The old inefficient engines, equipment and processes that do not meet
environmental standards must be scrapped under the policy. The Ministry of Power is
working on this aspect.
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