HM 31. Guide to hydrocarbon management in petroleum refinery operations

Overview:

This guide to refinery hydrocarbon management summarises what is currently considered by the EI's HMC to be 'best practice' in the areas of operation, accounting, hydrocarbon measurement and loss control. It is not intended that the methods and statements contained herein should be regarded as representing the only approach to monitoring and managing hydrocarbons, but rather the techniques described are proven, practical and effective.
The guide does not attempt to cover in detail the individual methods of measurement, sampling etc. that are recommended for optimal hydrocarbon management. Wherever possible, recognised best industry practice standards or procedures have been cross referenced.
Good management of hydrocarbons can offer significant cost savings for the operator and assist in reducing environmental impact. The precept behind the approach adopted in this document towards hydrocarbon management is: 'To manage we have to control. To control we have to measure.' With this in mind, much of the guide is dedicated to the principles and effects of measurement on the accounts (yield) figures and an understanding of the errors and inaccuracies that may be involved.