Technical and Managerial Quality System for the Sustainability of the Oil Sector

Review Article

Austin J Biotechnol Bioeng. 2023; 10(1): 1123.

Technical and Managerial Quality System for the Sustainability of the Oil Sector

Wisam Mohammed Kareem Al-Khazaali1*; Seyed Ahmad Ataei1; Mohammed Hadi Radhi Al-Maryani3,4

1Chemical Engineering Sec, Design Department, Projects Division, MOC, Misan, Iraq

2Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3Quality Management Department, Misan Oil Company, Misan, Iraq

4College of Business Administration, University of Mazandaran Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran

*Corresponding author: Wisam Mohammed Kareem Al-Khazaali Chemical Engineering Sec, Design Department, Projects Division, MOC, Misan, Iraq. Email: (Ataei) ataei@uk.ac.ir

Received: October 18, 2023 Accepted: November 16, 2023 Published: November 23, 2023

Abstract

The quality of administration and technical aspects in the oil sectors are essential to sustain its consumption in the future. The oil companies have developed its vision in getting ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015. These codes are essential in development in the continuity of administration procedures of quality system, occupational health, safety, and environment. It was found that the oil company need improve the performance through licensing other ISOs such as ISO 31000:2018, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 50001:2018 for the risk assessment, information technology, and energy saving respectively. The technical product quality and green projects can be achieved by aiming and application of the modern international codes related to the product quality and environment.

Keywords: Integral management system; Sustainibilty development; decontamination; Continuous improvement

Introduction

The oil industry's quality system covers emissions, legal compliance, governance, and sustainability. It has driven global development but also caused environmental harm. To stay competitive, it must reduce emissions amid the shift to renewables [1,2].

This management focuses on several important areas, such as innovating solutions to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and improving air quality. Efforts are directed towards developing and adopting new technologies that contribute to emission reduction. Policies and guidelines are also developed to control fossil fuel emissions, ensuring companies and institutions adhere to these policies.

Legal compliance, research outputs, and Electronic governance are essential in the oil sector. This means adhering to local and international laws and regulations related to safety, environment, and workers’ rights, achieving technical, managerial, and financial quality in the oil sector. Oil companies and institutions must implement best practices and utilize available technology and scientific research to enhance quality and contribute to sustainable development.

Background Overview

Karmalla et al. (2013) mapped Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in Basra City over three days in March 2012 using 34 sampling stations and a calibrated QREA II gas monitor. Isoclines were used to display spatial CO variations. The study estimated that approximately 75% of the surveyed areas and population might be impacted by CO pollution, with potential exacerbation due to expected increases in urban gaseous emissions in the area [3].

Al-Tamimi et al. (2020) emphasize the significance of conducting environmental audits in public companies, particularly the South Oil Company, due to its substantial gas emissions and associated environmental health hazards. The study is structured into three sections: methodology, theory, and practice. The findings underscore the necessity of environmental audits in public companies for mitigating environmental risks. However, this requires legal regulations, external oversight, and a modification of the current accounting system that lacks environmental considerations [4].

Junh et al. (2021) examined the environmental consequences of the Baghdad industrial cycle refinery complex, encompassing gaseous emissions, liquid and solid waste, and visual and auditory pollution. The root cause of these issues is primarily linked to the inadequate development and upkeep of the complex facilities, which should align with global oil industry standards. Their research combined desk research and a questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents, yielding noteworthy insights into the pollution levels produced by the complex [5].

Khalaf et al. (2022) address the detrimental environmental effects of industrial operations, notably gas emissions, exacerbated by rising energy demand and population growth worldwide. Their study centers on the North Gas Company in Kirkuk, Iraq, employing econometrics to assess the connection between the company's production and carbon dioxide emissions. The findings indicate a negative environmental impact, leading to short-term health concerns and contributing to long-term global warming [6].

Mousa et al. (2022) enhanced the environmental and financial performance of Kufa Cement Factory by adopting cleaner production techniques. Their research incorporated deductive and inductive approaches, combining theoretical analysis with practical aspects involving interviews, field visits, and data access. The study revealed that certain raw materials generated volatile dust with adverse environmental effects, initially considered environmental costs. However, with the implementation of cleaner production methods, this dust transformed into a valuable final product. Additionally, the study recommended the use of modern emission measurement devices and employee training to minimize adverse effects on both human health and the environment [7].

In Al-Amarah, Maysan governorate, Al-Shammari et al. (2022) discovered that carbon dioxide (CO2) was most prevalent, especially in summers, while Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) was least prevalent, mainly in winters. Private electric generators and commercial/service activities were the primary sources of emissions. These emissions affected climatic elements observed at the Climate Architecture Station during the same months [8].

Risk Assessment of Fossil Fuels

Technical evaluation of feedstock and Product quality

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons containing undesirable elements such as sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, metals, and halogenated compounds. Sulfur, in particular, poses a significant problem as it can lead to the formation of Sulfur Oxides (SOx) during combustion, contributing to environmental issues. Nitrogen and oxygen can result in emissions like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Metals like nickel and vanadium may cause equipment corrosion and refining challenges. Halogenated compounds, including chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons, are generally harmful to both human health and the environment. Managing and minimizing these impurities in crude oil is essential to reduce their adverse impact. Furthermore, oil contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through Carbon Dioxide (CO2) released during combustion. Other greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) are also emitted during oil production, albeit to a lesser extent. Additionally, oil extraction and transportation can release pollutants such as Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Salt content limits might be by either of the following:

• Transportation requirements in the production field or shipping terminal

• Concerns over corrosion, fouling, or catalyst degradation in the refinery crude oil salts= 29mg/L, water= Nill

Occasionally, these criteria do not meet and misoperation occurs to produce high oily water to the pond.

To mitigate the sulfur negative impacts, regulations have been put in place to limit the amount of sulfur in fuels, such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) sulfur cap on marine fuels, and the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 3 emissions standards for gasoline. Additionally, technologies such as desulfurization processes and catalytic converters can be used to reduce sulfur emissions.

Occupational and Society HSE

The acid rain damages crops, forests, and aquatic life, and corrodes buildings and infrastructure. Biomagnification resulting in the poisoning of animals and significant impacts on ecosystems “disruption”. Depletion of the Earth's ozone layer, resulting in increased levels of ultraviolet radiation that can lead to skin cancer and cataracts.

It's important to note that emissions from one location can also travel through the atmosphere and affect air quality and climate in other regions, particularly for pollutants that have long lifetimes in the atmosphere such as greenhouse gasses.

Economic Impact of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels play a pivotal role in the global economy due to their crucial role in energy production and distribution. The energy sector, encompassing fossil fuel production and consumption, is a substantial contributor to global GDP and a major source of employment worldwide. However, this economic significance faces growing challenges from environmental and social concerns, as well as competition from renewable energy sources. Policymakers, businesses, and consumers must carefully weigh the economic, environmental, and social consequences of fossil fuel usage, and actively pursue a more sustainable and equitable energy future. In Iraq, where fossil fuels contribute over 90% of the financial balance, addressing emissions and refining fossil fuel marketing strategies is imperative.

Quality Assurance and Control

The Quality Assurance (QA) may be achieving by using low sulfur feeds. The Quality Control (QC) may be achieving by application of regualtions of Clean Air Act of EPA and EU legistlations. There are some related conventions as following:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): This convention defines the goals and actions that must be taken to mitigate climate change.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): This convention defines the rights and responsibilities of coastal states and ships at sea.

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): This convention defines the rules and regulations that govern the prevention of marine pollution from ships.

Kyoto Protocol: This protocol was adopted in 1997, and it requires developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, also known as the Basel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, and to minimize any adverse effects of their management on human health and the environment.

There are many agreements relating to emissions, but the most important is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This convention was adopted in 1992, and it sets a global framework for action on climate change.The UNFCCC requires Parties to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Parties have agreed to a mid-term goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In 2015, the Parties to the UNFCCC agreed to the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement sets a more ambitious framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Parties to the Paris Agreement commit to taking action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero levels as soon as possible. This convention confirmed CCS in 2018, and it sets a framework for international cooperation in the field of carbon capture and storage. The Convention requires Parties to take measures to promote carbon capture and storage, and to exchange information and knowledge about these technologies. The CCS Convention aims to contribute to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By capturing carbon dioxide from industrial and commercial facilities and storing it underground, carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere and prevented from being released into the atmosphere.