Petroleum products are processed from crude oil and other liquids made from fossil fuels and are used by people for a variety of things.
Biofuels are utilized similarly to petroleum products, most commonly
in blends with gasoline and diesel. The main significant energy source
for Pakistan’s yearly total energy consumption has historically been
petroleum. Petroleum-based products are used to power cars, heat
buildings, and generate energy. Plastics, polyurethane, solvents, and
countless more intermediate and finished commodities are produced by the
petrochemical industry, which is a part of the industrial sector.
Pakistan has 19 million tons (MT) annual demand for petroleum
products, although it meets roughly half of that need through local
crude production and refinery processing of imported crude.
Transportation, energy, and industry are the three major users that rely
on petroleum products. Petroleum products are used for transportation
59%, power 32%, and industry 8%. Due to their commercial links and the
ability to delay payments, Pakistan frequently purchases from Saudia,
Qatar & Gulf Countries, although now purchase from Russia is in
files, too.
Another issue in Pakistan is the low production capacity of the
refineries, which significantly affects the country’s oil exports.
Almost 50-40 % of the total capacity is being utilized by all
refineries. By building new oil refineries and increasing the capacity
of the ones that already exist, Pakistan may enhance its exports. By
providing incentives to investors and reducing the existing high tariffs
on refining equipment, this process may be sped up. In Pakistan, there
are five refineries that are in operation: Pak Arab Refinery Limited
(MCR), Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Byco Petroleum Pakistan Ltd
(Byco), National Refinery Limited (NRL), and Pakistan Refinery Limited
(PRL).
These refineries have an approximate 19.37 million tons capacity
overall. Domestic refineries generate around 11.59 MT, importing the
remaining amount (8.09 million tons). Because of this, some refineries
are only operating at 40% of their actual capacity. It is worth
mentioning that due to the superior profit margins enjoyed by existing
refineries that use hydrocracking technology, the most recent deep
conversion plant is unable to compete. If hydrocracking petroleum
refineries are permitted in Pakistan, the technique is abandoned
internationally and Pakistan may face several consequences.
It is important to keep in mind that oil is highly combustible and
that caution must be exercised while keeping flammable liquids in
storage, especially. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) are in place to prevent a fire or explosion at
work and define a flammable liquid as one with a flashpoint of 60°C.
Regardless of the quantity of oil stored, a risk assessment is
required under DSEAR to determine whether existing control measures are
sufficient to manage the risk of fire or explosion or whether additional
controls or precautions are necessary. In addition to day-to-day
activities in the laboratory, it is necessary to assess non-routine
activities, such as maintenance work where there is often a higher
potential for fire and explosion incidents to occur.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance notes that often fires
or explosions occur when vapours or liquids are released from a
controlled environment to areas where there may be an ignition source,
with incidents commonly arising during transfer operations including
movement from storage facilities within premises and dealing with
spillages. Even the most proactive safety program cannot cover every
exposure. The spill and emergency planning should include steps for
responding to every potential hazard.
The inspection and maintenance processes are the first line of
defence in preventing equipment condition-related accidents. How often
to inspect depends on the age and condition of the equipment, as well as
the potential threat to life and property should a leak or sudden
release occur. Any defects should be addressed immediately.
Both visual and nondestructive testing of equipment can assess the
integrity of the tanks and other equipment. Older equipment should be
inspected more frequently and rigorously. Inspect tank exteriors and
interiors for structural integrity.
Use a detailed recordkeeping system that includes useful life
forecasts to stay ahead of any potential issues. Any equipment with a
predictable lifespan should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Regular preventative maintenance should be done on a
strict schedule, including lubricating mechanicals and checking valves,
gaskets, and hoses for signs of degradation.
Chart corrosion rates for metal parts, and replace them when they
reach a predetermined level. Keep oil/water separators maintained to
ensure the ability to treat contaminated stormwater and help contain and
prevent releases to the environment.
Bulk petroleum storage facilities come with inherent operational
risks. If your operations are not properly managed, the result could be
devastating to your facilities, your employees, your community, and your
bottom line. Fortunately, a comprehensive management plan that
addresses hazards, controls, prevention, emergency planning, and
employee training can go a long way toward mitigating many of these
risks.
By establishing rigorous inspection and maintenance procedures,
training employees in equipment use and incident response, and being
prepared for any potential event, the storage facilities can do much to
decrease losses and keep employees and communities safe. To avoid any
serious risk or to prevent any disaster, OGRA should ensure strict
compliance with the safety standards for all storage belonging to
various Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Proper 3rd Party Safety Inspection should be ensured and no
favouritism or inclination should be shown by OGRA towards any
particular OMC. All such depots that are non-compliant with safety
standards, should immediately be sized to operate and should allow
operating only after proper 3rd Party Inspection. Further to strengthen
safety importance & compliance, all retail outlets allowed on the
basis of non-safety compliant depots should immediately be seized.