Shyam Lakshmanan; Yen Li Yung*, Boon San Chan; Zhe Haw Chong

Abstract
Refineries play a vital role in the supply chain for processing crude palm oil, and palm kernel into refined products which are ready for consumption. They need to continuously improve operational efficiencies and strive to reduce carbon footprint. These improvements in our referenced refinery were achieved through installation of new equipment, process changes, heat recovery and water recycling. Installation of inverters and LED lights yielded electrical energy savings of 2.5%. Process change implemented in the effluent treatment plant and heat recovery resulted in electrical energy savings and fuel reduction of 40% and 30%, respectively. Condensate recovery and capture of steam vapor emissions resulted in the reduction of steam usage by 50% in the palm kernel dry fractionation plant and 20% in the dry fractionation plant. The refinery has stopped relying on fuel oil and started using liquified natural gas, resulting in lower carbon footprint. In addition, it reduces resource exploitation by implementing water recovery within the complex and has achieved 85% recovery of its treated effluent water. Some of the additional benefit of implementing these changes are better product quality, less chemicals consumption, and cleaner working environment.