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Optimization and sustainable integration of sour gas as an alternative fuel within refinery energy systems

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  • Murillo-Calderon, Israel Alejandro

Abstract

This study evaluates the technical feasibility of using sour gas as an alternative fuel for refinery power generation through an experimentally grounded characterisation of its composition, heating value, and energy-substitution performance. The sour gas stream, composed of 58.04% v/v C1–C7 hydrocarbons and exhibiting a high heating value of 28.94 MJ/kg, provides stable flow conditions of 38 ton/day, enabling consistent energy-recovery estimates. Integrated mass-balance analysis and conversion/efficiency modelling demonstrate that the available stream can generate 91,656 kWh/day, corresponding to 30,671.62 L/day of diesel under refinery level operational constraints, thereby enabling up to 61.07% displacement of current diesel consumption. An uncertainty and sensitivity evaluation based on ISO/GUM principles confirms the robustness of all derived indicators, with expanded uncertainties below 1% and strictly linear parameter behaviour. The results validate sour gas as an operationally compatible and energetically reliable fuel, while also providing a replicable methodological baseline for refineries seeking to valorise residual gas streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Murillo-Calderon, Israel Alejandro, 2026. "Optimization and sustainable integration of sour gas as an alternative fuel within refinery energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:352:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226010273
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140922
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