A comprehensive facility audit is the first step in documenting current energy consumption and identifying the most practical approach to improving performance. A typical Integrated Audit involves the following steps:

• Inventory Unit Operations    
• Measure Energy Flow     
• Data Analysis and Integration    
• Prioritize Opportunities    
• Communicate and Train    

The integrated audit approach employs a team of experts, who simultaneously conduct process unit audits and collaborate on their findings. This approach generally identifies significant opportunities for integration of energy use that exceeds what can be achieved through single process unit optimization.

Energy Experts also recognizes the significant value in raising in-plant awareness and understanding of the energy efficiency audit process. We encourage full participation by engineering, technical and operational staff during the audit and will conduct an in-depth review of the results with plant staff.

The audit report will identify opportunities and establish recommendations based on the following hierarchy:

1. Improvements that can be achieved through enhanced operational and management practice that require little or no capital investment
2. Opportunities that can be achieved with existing technology but require modest capital investment; and
3. Longer-term initiatives that involve new technology.

The Integrated Audit typically includes a review of up to 16 unit operations, covering everything from field equipment (Pumpjacks, Glycol Dehydrators, Fired Heaters) to plant processes ( Amine System, Sulphur Recovery). The audit can be performed in a period of about four weeks, with one week required for on-site data collection and analysis.

A post-audit evaluation is also recommended to document actual performance improvements. The post-audit evaluation also provides a third-party confirmation of energy intensity – including the corresponding reduction in GHG emissions.

Energy Experts has conducted numerous Integrated Audits at facilities ranging from heavy oil processing facilities to large sour gas processing plants. The results speak for themselves:

• Fuel gas savings of 12.5%, worth an estimated $15 million/year; and
• Potential GHG reductions of 240,000T CO2E/year.

We can assemble an experienced team of experts to meet the specific requirements of your facility or operation.