ADCO recycling initiative short listed for BP ecology award

ADCO's novel solution overcomes a perennial problem of disposing of the gooey oil-based mud (OBM) needed for lubrication when drilling through difficult shale formations, at the same time as producing economically beneficial by-products.

"In a nutshell, the process is the first of its kind in the region to achieving 100 per cent recycling in the oil industry. It also serves as a classroom example of the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle," said Jens Olaf Jacobsen, Head of Environment Protection at ADCO.

The system uses a process called thermal desorption to help separate the OBM into its three main components: liquid hydrocarbons, water and solid waste. The hydrocarbons are recycled into diesel, which provides the energy to fuel the plant, while the near-pure water is used for irrigation.

Meanwhile, the solid waste is mixed with cement to make the popular interlocking bricks used for pavements and pathways for the inhabitants of nearby rural villages.

Jacobsen pointed out that in addition to the direct environmental and economic benefits there were also indirect gains. Firstly, the creation of a new locally owned company, Gulf Environment Company (GENCO). The recovered oil is not only used to fuel the reclamation process but also other GENCO facilities.

Also, producing irrigation water reduces the need to import water from desalination plants, thereby reducing the green house gas emissions, or the use of scarce well water. Moreover, more than 150,000 kilometres of lorry transportation per annum is eliminated by local recycling, saving on fuel, time and contributing to improved road safety.

"We are delighted the imaginative ADCO recycling solution has been selected from the 1772 applications to join the short list of 22 projects that most typify BP's brand values. Turning a hazardous waste product into a profitable, environmentally friendly local business is a classic example of sustainability," said Dr Michael Daly, President of BP Upstream in the Gulf States.
In order to spread the word, oil industry representatives from across the GCC were invited to attend the official inauguration of the GENCO plant and plans are underway for university and college students to visit the plant as a part of their regular external study program.

Over the years ADCO has consistently pioneered green initiatives and has significantly reduced flaring and venting operations, resulting in a considerable reduction in greenhouse gases.

The BP Helios Awards were launched in their current format in 2001 following launch of the company's new brand in order to emphasise its brand values: green, performance, progressive and innovative. The awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of BP staff and partners across the world that live the company's brand values through their everyday work and to encourage sharing of knowledge and learning.

The 2003 Helios Awards ceremony will take place on 25 November at the Tate Modern art gallery, London.