Water circular economy in petroleum refining: sour water reuse with socio-environmental Impact

Abstract

In Cuba, it is essential to develop strategies that promote water circularity in the petroleum refining industry. However, current technological limitations prevent the reuse of sour waters generated during these processes. This study analyzes the management of these effluents to facilitate their transition toward a circular economy approach. The objective was to evaluate the incorporation of a Sour Water Stripper (SWS) tower as a technological alternative for the recovery and reuse of sour waters under a water circularity framework. To this end, an evaluation procedure based on circular economy principles was designed and applied. The factors limiting the reuse of sour waters were identified, and a technological proposal for their recovery and utilization was developed. In addition, the technical, economic, environmental, and social performance of the proposed alternative was assessed. The feasibility of water circularity in the studied system was verified using the Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) and the MET-Inedit methodology. The results demonstrate that integrating an SWS tower into the wastewater treatment plant processes is the most effective alternative for increasing water reuse and reducing pollutant loads. Water circularity CTI values above 1.0 were achieved, accompanied by significant reductions in freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge volumes. These results contribute to the sustainable use of water resources, strengthen the social relevance of environmental management in petroleum refining, and support the refinery’s transition toward a circular economy model with positive socio-environmental impacts.