--- title: Refinery description: Improving refinery industry margins with waste heat recovery. Discover the Qpinch Heat Transformer for your refinery. image: https://qpinch.com/hubfs/Refineries.jpg --- ##### Refineries # Improving refinery industry margins with waste heat recovery The extensive refinery processing infrastructure is rich in opportunities for energy efficiency improvement. QHT tech reduces your OpEx to the point of actual value generation, which supports your other abatement investments. [Talk to our refineries specialist ](https://qpinch.com/talk-to-a-refinery-engineer?hsLang=en) [About QHT Technology ](https://qpinch.com/technology?hsLang=en) ![Refineries](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Refineries.jpg?width=1116&height=451&name=Refineries.jpg) ###### Refining ## QHT integration in refinery operations We have highlighted some examples that are relevant to refinery process activities. It is clear that every plant has other essentials and priorities. We are keen to help you evaluate the potential of your particular infrastucture. Provide us with the specifics of your situation. [Talk to a Qpinch engineer ](https://qpinch.com/talk-to-a-refinery-engineer?hsLang=en) ![thermometer](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thermometer.png?width=60&height=60&name=thermometer.png) #### Diesel hydrotreater In the diesel hydrotreater stripper, light fractions are separated from the desulfurized product. The overhead of this stripper and the diesel product are currently condensed or air-cooled. In this stage a QHT installation can recover waste heat and transform it to process heat.   [![Download Leaflet](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26198144/interactive-75647872476.png) ](https://qpinch.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKft7UBnFCx0Mm%2FIst4HrZSAA0Mx5A1zebMbVSiWcJLHU1Rff5RLc3mJt7QO7jeJeEqQtkEr16jbXIzFhkSgS807afZoe%2BwN8gPlvesFyoZ%2FO3xMJXwSM3ELdcZ4JL3fD%2F%2F7IAGRonAMRCdhs35kJ3kSFaHTDMTfUTcsWTnJHdcA7k3k8siWg5Uy1PT5xqMxAmT&webInteractiveContentId=75647872476&portalId=26198144&hsLang=en) ![test tube](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/test%20tube.png?width=60&height=60&name=test%20tube.png) #### Coker Unit In this refinery unit, bottoms are further thermally cracked with steam into coke on one hand and lighter products on the other hand. The different non-solid products are separated in the coker main fractionator column. The different coolers and condensers present in the side cuts of this distillation column are valuable waste heat sources to apply the QHT technology. Concrete examples are: coker gasoil coolers and the main fractionator overhead condenser, containing mostly heavy naphtha. The QHT can turn the load of these coolers into CO2-neutral and quasi OEPX-free steam.” [![Download Leaflet](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26198144/interactive-79975560647.png) ](https://qpinch.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL72wzbZ6OgXp5soGxuftDVBQKA%2FYWqfyz1wDXOpL1V4Qwwqg%2Fbrm9eekXWX3yxmgDqUEgzj0T%2B7TrPj7ZZq160q2zDNzi0TDx6hJDlEpYCrA3POVMSzA0Zu17sUFaXXfhQDOrKrSZkZxYN7Tt1JAXjlN6kOEBA3iehGfp%2BDt72A8%2BAw%2FzhCxwxq0bMIC8M%2Fg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=79975560647&portalId=26198144&hsLang=en) ![thermo](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thermo.png?width=80&height=80&name=thermo.png) #### Hydrocracker Unit A hydrocracker converts heavy gas oils and heavy diesels into light distillates (naphtha, JET, Diesel, etc.). This essential process unit is expected to still be of value as the energy transition proceeds. The residual heat of the hydrocracker unit is currently cooled to ambient. Vast amounts of heat are thus vented to the environment while these energy flows could easily be concentrated into quasi OPEX-free and CO2-neutral steam using the Qpinch Heat Transformer. [![Download Leaflet](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26198144/interactive-82661007041.png) ](https://qpinch.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLumrJhIJNMrqkddPtY6nK%2FKA%2B4zqGHl3mdBrCgbqDEH5GpJsEgUzZB%2FKGQLAA0Yh16bkTWew%2BONu7HPgTHZveWM0GGJjuA3ZQtLGJWTYIHLRCZyUEN3H1WU3RDxwTHPQ6MHMV3rvjGq7JPKGHmvJwzjkOP0nnDEzUlI8VYMOITXKlkXIj27KTnk%2FpFe9DnY%2Bm9rd3gN1E%3D&webInteractiveContentId=82661007041&portalId=26198144&hsLang=en) ![iStock-1040506394 (1)](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1040506394%20(1).jpg?width=2120&height=1413&name=iStock-1040506394%20(1).jpg) ![Icon-main-1](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Icon-main-1.png?width=50&height=46&name=Icon-main-1.png) ## Case Study: Fluid catalytic cracking In this example, hot water is generated by recovering the latent heat from the main fractionator overhead stream and by cooling down a number of side streams such as the light cycle oil (LCO). Pay back times are calculated to be less than 4 years if the alternative is a natural gas boiler with natural gas priced at 50 €/MWh and CO2 at 80 €/ton [Download the case study (.pdf) ](https://qpinch.com/download-case-study-fluid-catalytic?hsLang=en) ![Icon-main-1](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Icon-main-1.png?width=50&height=46&name=Icon-main-1.png) Why Qpinch ## Why QHT technology is the best first step on the road to net-zero for your refinery plant. Introducing Qpinch tech in your refinery process infrastructure holds numerous benefits. Here are some key reasons for initiating our energy efficiency installation. [Get in touch ](https://qpinch.com/talk-to-a-refinery-engineer?hsLang=en) ![eco](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Icons/eco.png?width=80&height=80&name=eco.png) ![eco light grey](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eco%20light%20grey.png?width=80&height=80&name=eco%20light%20grey.png) #### Re-use your on-site waste heat Our patented breakthrough tech is inspired by a natural process. We enable you to transfer your currently untapped waste heat into zero emission process heat. ![Fast or Energy](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fast%20or%20Energy.png?width=80&height=80&name=Fast%20or%20Energy.png) ![Fast or Energy light grey](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fast%20or%20Energy%20light%20grey.png?width=80&height=80&name=Fast%20or%20Energy%20light%20grey.png) #### Side-step the energy issue When fossil fuel prices increase, energy efficiency tech rises atop the priority pyramid. Making every MW work its full potential with our QHT, significantly reduces energy procurement costs. ![low cost](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/low%20cost.png?width=80&height=80&name=low%20cost.png) ![low cost light grey](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/low%20cost%20light%20grey.png?width=80&height=80&name=low%20cost%20light%20grey.png) #### Huge potential savings in refineries We have detected a multitude of applications inside refinery process infrastructures. Request our industry specific schematics to learn where our QHT tech can make the difference. ![repurpose](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/repurpose.png?width=80&height=80&name=repurpose.png) ![repurpose light grey](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/repurpose%20light%20grey.png?width=80&height=80&name=repurpose%20light%20grey.png) #### Many applications, smart integration Our QHT tech is an add-on that can be fitted to most process industry infrastructure. An in-depth feasibility study serves to reveal the full application potential and achievable gains, throughout your entire plant. ## Get inspired We are always eager to share our findings and developments with you. Read more about the details of our technology and the range of possibilities for your industry. [All articles ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) ###### Get inspired ## Related Blogs ###### [News](https://qpinch.com/blog/tag/news?hsLang=en) 30.04.2025 ##### [Webinar Recap: Qpinch Technology and Strategic Alliance](https://qpinch.com/blog/webinar-recap-qpinch-technology-and-strategic-alliance?hsLang=en) We recently had the pleasure of co-hosting a webinar with Honeywell UOP, expertly organized and moderated by... [Learn More ](https://qpinch.com/blog/webinar-recap-qpinch-technology-and-strategic-alliance?hsLang=en) ###### [News](https://qpinch.com/blog/tag/news?hsLang=en) 16.04.2025 ##### [Announcement: Honeywell UOP and Qpinch](https://qpinch.com/blog/announcement-honeywell-uop?hsLang=en) Honeywell UOP and Qpinch are collaborating to bring the patented Qpinch Heat Transformer to industrial... [Read More ](https://qpinch.com/blog/announcement-honeywell-uop?hsLang=en) ###### [News](https://qpinch.com/blog/tag/news?hsLang=en) 13.07.2023 ##### [Reducing emissions while increasing refinery margin](https://qpinch.com/blog/reducing-emissions-while-increasing-refinery-margin?hsLang=en) A chemical heat pump that absorbs energy inside industrial waste heat has the potential to reduce pressure on... [Read More ](https://qpinch.com/blog/reducing-emissions-while-increasing-refinery-margin?hsLang=en) Contact ## Talk to an expert We are a house of technology specialists that speak your language. Questions related to chemistry, decarbonisation strategy or economics: we are standing by. [Get in touch ](https://qpinch.com/talk-to-a-refinery-engineer?hsLang=en) [![Red](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Red.png?width=80&height=80&name=Red.png) ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) [![VCA_logo_1000x569px_RGB_2.0](https://qpinch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCA_logo_1000x569px_RGB_2.0.png?width=1000&height=569&name=VCA_logo_1000x569px_RGB_2.0.png) ](https://www.vca.be/wat-is-vca.html) ##### About Qpinch Qpinch recovers and transforms waste heat into carbon neutral process heat. Our QHT technology helps you leverage your waste to actual savings and profits. ##### Quicklinks [ Sales ](mailto:Sales@qpinch.com) [ Press ](mailto:Press@qpinch.com) [ Accounts Payable ](mailto:Accountspayable@qpinch.com) [ Jobs ](mailto:Jobs@qpinch.com) ##### Industries [ Refining ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) [ Recycling ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) [ Food ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) [ Carbon Capturing ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) [ Hydrogen ](https://qpinch.com/refining#) ##### Contact Hamburgstraat 3 2030 Antwerp Belgium [+ 323 369 93 32](tel:+%20323%20369%2093%2032) [info@qpinch.com](mailto:info@qpinch.com) BE 0645.694.950 © - Qpinch BV. All rights reserved [ Terms of use ](https://qpinch.com/terms-of-use?hsLang=en) [ Privacy Policy ](https://qpinch.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)