EARTH
Established in 1999, Earth is an acronym for Environmental and Remedial Treatment
for Hydrocarbons. We offer the highest standards of quality products and services
to manage complex challenges arising from oil refining operations. Earth is
a limited liability company operating in the greater Caribbean and the Middle
East. With a holistic approach to every aspect of our business, we strive
to provide the best solutions for our clients. Our deep knowledge and experience
of worldwide health, environmental and regulatory requirements, serve to keep
us abreast of the diversified and technological advancement of our systems
and the companies we represent. This enables us to offer more cost effective,
informed and energy-efficient solutions to our customers. We aim to collaborate
with our partners to build capacity, capability and ownership of the systematic
management of the environment and production optimization. We continue to
provide environmentally friendly and cost effective solutions for everyday
environmental problems faced by the oil and petrochemical industries. By focusing
on team alignment, fiscal responsibility, continuous learning and the development
of our clients and our people, we are proud to play our vital role as problem
solvers and creators of new possibilities.
VISION
To create new possibilities
MISSION
To build ownership and alignment with all stakeholders to manage the environment
and optimise production
VALUES Collaboration - "Understanding, supporting and appreciating one other"
Leadership - "Inspiring the industry to expand every possibility" Trust -
"Fulfilling on our commitments and honouring our responsibilities"
MEET THE TEAM
Our collaborative approach empowers our team and clients to create sustainable
results. We passionately create solutions that promote a sustainable future
and a healthier planet.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Mr. Arnim Ramsey - Chief Executive Officer
With a winning combination of leadership, passion and business acumen, Arnim
Ramsey brings profound promise to Earth. His smart-solution approach to business
challenges has already brought tremendous success to the company. His achievements
include introducing one of the largest suppliers of lubricants in the world,
Chevron Lubricants, to Earth. He has also won a prestigious two-year contract
with the Inncogen power plant, the Public Transport Corporation of Trinidad
and Tobago as well as the Titan Methanol plant. He now handles the management
of Earth's major local and foreign accounts.
Mr. Dion Marchan - Managing Director
With his vision to improve our environment through safe, innovative and new
technologies, Dion took a leap of faith to form Earth. Since the inception
of the company, Dion played a pivotal role in the planning, design and coordination
of Earth's key projects. Some of his significant contributions include the
design, planning, manufacture and operation of the prototype Helium gas-testing
unit, Chill Time, which he developed during his tenure at Operational Support
Services Co. Ltd. This remains the only remote gas-testing unit for well-bore
production strings in the world.
Duane Ragbir - Director/Technical Services Manager
Duane has an academic background in chemical engineering, which explains why
safe and intelligent systems are his forte. He is responsible for the chemical
design and bulk production of Earth's EC range of products as well as the
design and maintenance of the proprietary equipment. Duane's responsibilities
include leading the operations department, the company's blending plant operations
and strategic planning for technical services and personnel. His previous
experience at the Trinidad and Tobago Methanol plant at the Point Lisas Industrial
Estate has qualified him to supervise major plant overhauls, plant turnarounds
and maintenance schedules.
CLIENTS AND PROJECTS
Earth is the partner of choice for sustainable industrial and business solutions
that resonate with clients and the general public. Earth collaborates with
stakeholders to ensure a holistic positive result for all.
To date, some of our satisfied customers include: - Saudi Arabian Oil Company
(Aramco) - Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) - TRINMAR
Operations - BP Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago - BGTT - BHP Billiton
Trinidad LTD - MI-Swaco - Trinidad And Tobago Methanol Company LTD - PCS Nitrogen
- Titan Methanol - Inncogen - Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago
- Canadian Superior - Petro Canada - Asco Trinidad LTD - Unilever Trinidad
LTD - The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago - Atlantic LNG Company
of Trinidad & Tobago - Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Trinidad and
Tobago - Tobago House of Assembly
PARTNERS IN SUSTAINABILITY
Forming new business relationships is, of course, an important part of our
growth and development. What is more important, however, is going forward
with long-lasting partnerships for the future. We are partners in sustainability.
Our partnerships are built on trust, commitment and integrity. Our holistic
approach enables us to work closely with our clients in order to provide an
overall, long-term solution. We are problem solvers first and foremost, relying
heavily on our team's expertise and experience. We are always looking further
into the market to learn new skills and gain deeper knowledge. We take pride
in working alongside our partners on an even level - it is a partnership that
both sides can learn from to empower each other and sustain life on our planet.
CASE STUDIES
1. Oil Pit Remediation and Sludge Treatment System
The Challenge
EARTH's challenge was to remediate a waste oil pit alongside a Saudi Aramco
tank farm. The pit was used to hold small amounts of crude oil from pipeline/tanks
during filling or emptying. There was a large quantity of oil and sludge which
had to be removed and recovered/cleaned before closing the pit. The parameter
outlined by the Environmental and Protection Department (EPD), Saudi Aramco
was 1% or less Total Oil and Grease (TOG) on the oily solids from the pit
post-treatment.
The Solution
EARTH's turn-key solution was to design a complete Process Plant that would
remove and treat all components found present within the oil pit. The solution
consisted of: 1. EC 101 "Cuttings Wash": This was utilized to convert majority
of oil on solids into a biodegradable soap stearate. 2. EC Polisher: A newly
developed chemical that penetrates to the pores of solids in order to remove
oil and bring the TOG value below 1%. 3. Customized Mixers for all wash stages.
4. Customized Reaction Tanks for the final stage of treatment.
The Result
The results have been outstanding with TOG on solids values as low as 0.4%
being achieved. More than 75% of the oil in the pit was recovered through
this process which the client accepted after testing its quality.
2. Heavy Oil Exploration and Flaring
The Challenge
EARTH's challenge was to solve various challenges encountered by Saudi Aramco
during their heavy oil exploration. The heavy crude recovered was highly viscous
and had a significant percentage of water emulsions, thereby being difficult
to pump. Further when the well flow back effluent was sent to flare, the heavy
oil was the root cause for incomplete combustion and oil spill into the surrounding
sea. EARTH was responsible for developing a 100% efficient flaring system
where the failure criterion was the formation of oil sheen in the sea water
below the flare tip.
The Solution
EARTH's collaborative solution was to design a chemical treatment system that
would reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil, break the emulsions and give
a 100% efficient flaring solution. The solution consisted of: 1. EC 103 "Emulsion
Breaker": This was utilized to break all oil-water emulsions resulting in
efficient separation of heavy oil and water. 2. EC 106 "Viscosity Reducer":
The EC 106 reduced the viscosity of heavy oil with its micro-cleaving mechanism,
resulting in reduced viscosity. 3. EC Oxidizer: This product was specially
developed for flares where incomplete combustion was observed. The product
is stable until it reaches flare temperatures where it immediately begins
to release oxygen to enable 100% efficient flaring.
The Result
The Heavy Oil Exploration and Flaring Treatment System was successfully employed
in (04) Heavy Oil Exploration wells. The flaring was continuous and efficient
with no oil spilling into the sea. The flare can be observed in the pictures
above before (left) and after (right) the EARTH chemical treatment.
3. Zero Oil Flaring
The Challenge
EARTH's challenge was to solve the waste management issue for Saudi Aramco
that arose from stimulation treatment of wells designed to boost production.
The well flow back effluent after simulation consisted of gas, oil, water,
oily solids and oil-water emulsions. All well flow back effluent used to be
flared. This practice contributed greatly to air pollution (due to by-products
of combustion) and water pollution (because of solids drop out and inefficient
flaring).
The Solution
EARTH's collaborative solution was to design a system that separated all these
components and then treat the oily solids so that they could be disposed of
as per environmental regulations. The solution consisted of: 1. EC 103 "Emulsion
Breaker": This was utilized to break all oil-water emulsions resulting in
efficient separation of oil and water. 2. Dynamic Solid Removal and Waste
Treatment System: This technology enabled the removal of ALL solids from the
effluent. 3. EC 101 "Cuttings Wash": This product was used to wash the oily
solids in the Waste Treatment System to reduce the retained oil levels down
to environmental standards for dumping offshore or burial onshore.
The Result
The Zero Oil Flaring Treatment System was successfully employed in over 16
wells, including H2S enriched wells. No flare was lit to combust any oil.
EARTH PRODUCTS
Enzyme technology
The EC line of enzyme products is a100% water soluble, non-toxic, and non-hazardous
and a non-flammable mixture of organic compounds and enzymes that form a very
effective degreaser and cleaning agent. We are the sole distributor of EC
products in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Ministry of Energy approves
these products and they include, but are not limited to:
EC 101 - Cuttings Wash This water-based product reduces hydrocarbon contamination
from 27% to 0.05%. It treats synthetic oil based mud and non-aqueous drilling
fluids contamination on drill cuttings allowing immediate discharge into the
ocean on offshore drilling rigs.
EC 102 - Tank Cleaner This product breaks the thickness of even the heaviest
sludge, creating a temporary emulsion that breaks down to form a mixture of
crude oil, water and particulates that are easily separable. This results
in the easy recovery of reclaimed hydrocarbons for re-sale.
EC 103 - Emulsion Breaker This product is used for breaking three phase emulsions
(drilling mud, for example) or emulsions created by varying inter-solvent
valence dependencies. This allows easy separation of hydrocarbons, water,
and solids.
EC 106 - Viscosity Reducer This product was designed to cut long chain hydrocarbons
at specific receptor sights resulting in a permanent reduction in thickness
of treated hydrocarbons, without the use of heat or crystal modifiers. This
product is a water-based, enzyme product and as such does not change the chemical
characteristics of the crude oil produced.
EC Paraffin and Asphaltene Dispersant This product is designed to release
paraffin and asphaltene build-up in the well bore, screens, liners, down hole
pumps, valves, tubing, annulus and flow lines without well intervention. This
results in increased production rates and lower operating costs.
EC 300 - Heavy Duty Degreaser This product is designed to affect phase separation
and the removal of extra-heavy weathered crude oil contamination.
SERVICE OVERVIEW
Service Overview
In addition to providing environmentally friendly solutions to the oil industry,
we work closely with our clients to find the right solutions for their needs.
Before any work begins we thoroughly investigate and discuss the problem with
our clients. We offer solutions that work specifically for them and address
their long-term needs. An early discovery of the problem leads to identifying
the best possible solutions. This not only allows the team to gain a deeper
insight into our clients needs but also deepens our knowledge of the industry.
We develop a number of our own products that are supplied in the Greater Caribbean
and the Middle East. Our multicultural team of experts are constantly looking
for new solutions that others have not discovered. This innovative approach
allows Earth to be an inspiring leader in the industry.
Enzyme technology
Production and distribution of effective degreasers and cleaning agents.
Waste Management
Our waste management, consulting and planning are designed for the treatment
and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and petrochemical waste
as well as recycling services for most materials including:
Waste recycling & remedial services
Waste management, consulting and planning.
Hydrocarbon contaminated waste removal
We treat and remove waste that can potentially cause contamination such as
drill cuttings, contaminated soils, base sediments, produced water, drilling
fluids and waste oil.
Hazardous waste removal
Using the latest technology, we treat and or remove hazardous waste such as
Barite and Bentonite, Acids and Alkalis, Spent chemicals, Asbestos, Paint
cans and Brushes.
Incineration
We are able to incinerate materials and substances without adverse effects
to the environment such as hydrocarbon based fluids, oil-contaminated absorbent
pads, rags, vegetation, booms and socks.
Recycling
To reduce the waste stream by up to 80%, we remove all recyclable materials
such as fluorescent bulbs, aerosol cans, computers, electronics and tyre web.
Land-filling
Any non-hazardous waste that cannot be treated using the above processes (white
waste, plastics) can be sent to an approved landfill facility.
Oil/Water Separation
Our units separate immiscible liquids without high chemical overheads and
zero impact to the environment.
Oil-Spill Recovery
Earth designs, manufactures and supplies pollution control equipment that
are specific to the control and clean up of oil spills.
Pit Lining
Pit lining is offered as an additional service to onshore drilling rigs in
association with the Cuttings Wash Treatment System. The polyethylene lining
of the drilling pit ensures that all drilling fluids remain separated from
the surrounding area.
Waste Treatment Systems
Wastewater Treatment Systems (Electro-coagulation)
This technology affects a wide range of contaminants at high concentrations
without generating hazardous sludge or residue that requires further treatment.
The electro-coagulation process marketed by Earth is based on responses of
water contaminants to strong electric fields and electrically induced oxidation
and reduction reactions. Ninety-nine percent of heavy metal cat-ions and microorganisms
in the water are removed. Precipitation of charged colloids and significant
amounts of other ions, colloids and emulsions are also treated.
Zero Oil Flaring Treatment System
This system is used as part of the operations on a producing oil well to restore
or increase production. This treatment system treats the flow back well effluent
such that solids and water are separated and treated to the desired specification
for overboard discharge, achieving zero oil flaring in the process.
Heavy Oil Exploration System
This system focuses on the smooth flow of the recovered Heavy Crude Oil during
exploration in order to achieve 100% efficient flaring (complete combustion)
of flow-back well effluent.
Drill Cuttings Wash Treatment System
An innovative system that has a small footprint and is easy to install, it
is able to remove Oil Retained on Cuttings (ROC) to the level specified by
international environmental regulations. The treated Drill Cuttings and Effluent
are both safe to discharge either INLAND or in the OCEAN. The system also
ensures no drilling operations are interrupted due to the inability to dispose
drill cuttings.
Oil Pit Remediation and Sludge Treatment System
This unique treatment system is the first of its kind to simultaneously recover
oil and treat the oily solids within a pit, bringing the Total Oil and Grease
(TOG) value of the solids down to the desired level as per international environmental
regulations. The treated solids pose no environmental hazard and can be returned
to the environment (backfilled).