raffinierraffinage

Raffinierraffinage is a coined term used in some industrial and theoretical discussions to describe the systematic optimization of refining processes themselves. The word combines the French roots raffinier, to refine, and raffinage, the act or result of refining, producing a portmanteau that signals a meta-level refinement of refining operations rather than a single unit operation. In practice, raffinierraffinage refers to efforts to improve efficiency, product quality, environmental performance, and economic viability across an entire refinery or refining complex.

Origin and usage: Because it is not a standard term in engineering nomenclature, raffinierraffinage appears mainly in speculative or pedagogical contexts, where it is used to frame discussions about the refinement of refining: how to enhance catalysts, optimize heat integration, advance control systems, and employ digital twins to simulate entire refinery flowsheets.

Typical scope: It may cover feedstock selection, pretreatment, processing pathways (cracking, reforming, isomerization, distillation), separation and purification, energy management, waste treatment, and compliance with product specifications and environmental standards. The concept emphasizes holistic optimization rather than isolated unit improvements.

Examples and related concepts: Related ideas include refinery optimization, process intensification, process integration, and the broader field of industrial ecology. In sugar, petroleum, and metal refining, proponents might use raffinierraffinage to describe efforts to reduce energy intensity, emissions, and impurity levels, while improving yield and throughput.

Note: As a neologism, raffinierraffinage is not universally recognized, and readers should look for context to understand its intended meaning in any given text.