Environmental

Pollution in
Petroleum
Refineries
Subtitle
Environmental
Environment embraces all those disciplines which are
concerned with the physical, chemical, political, social,
cultural biological and even technological surroundings
in which all kinds of organisms live.
Environmental Pollution
Pollution is the contamination of our environment with
harmful substances, chemicals and impurities. Biological
and physical changes that adversely affect the health
and survival of living organisms are also pollution.
One of the greatest problems that the world is facing
today is that of environmental pollution, increasing with
every passing year due to the industrial revolution of
mankind and causing grave and irreparable damage to
the earth.
Pollutants
The agents which cause environmental pollutions are
called pollutants.
Types of Pollutions
Air pollution
Water pollution
Soil pollution
Thermal pollution
Noise Pollution
Marine Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution may be defined as the presence of any
solid, liquid or gaseous substance including noise and
radioactive radiation in the atmosphere in such
concentration that may be directly and indirectly
injurious to humans or other living organisms, plants,
property or interferes with the normal environmental
processes.
Air Pollutants

Suspended particulate matter

Gaseous
Major Air Pollutants Source
Pollutants Operations
Sulphur Combustion such as boilers
Carbon Evaporation of light oils
Nitrogen oxides Electric Generators
Particulates (Dust, Ash) Sludge burners, furnace
How to minimize emissions

For minimizing emissions of sulphur dioxide, use of fuel

with lower sulphur content, upgradation of SRU unit and
tail gas treatment
Retrofitting of Nox burners in existing refineries and low
Nox burners in new units
Use of Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR), vapour recovery
system and switch over to refrigeration system for LPG
storage to reduce hydrocarbon loss and VOC emissions
Water Pollution
Water is used in petroleum refineries for variety of
puposes. Since water does not enter into the final
product , it can be expected that 80-90% of the water
supplied to the refinery comes out as waste water.
Point Source Pollution Non Source Pollution
Pollution That enters through the Or called polluted run off caused by
sewers pipes or ditches from factories land pollutants that enters bodies of
or sewage treatment plants water over large area

e.g. Mining waste, Construction

Sendiments
Water Pollution Sources
Produced Water
Drilling fluids and cuttings
Process or drainage water
Sewerage, sanitary waste
Spills and leakage
Cooling water
Most
Hazardous
substances
Ammonia
Sources: form from nitrogen bearing component of crude
oil
Toxicity: irritates skin, eyes, nose, respiratory system
Carcinogenicity: none proven
Environmental fate: (ammonia + sulfate ions) washed
out by rainfall and return to the soil and surface waters.
Ammonia in lake and rivers become nitrate
Physical properties: Corrosive and irritating gas with
pungent odor
Toluene
Sources: component of crude oil present in refinery
operation
Toxicity: inhalation and ingestion can cause headaches,
weakness, memory loss. Degradation by
microorganism. Affect kidney and liver function
Carcinogenicity: none proven
Environmental fate: volatilized toluene can react with
other atmospheric component and cause air pollutant
Physical properties: volatile organic chemical
Xylene (mixed isomers)
Sources: component of crude oil present in refinery
operation
Toxicity: short term exposure: irritation in skin, eyes,
nose, throat. long term exposure: headaches, dizziness,
lack muscle coordination
Carcinogenicity: none proven
Environmental fate: portion releases to land and water
will quickly evaporate. Degradation by microorganism
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Sources: used in some refineries as a solvent in lube oil
dewaxing.
Toxicity: can cause adverse effects on the nervous system
ranging from headaches, dizziness, nausea, and numbness
in the fingers and toes to unconsciousness
Carcinogenicity: One source believes MEK is a possible
carcinogen in humans based on limited animal evidence
Environmental Fate: can contribute to the formation of air
pollutants in the lower atmosphere. degradation by
microorganisms
Physical Properties: flammable liquid
Propylene
Sources: formed during catalytic and thermal cracking and
coking operation
Toxicity: At low concentrations causes mild intoxication, a
tingling sensation, and an inability to concentrate. At
higher concentrations, unconsciousness, vomiting, severe
vertigo, reduced blood pressure, and disordered heart
rhythms
Carcinogenicity: none proven
Environmental Fate: Propylene is readily biodegraded by
microorganisms in surface water
Physical properties: volatile organic chemical
Benzene
Sources: component of crude oil and is therefore present
in many refining operations. produced during catalytic
reforming
Toxicity: Short-term inhalation of benzene primarily
affects the central nervous system and respiratory
system. Chronic exposure to benzene causes bone
marrow toxicity in animals and humans, causing
suppression of the immune system and development of
leukemia.
Carcinogenicity: human carcinogen
Pollution Prevention in the Petroleum
Refining Industry
improved operating procedures,
increased recycling
process modifications
Examples: reducing material inputs, re-engineering
processes to reuse by-products, improving management
practices, and employing substitution of toxic chemicals,
aggressive pollution prevention policies.
Examples of Process or Equipment
Modifications Options
Place secondary seals on storage tanks
Establish leak detection and repair program
Thermal treatment of applicable sludges
Remove unnecessary storage tanks from service
Examples of Potential Waste
Segregation and Separation Options
Segregate process waste streams
Improve recovery of oils from oily sludges
Identify benzene sources and install upstream water
treatment
Examples of Recycling Options
Recycle and regenerate spent caustics
Use oily sludges as feedstock
Recycle lab samples
Examples of Training and Supervision
Train personnel to reduce solids in sewers
Train personnel to prevent soil contamination
Examples of Potential Material
Substitution
Use non-hazardous degreasers
Eliminate chromates as an anti-corrosive
Use high quality catalysts
Replace ceramic catalyst support with activated alumina
supports