An integrated investigation of volatile organic compounds emission in the atmosphere from refinery and its off-site facilities

Abstract

The volatile mono and polyaromatic hydrocarbons were monitored in the ambient air and workplace of a refinery. Battery operated samplers with adsorption tubes were used for sampling the volatile hydrocarbons. The samples were subsequently thermally desorbed and analyzed using GC/MS system equipped with EI Detector. The levels of these aromatic chemicals decreased with distance from the source to the boundary walls of the refinery indicating that the impact on the neighbourhood environment is negligible. The high benzene to toluene ratio indicates that the leaks in the valves, compressors contribute to high emissions at the workplace. The volatile organic compounds were also monitored at some offsite facilities at ETP, Tank Farm, Pump House, and Gantry Terminals to have first hand information on status of these uncontrolled emissions during loading, unloading of petroleum liquids.