Vapor Loss of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the Shipping Port of Abadan Petroleum Refinery

Hydrocarbon storage tanks, the major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission, have unfavorable effects on atmospheric chemistry and human health. The present study aims at calculating the amount of VOCs’ loss with an emphasis on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). It has been performed by means of TANKs 4.0.9d and WATER9 Software Programs, as well as field measurement for validation. It, then, provides control strategies to reduce the amounts of VOCs in the shipping port area. Emission sources include 32 internal and external floating roof storage tanks, 7 pump houses, and one wastewater treatment pool. Field sampling has been done, using SKC sampling pump and activated carbon adsorption tube according to NIOSH 1501 standard. The obtained samples have been analyzed with FID and GC-MS. Results show that the total emission of VOCs has been equal to 933.25 tons/year, the majority of which (881.74 tons/year ) comes from storage tanks, followed by pump houses and wastewater treatment pool (47.88 and 3.63 tons/year, respectively). BTEX emission includes 1.49 tons/year of benzene, 3.2 tons/year of toluene, 0.57 tons/year of ethylbenzene, and 1.53 tons/year of xylenes. In order to reduce the emission of VOCs from the storage tanks, the paper proposes to change the design of tanks’ roof and sealing. As a result, the total emission of VOCs could be reduced by 18.27%, equivalent to 158.16 tons/year. The total cost of the oil vapors loss is estimated at 253’000 $/year, part of which (i.e., up to 43’000 $/year) could be saved by applying the proposed control strategies.