Question

How to minimize emissions from catalytic reforming unit in a refinery?

Give at least 5 examples.

Answer 1

There are few ways in which the emissions from catalytic reforming unit in a refinery

1) Vaccum Distillation

Vaccum Distillation gets to allow the separation of the topped crude into common boiling point fractions by vaporization as well as condensation. Air emissions got to come out from the condensers following the steam ejectors and vacuum pumps used to maintain the vacuum in the distillation column and in turn the hydrocarbon emissions are usually controlled by incineration in process furnaces or steam boilers.

2) Blowdown System

A refinery blowdown system actually consists of valves, piping, surge vessels, etc. to allow safe transfer of process liquids or vapors out of each process unit.This particular transfer can get to allow the release of very concentrated air emissions, the blowdown system is usually connected to a refinery flare unit in order to destroy these high concentration air emissions on the whole.

3) Equipment Leaks

Equipment leaks can occur anyway like pipes, threaded pipe connections, pump seals, compressor seals and valve packing and this can release a lot of hydrocarbons and other emissions which are to be stopped. Leak detection and repair programs can reduce but not eliminate these fugitive emissions.

4) Process Heaters

Process heaters are used in oil refineries to indirectly heat process fluids to a moderate processing temperature.  Process heaters get to use natural gas, refinery fuel gas, fuel oil or residual oil as fuel. The potential air emissions are the least with natural gas fuel and are the most with residual oil as a fuel and therefore, it has to be taken into account that the process heaters are most important and the fuel used can control emissions.

5) Gasoline Rack Loading

Gasoline rack loading gets to require the transfer of refined products which include gasoline from refinery storage tanks to a tank truck. Filling the tank truck allows vapors of the refined product to build up in the tank which must be vented to atmosphere along with the air displaced from the tank. The hydrocarbon emissions that are usually contained in the vented air are usually conducted to an emission control device and either destroyed or recovered for reuse.