Study on the Speciation of VOCs at Oil Refining Plant Fenceline through Active Sampling

Abstract

The petroleum refining industry emits various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including high-volatility benzene, which can have a significant impact on the local community. To address this issue, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a fenceline monitoring system to ensure that benzene concentrations at the fenceline do not exceed 9 μg/m3. However, there are various types of VOCs, and some with high potential atmospheric oxidation (POCP) values, that may cause secondary air pollution. This study found that both study sites exceeded the action level of benzene (9 μg/m3), and the locations where the level was exceeded were close to the crude distillation unit (CDU) (max concentration 34.07 μg/m3). Additionally, a significant amount of xylene with a high POCP was also released. The xylene emission rate of study site A was 27.71%, and the xylene emission rate of study site B was 46.75%. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce both high-volatility benzene and high-POCP xylene. In various industries that use organic solvents, it is important to prioritize VOCs for continuous measurement and analysis and to establish reduction strategies.