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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Volatile organic compound (VOC) control in ethylene plants

Conference ·
OSTI ID:288689
;  [1]
  1. M.W. Kellogg Co., Houston, TX (United States)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are compounds of carbon that combine with nitrogen oxides and other airborne chemicals, in the presence of sunlight (photochemically), to form ozone, which is a primary component of smog. Some common VOC include: benzene, toluene, xylene, naphtha, ethylene oxide, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and 1,3-Butadiene. Pollution of the atmosphere by VOC has been a subject of major concern. Therefore, VOC emissions are attracting increasing concern from public and government agencies. Ethylene plants have many multiple sources of VOC emissions. These sources can be divided into point emission sources, both continuous and intermittent, and fugitive emission sources. This paper discusses VOC emissions and controls for ethylene plants. The impact of environmental regulations are discussed with respect to new and existing ethylene plants. Typical VOC emission rates are quantified. Commercially available and emerging control technologies are reviewed.

OSTI ID:
288689
Report Number(s):
CONF-9404309--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English