Environmental Pollution Level of Oil Refining Projects

Environmental Pollution Level of Oil Refining Projects

Oil refining projects fall into the category of high-pollution, high-energy-consumption industries. Their pollution level is closely related to production scale, process technology, and the quality of environmental protection facilities. If not properly managed, they can cause significant environmental harm, but pollution can be kept at a low level under compliant operations.

I. Main Types of Pollution

Air Pollution

Key pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, originating from heater combustion, process tail gas, and storage tank breathing losses.

Without adequate desulfurization, denitrification, and VOC recovery facilities, it can easily lead to acid rain, ozone pollution, and photochemical smog.

Water Pollution

Generates oily wastewater, sulfur-containing wastewater, and saline wastewater. If discharged directly

 without advanced treatment, it can cause excessive oil, COD, and ammonia nitrogen in water bodies, damaging aquatic ecosystems.

Solid Waste Pollution

Produces hazardous waste such as oil sludge, spent catalysts, and acid-alkali residues. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and groundwater, and some waste contains heavy metals and toxic organic compounds.

Noise and Ecological Impact

Noise from equipment operation affects the lives of surrounding residents. Project construction and production may damage local ecosystems and impact biodiversity.

II. Key Factors Affecting Pollution Level

Process Technology: Clean technologies such as hydrocracking and delayed coking produce far less pollution than traditional processes.

Environmental Protection Facilities: Equipping with high-efficiency desulfurization and denitrification units, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and hazardous waste stabilization facilities can significantly reduce pollutant emissions.

Regulation and Management: Strictly implementing the Emission Standard of Pollutants for Petroleum Refining Industry (GB 31570-2015) and local standards, along with online monitoring and regular inspections, can effectively control pollution.

III. Current Industry Status

With stricter domestic environmental policies, new oil refining projects generally adopt advanced processes and environmental protection facilities, leading to a significant reduction in pollution emission intensity. However, some aging enterprises still face risks of excessive emissions due to outdated facilities and inadequate management.