Evaluation of Pollutant Emissions into the Atmosphere during the Loading of Hydrocarbons in Marine Oil Tankers in the Arctic Region

• Published in: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
• Main Authors: Vadim Fetisov, Vladimir Pshenin, Dmitrii Nagornov, Yuri Lykov, Amir H. Mohammadi
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020
• Subjects: volatile organic compounds (VOCs); vapor recovery unit (VRU); oil loading; oil evaporation; arctic’s protection; emissions assessment; Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering; VM1-989; Oceanography; GC1-1581; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8110917; https://doaj.org/article/0061b407480a40ef9aa36b14ed3bce76

Emissions of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere when loading oil or petroleum products into tankers are strong environmental pollutants. Given the increase in oil transport by sea and the development of Arctic routes, humanity faces the task of preserving the Arctic ecosystem. Vapor recovery units can limit the emissions of volatile organic compounds. However, it is necessary to estimate the emissions of oil and petroleum products vapors. This article offers two methods for estimating emissions of volatile organic compounds. In the analytical method, a mathematical model of evaporation dynamics and forecasting tank gas space pressure of the tanker is proposed. The model makes it possible to estimate the throughput capacity of existing gas phase discharge pipeline systems and is also suitable for designing new oil vapor recovery units. Creating an experimental laboratory stand is proposed in the experimental method, and its possible technological scheme is developed.