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: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2020
• Subjects: volatile organic compounds (VOCs); vapor recovery unit (VRU); oil loading; oil evaporation; arctic’s protection; emissions assessment; available technologies; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8110917

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.