Petroleum Refineries are a complex maze of vessels, pipes, heaters and processes whose purpose is to transform crude oil into usable products. Though no two refineries are identical, all refineries utilize the same steps to achieve this goal – separation, treatment, conversion and blending. Petroleum refineries emit significant quantities of various regulated air pollutants and are subject to a myriad of air quality regulatory requirements. The purpose of this course is to provide inspectors the basic knowledge necessary to conduct comprehensive inspections of Petroleum Refineries and to effectively communicate with Petroleum Refinery personnel.
The initial section of this two-day course will introduce participants to the terminology, basic chemistry, and process related emissions common to Petroleum Refineries. Participants will also be introduced to the many New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) and other air quality regulatory program requirements potentially applicable to a Petroleum Refinery. This discussion will include the air pollutants of concern and common control techniques.
The remainder of the course will focus on the four steps in the refining process – separation, treatment, conversion and blending. Each step will be addressed separately, including a discussion of the purpose of each step, common processes used to accomplish each step, air pollutant emissions associated with each process and associated inspection points. In addition, emissions and the control of air pollutants associated with supporting activities (such as waste water collection and treatment, tank farms, and safety flares) will be discussed.
This course will include a field trip. Participants must bring their hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection and eye protection. Participants need to check with their training coordinator to determine whether nomex protective clothing will be required for the facility tour. |
