Environmental Technology in the Oil Industry

FIGURE 1.1. BP group annual total air emissions by pollutant 19992004 (See Color Plates). FIGURE 1.2. BP group annual total air emissions* by business 19992004 (See Color Plates). evaporate. In addition, gas can be released from operations through contr- led process vents for safety protection. Further safety devices, such as flares, are used to burn excess hydrocarbons in the industry, but can allow a small proportion of hydrocarbon into the atmosphere without being burnt. Ind- try contains and controls these emissions wherever possible to minimize any loss of hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon vapours, often described as volatile organic compounds or VOCs, are potentially harmful air pollutants, which can result in local health impacts as well as local or regional contributions to the formation of low-level ozone; which in turn, may also impact human health. Controlling hydrocarbon loss helps prevent impact on air quality and is also economically beneficial. 4 A. Ahnell and H. O'Leary In 2004, BP emitted 245 kilo-tonnes of non-methane hydrocarbons to air, a decrease of 24 kilo-tonnes (9%) compared with 2003. The largest prop- tion of these emissions came from the exploration and production businesses (44%), followed by refining and marketing (R&M) (35%). Combining methane and non-methane hydrocarbon totals provides a better idea of where most of the hydrocarbon emissions come from within the ind- try sectors. In BP's case, the exploration and production activities account for 67% of the total volume of such hydrocarbons emitted to air in 2004.

Looks at each stage in the life cycle of petroleum products, from exploration to end use Examines the environmental pressures on the Oil Industry and its response Draws together technical developments and environmental issues in a way that will be understandable to the non-expert and expert alike Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Klappentext

This significantly updated edition looks at each stage in the life cycle of petroleum products, from exploration to end use, examining the environmental pressures on the Oil Industry and its response.

The Oil Industry produces a range of products without which modern civilization could not exist. Nevertheless, in today's environmentally conscious world, society demands that the industry manufactures and markets the products without unduly polluting the environment. Its ability and willingness to comply determines whether society will allow it a licence to operate.

Technical developments are progressing in line with environmental concerns and increasing sophistication of computer modelling techniques. These subjects are inter-related, but have often been dealt with independently. This book will explore these topics together in a way that will be understandable to the non-expert, and those who are expert in one field, but wish to see their expertise discussed in the overall context.

Written primarily for those working in the Oil and related industries, this book also provides essential reference material for government and research institutions and all those with an interest in environmental technological issues.

Inhalt
General Introduction.- Environmental Control Technology for Oilfield Processes.- Environmental Control of Well Integrity.- Environmental Control of Drilling Fluids and Produced Water.- Oilfield Waste Disposal Control.- Drilling and Production Discharges in the Marine Environment.- Decommissioning of Offshore Oil and Gas Installations.- Tanker Design: Recent Developments from an Environmental Perspective.- Pipeline Technology.- Environmental Management and Technology in Oil Refineries.- Distribution, Marketing and Use of Petroleum Fuels.- Lubricants.- Climate Change Scenarios and Their Potential Impact on World Agriculture.