Sulfur dioxide emissions in Iran and environmental impacts of sulfur recovery plant in Tabriz Oil Refinery

Background: Combustion of fossil fuels contributes to sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. To deal with thisissue, the government of Iran has appointed the oil refineries to upgrade their installations and producehigh quality fuels. Thus, this study investigated the status of SO2 emissions in Iran and the capability ofadvanced technologies to control SO2 emissions.Methods: The status of SO2 emissions was reviewed and discussed through national online reports.Meanwhile, the environmental impacts of sulfur recovery and tail gas treatment (TGT) plant (STP)were assessed by applying rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) for implementation and nonimplementationalternatives in Tabriz Oil Refinery Company (TORC).Results: SO2 emissions have been increased by 2.1 times during 2004-2014 in Iran. Power plants andtransportation play a significant role in this regard and overall contribute 82% of emissions. Amongthe other fossil fuels, fuel oil and gasoil account for 95% of SO2 emissions. Based on the environmentalimpact assessments (EIAs), sulfur recovery management and enhancing sulfur removal efficiency fromflue gas up to 99.9% are two main positive environmental aspects of STP project that would enableTORC to prevent 87 600 tons of SO2 emissions, annually. Nevertheless, flue gas and sour gas streamswhich have been determined as probable pollution sources of process, should be managed throughproper monitoring framework.Conclusion: The increasing trend of SO2 emissions and significant role of fuel oil and gasoil has requiredIranian oil refineries to enhance the quality of fuels by employing clean and cost-effective technologies.

Keywords:

Air pollution , Fossil fuels , Oil and gas industry , Environmental assessment , Tabriz