Air Products Incorporated

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Chemical Storage and Delivery

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Emissions, Fugitive

Substance: NH3

Equipment: Pipeline Delivery

Location: Pasadena TX

No. of employees: 262

Contact: Leslie Straughan

Phone: (713) 920-7340

Description:

Air Products Pasadena Plant used three pressurized storage tanks for its ammonia feedstock. In late 1989, Air Products began receiving ammonia from its suppliers via pipeline rather than railcars. By converting to this method, Air Products was able to eliminate two of the three ammonia storage tanks and significantly reduce fugitive ammonia emissions. Emissions were further reduced by the installation of rupture disks under all safety relief valves in the ammonia system during 1991 and 1992.

Environmental Benefits:

Ammonia emissions were reduced by over 130,000 pounds (77% of base volume of 170,000 pounds/year in 1987). The fugitive releases and potential accidental releases during transfer operations were significantly reduced.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

No cost savings due to the capital cost for the pipeline exceeding the ammonia savings. This project was implemented voluntarily because of its environmental and safety impact.

Source: TCEQ