Flash Emissions from Acrylonitrile Storage Tank and Their Impact on Ambient Air Quality
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
ISSN
23375779
eISSN
23385502
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105028888421
Journal Title
Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences
Volume
58
Issue
2
Start Page
274
End Page
286
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences Vol.58 No.2 (2026) , 274-286
Suggested Citation
Mapraditkul P., Jookjantra P., Charuchitsopon P., Premrungchet K., Sooktawee S., Thepanondh S. Flash Emissions from Acrylonitrile Storage Tank and Their Impact on Ambient Air Quality. Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences Vol.58 No.2 (2026) , 274-286. 286. doi:10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2026.58.2.9 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114451
Title
Flash Emissions from Acrylonitrile Storage Tank and Their Impact on Ambient Air Quality
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Flash emissions from chemical storage tanks are a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), accounting for over 90% of total VOC releases during storage. This study evaluated acrylonitrile emissions at a petrochemical facility using the Vasquez-Beggs Equation (VBE), TANKS 5.1, and the AERMOD dispersion model. Under midrange conditions, flashing losses were estimated at 12.84 g/s, with peak emissions reaching 18.17 g/s under high-pressure, low-temperature conditions. In comparison, breathing and working losses contributed only 0.0986 g/s and 0.2776 g/s, respectively, in uncontrolled scenarios. Air dispersion modeling indicated acrylonitrile concentrations exceeding 800 µg/m³ for 24-hour exposure and surpassing 250 µg/m³ in annual averages near sensitive receptors under uncontrolled conditions. Implementing a 90% efficient emission control system reduced flashing losses to 1.284 g/s, effectively lowering ambient concentrations by more than 80%. However, even with substantial reductions, residual cancer risks at certain receptors remained above the acceptable threshold of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶, highlighting the need for additional mitigation measures. These findings underscore the importance of advanced emission control technologies and optimized operational practices to minimize the environmental and health impacts of acrylonitrile storage tanks, offering actionable insights for sustainable industrial air quality management.