Utilizing a optimized method for evaluating vapor recovery equipment control efficiency and estimating evaporative VOC emissions from urban oil depots via an extensive survey

As an important intermediary between upstream refineries and downstream urban gas stations, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from urban oil depots were often disregarded, underestimating their environmental and health implications. An extensive investigation of urban depots' fuel composition and operational dynamics was conducted nationwide. We developed a novel approach that integrates theoretical models with easily measurable operational data from the depots to evaluate the efficiency of post-treatment devices in actual situations. Even in well-managed oil depots, the actual control efficiency of vapor recovery units fluctuates between 63 % and 85 %, depending on the concentration of hydrocarbon vapors in the intake of the device. The national emission factors for gasoline, diesel, and aviation kerosene at a national level were 6.64 ± 1.16, 2.07 ± 0.42, and 6.17 ± 1.05 tons per 10,000 tons, respectively. In 2019, China's urban oil depots emitted 165 thousand tons of VOC. Enhancing control strategies by optimizing the physical and chemical parameters of refined oil, improving storage capacity and turnover efficiency, and upgrading storage tanks had the potential to reduce emissions by more than 60 %. However, a 30 % failure rate in these systems could negate the benefits of these improved strategies. [Display omitted] •A nationwide survey on oil storage facilities has been extensively conducted.•Developed a methodology for assessing VOC emissions from storage facilities.•The actual control efficiency of oil and gas recovery devices was between 63 % and 85 %.•Nationwide, oil products emitted 160,000 + tons of VOCs, at 4.33 ± 0.99 tons per 10,000 tons.