air emissions

ExxonMobil is working to reduce the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from our operations. We have implemented cost-effective new technologies and adopted new operating practices to reduce air emissions, driven in part by new regulatory requirements but also in response to community priorities. As a result of these efforts, our combined emissions of VOCs, SO₂, and NOx decreased by 23 percent from 2004 levels. For example, at our Meerhout polymers plant in Belgium, we are implementing an innovative approach to reduce VOCs emissions by recycling gas at higher pressure. This will reduce our energy costs by 4 percent and our VOCs emissions by about 30 percent This change, together with other efforts, will decrease the plant’s air emissions by about 40 percent and reduce energy consumption by about 10 percent from 2003 levels.

We continued upgrading our U.S. manufacturing facilities to reach the target of reducing our combined NOx and SO₂ emissions by 70 percent from our 2000 baseline levels. By year-end 2007, we achieved between 50 and 60 percent of our reduction target. All seven of our U.S. refineries have implemented some reduction measures and are continuing to make further upgrades. Upgrades and facility improvements for air emissions reduction include selective catalytic reduction to control NOx emissions, installation of sulfur recovery processes, and additional flare gas recovery. For example, our Baytown olefins plant in Texas just completed a multiyear investment program expected to reduce NOx emissions by about 1000 metric tons per year. New facilities include proprietary ultra-low-NOx burners that achieve a 50-percent reduction over the Best Available Control Technology for steam-cracking furnaces.

At several of our refineries and chemical plants, we use innovative optical imaging technology to efficiently inspect valves, connectors, pumps, and other piping system components for leaks. This infrared video camera system also helps the sites to detect emissions from storage tanks, heating and cooling equipment, and other sources, enabling rapid repairs. ExxonMobil engineers have conducted studies to expand the capabilities of this new technology and have shared the learnings with industry through numerous publications and presentations.