Prediction of the Atmospheric Footprint Reduction Associated with the Implementation of Natural Gas at a Coal-to-Gas Petrochemical Industry in South Africa.

摘要

Sasol,the biggest coal to gas producer in the world,has in recent months been able to replace coal as primary feedstock with natural gas,originating from Mozambique,at one of its main operating facilities(Sasol One,Sasolburg,South Africa).The environmental benefits of this change in feedstock were from the outset considered to be substantial.In order to assess these improvements,a study was conducted to determine the possible atmospheric footprint reduction achievable from changing to an alternative feedstock,by making use of atmospheric dispersion models.Results indicated a marked improvement in the atmospheric pollution footprint associated with the petrochemical factory activities at selected residential receptor sites,although only a minor improvement in ambiet air quality could be expected due to sources external to the Sasol factory.The paper will present these expected gains,as well as the methodology used during the assessment.