Air Emissions Performance
ConocoPhillips continues working to reduce air emissions from our operations. In addition to tracking our greenhouse gas emissions, we track emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). SOx, NOx and PM originate from the combustion of hydrocarbons in our operations. VOCs are hydrocarbons associated with natural gas and crude oil, and represent lost product when released.

In our U.S. refineries, we continue to significantly reduce air emissions. By the end of 2010, we will have installed nine wet gas scrubbers on our fluidized catalytic cracking units, resulting in a substantial reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions and particulates. By year-end 2014, we will have completed 85 NOx reduction projects on a variety of refinery equipment.

In 2008, increases in NOx emissions for our upstream businesses were the result of improved emissions inventory and data quality, as well as increased drilling. 

      Total Nitrogen Oxide Emissions

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions per Unit of Production


      Total Sulfur Oxide Emissions

SOx Emissions Per Unit of Production

     Total Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions

VOC Emissions Per Unit of Production
Additional Information
Definitions
The emissions are defined as:

  • SOx are acidic gases produced during the combustion of fuels that contain sulfur compounds.
  • NOx are the sum of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. NOx emissions occur almost exclusively from the combustion of fossil fuels in boilers, heaters, engines, flares, turbines and fluid catalytic cracking units.
  • PM is emitted from combustion of fossil fuels in addition to other activities.
  • VOCs are hydrocarbons associated with natural gas and crude oil and represent lost product when released.
SOx and NOx together contribute to acid rain, while VOCs can serve as a precursor to smog, which in high concentrations can pose health risks.

For SOx, NOx and PM, we continue to see a return from our investment in control technologies with reduced emissions. For VOC, we have made strides in reducing emissions through new technology – however, our total VOC emissions have grown along with our increased North American production.

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