AM-08-15 Benzene Reduction in Motor Gasoline: Obligation or Opportunity?

Description:

The current generation of U.S. oil refiners, as well as those who produce motor gasoline for the U.S., are faced both with the next challenge of meeting environmental regulations for their fuel products, and continuing to generate operating profits for their companies. These regulations limit the quantity of certain components which are perceived health risks. High-profile products like reformulated and conventional motor gasolines, require compliance with the Federal government’s Mobil Source Air Toxins (MSAT) II regulations, next effective January, 2011. These require that the concentration of aromatics and particularly benzene be maintained below certain prescribed levels. The benzene limit must meet an annual average content of 0.62 volume per cent, down from currently permissible average 1.0 volume per cent. Benzene also happens to be a valuable petrochemical. Refiners of U.S motor gasolines can use the new fuels requirement to their advantage by choosing to recover and produce benzene as a petrochemical product.