Engineering Standard

SAES-A-102 25 May 2016

Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards
Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope...................................................................... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations.......................................... 2
3 References.............................................................. 2
4 Project Requirements.............................................. 4
5 Design Requirements.............................................. 4
6 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms.............. 13

Appendix I – Scope of Flaring Minimization

Plan (FMP)............................................ 22

Previous Issue: 31 July 2012 Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019

Page 1 of 22
Contact: Sayid, Esam Mohammed (khalifem) on +966-13-8809787

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

1 Scope

1.1 This standard governs the design of air emission controls.

1.2 This standard applies to Saudi Aramco, joint venture and third party facilities.

1.3 This standard does not apply to gases that are injected into any reservoir.

1.4 Requirements specified in this standard are in addition to requirements under

government environmental standards. See Section 3.2 for a list of applicable
government environmental standards.
Note: Projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall comply with the latest Presidency
of Meteorology and Environment Standards. Projects in the Royal Commission
areas shall comply with the latest Royal Commission Environmental Standards.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any deviation or difference between standards, the more restrictive standard
shall apply.

2.2 Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Standards (e.g., SAESs, SAMSSs, SASDs, etc.), and/or government standards
(PME, RC) shall be resolved in writing through the General Supervisor,
Environmental Engineering Division (EED), Dhahran.

2.3 All requests to deviate from this standard shall be made in writing to the
Manager of Environmental Protection Department who shall comply with the
requirements in SAEP-302, Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements. The Saudi Arabian Government
Environmental Standards cannot be waived by Saudi Aramco.

3 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-13 Environmental Impact Assessment
SAEP-14 Project Proposal

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of Mandatory

Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements
SAEP-340 Air Dispersion Modeling, Emission Inventory

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-104 Wastewater Treatment, Reuse and Disposal
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-400 Industrial Drainage Systems
SAES-A-401 Closed Drain Systems (CDS)
SAES-F-007 Systems Design Criteria of Flares
SAES-M-006 Saudi Aramco General Purpose Fencing
SAES-O-202 Security Fencing

3.2 Government Environmental Standards

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Supreme Economic Council, General
Environment Regulations (October 2001)
Presidency for Meteorology and the Environment, (2014)
Royal Commission Environmental Regulations, Royal Commission for
Jubail and Yanbu (2015)
Notes: The EPD website maintains the current version of these government
standards.

All internationally financed JV projects are subjected to IFC/WHO

regulations and standards.

If multiple standards apply, the most stringent of them shall be applied.

3.3 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D323 Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of
Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

United States Environmental Protection Agency

USEPA CFR PART 75 Code of Federal Regulations

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

4 Project Requirements

4.1 Environmental Screening and Scoping (ESS) Statement

The ESS Statement shall include a discussion of any significant air quality
impacts and the controls required to meet the Ambient Air Quality and Source
Emission Standards in the applicable Saudi Aramco and Government
Environmental Standards.

4.2 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The EIA (refer to SAEP-13) shall demonstrate compliance with Ambient Air
Quality Standards through an air dispersion modeling study, if required by ESS,
as per the procedures detailed under SAEP-340. The General Supervisor of
Environmental Engineering Division shall have the responsibility for the
technical review and approval of any air dispersion modeling study.

5 Design Requirements

The following are Saudi Aramco requirements which are in addition to PME and RC
standards:

5.1 General Requirements

5.1.1 Locate emission sources based on the Initial Screening at suitable

distances from sensitive receptors (population areas, roads, etc.).
Evaluation of such facilities as to adequacy of location, emission
controls, and/or operational procedures shall be reviewed and approved
on an individual basis by EPD.

5.1.2 All industrial facilities shall be designed to not discharge any toxic
substances or hazardous matter in such quantities or duration as to be
harmful to the health and welfare of humans, animals, or plants.
Evaluation of such facilities as to adequacy of controls and/or procedures
and emission potential shall be done on an individual basis by the EPD.

5.1.3 Best Available Control Technology (BACT) shall be used for new
facilities and Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) shall be used
for existing facilities to control air pollutant emissions. Source specific
BACT and BART information are found at the USEPA database through
its website at www.epa.gov/ttn.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.2 Exhaust Stacks and Vents

5.2.1 The Stack Height (SH) shall be determined by either:

1. Good Engineering Practice (GEP) Stack Height (SH) determined by

the following equation:

SH = H + 1.5L (1)
where:
SH= GEP stack height measured from the Ground-Level
Elevation at the base of the stack.
H = height of nearby structure(s) measured from the ground-level
elevation at the base of the stack.
L = Lesser Dimension (height or projected width) of nearby
structure(s); OR

2. The height demonstrated by an Air Dispersion Modeling or a field

study, approved by EPD, which ensures that the emissions from a
stack do not result in excessive concentrations of any air pollutant as
a result of atmospheric downwash, wakes, or eddy effects created by
the emissions source itself, nearby structures, or nearby terrain
features.
Note: “Nearby” is defined for a specific structure or terrain feature; and
means:

a. For purposes of applying the equation provided above, that

distance up to five (5) times the lesser of the height or the
width dimension of a structure, but not greater than eight-tenths
(0.8) km [five-tenths (0.5) mile]; and

b. For conducting demonstrations under subsection 2 of this

section, not greater than eight-tenths (0.8) km [five-tenths
(0.5) mile] except that the portion of a terrain feature may be
considered to be nearby if it falls within a distance of up to ten
(10) times the maximum height (HT) of the feature, not to
exceed two (2) miles if such feature achieves a height (Ht)
eight-tenths (0.8) km from the stack that is at least forty
(40) percent of the GEP stack height determined by the
equations provided in subsection 1) of this section or twenty-six
(26) meters, whichever is greater, as measured from the
ground-level elevation at the base of the stack. The height of
the structure or terrain feature is measured from the ground-
level elevation at the base of the stack.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.2.2 Provide stacks with two sampling ports, 90 apart, if the stack diameter is
less than < 3.1 meters including the port length; or four sampling ports,
90 apart, if the stack diameter is ≥ 3.1 meters including the port length.
Locate all sampling ports at least eight (8) stack (or duct) diameters
downstream and at least two (2) diameters upstream away from any flow
disturbance such as a bend, expansion, contraction, stack opening, or
visible flame if the flue gas flow is cyclonic or swirling. If the flue gas
flow is not cyclonic, an alternative location may be selected at a position at
least two (2) stack (or duct) diameter downstream and a half (½) diameter
upstream from any flow disturbance.

5.2.3 The positions of the ports shall be placed at the same elevation and
separated by 90 degrees on the stack (Contact the EED General
Supervisor for technical guidance if a sampling port location cannot meet
the above requirements and an alternate sampling scheme must be used).
Each port shall consist of a 4-inch to 6-inch inside diameter (I.D.)
opening. The sampling port shall be installed with a pipe extending
approximately 6 inches beyond the outside stack wall and at 90 degrees
to the stack. The pipe shall be threaded on the outside and ended with a
bolted flange installed. The flange shall be capped when not in use.
Install at each sampling point a hook to support monorail system.

5.2.4 The equivalent stack diameter for square or rectangular cross-section

ducts, for the purpose of determining flue gas sampling port upstream
and downstream distances, shall be calculated as follows:

2 HW
De  (2)
(H  W )

Where De is Equivalent Diameter of Stack (or Duct), H is the Height (or

length) of the stack (or duct), and W is the width of the stack (or duct).

5.2.5 Provide access to the sampling ports with work platforms 1.1 m to 1.25 m
wide at approximately 1.5 meters below the installed sampling ports and
capable of supporting 3 adults (300 kg) plus 100 kg of sampling
equipment. Equip the platform with a safety handrail and ensure there are
no obstructions within a one-meter horizontal radius on the platform
beneath the ports. The platform shall be equipped with grounded
weatherproof dual 120 VAC/240 VAC/30-Amp electrical service with
multiple outlets at the platform and base of the stack. For more detail refer
to EPA Methods 1-5, these methods appear in title 40, part 60 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (referred to as 40 CFR 60).

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.3 Boilers, Process Heaters, and Other External Stationary Combustion Units

5.3.1 Design gas fired boilers and process heaters to operate at 10% to 15%
excess air (equivalent to 2% to 3% excess O2) and oil fired boilers
between 10% to 25% excess air (2% to 5% excess O2).

5.3.2 NOx emissions from external combustion units with heat input capacity
equal to or greater than 100 MMBtu/hr shall not exceed 0.06 lb/MMBtu
or 26 ng/J(97 mg/m3). NOx emission from external combustion units
with heat input capacity less than 100 MMBtu/hr shall not exceed
0.08 lb/MMBtu or 34.4 ng/J (128 mg/ m3).

5.3.3 Utilize the Best Available Technology (BAT) for reducing NOx emission
(ex: Ultra Low NOx Burners, Flue Gas Recirculation, Selective Catalyst
Reduction, etc.).

5.3.4 For units with heat input capacity greater than 100 MMBtu/hr, NOx
emissions shall be monitored using continuous emissions monitoring
systems (CEMS or PEMS). NOx emissions from units with heat input
capacity less than 100 MMBTU/hr shall be controlled by keeping the
excess O2 within the specified limit as listed under 5.3.1.

5.4 Stationary Combustion Gas Turbines (CGTs)

5.4.1 CGTs shall not exceed the NOx emission limits as follows:
 For plant with more than 50MWth Fuel Heat Input (Sales Gas) NOX
emissions shall not exceed 25ppm (dry at 15% oxygen)
 For plant with more than 50MWth Fuel Heat Input (Liquid Fuel)
NOX emissions shall not exceed 75ppm (dry at 15% oxygen)
 For plant with less than 50MWth Fuel Heat Input (Sales Gas) NOX
emissions shall not exceed 60ppm (dry at 15% oxygen)
 For plant with less than 50MWth Fuel Heat Input (Other Fuel) NOX
emissions shall not exceed 75ppm (dry at 15% oxygen)
Note: In remote areas, where there are technical difficulties, such as
scarcity of water and unavailability of gas, the EPD Manager can
authorize a deviation from this standard - provided there are no
significant environmental concerns.

5.4.2 Provide excess O2, NOx and CO analyzers. For NOx monitoring,
Predictive Emission Monitoring System (PEMS) or Hardware
Continuous Emission Monitoring System CEMS can be used as per
USEPA Methods 7 and PS 16.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.5 Fluidized-Bed Catalytic Cracking Units (FCCU)

5.5.1 The applicable source standards for CO emissions from an FCC

regenerator shall be met with either a CO boiler or complete combustion
in the regenerator.

5.5.2 Types of Particulate Emission Controls for the FCCU Regenerator stack
include but not limited to the following:
 Caustic Venturi Wet Scrubber
 High Efficiency Cyclone (HEC)
 Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)

5.6 Sulfur Recovery Units (SRU) and Sulfur Loading Facilities

5.6.1 All SRUs shall comply with the PME Source Emission Standards.
The required End-of-Run (EOR) SRU efficiency shall be determined by
consulting with P&CSD.

5.6.2 Air dispersion modeling, in accordance with SAEP-340, shall be used to

demonstrate SRUs compliance with the Ambient Air Quality standards
in the applicable Saudi Arabian Government environmental standards.
The modeling shall include the effect of stack gas heat recovery if it is
proposed.

5.6.3 Design the incinerator to operate at temperatures that will ensure

complete combustion of H2S. Provide a flame monitoring system on the
incinerators to ensure continuous operation.

5.6.5 Provide mass-based Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEM) for each

Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) stack to verify compliance with the SO2 and
NOx emission limits. Contact P&CSD for CEM specifications.

5.6.6 CEMS shall be calibrated, maintained and operated in accordance with

the USEPA CFR PART 75.

5.6.7 Sulfur plants shall be designed with multiple trains having excess
capacity. The excess capacity shall be able to handle the additional
throughput resulting from the failure/shut down of any SRU train.

5.6.8 Design sulfur handling and loading facilities with appropriate emission
control techniques to minimize direct atmospheric H2S, SO2, and
sulfurous particulate releases.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.7 On-Shore Flares

5.7.1 Horizontal flares are prohibited.

5.7.2 Flare height shall be determined based on air dispersion modeling studies
but shall not be less than 30 feet in height. For other design
requirements, please refer to SAES-F-007.

5.7.3 All Saudi Aramco facilities with flares/burn pits shall maintain a
comprehensive facility specific Flaring Minimization Plan (FMP) and
Flare Monitoring System (FMS) by utilizing the Corporate Flaring
Monitoring System (CFMS). The FMP and FMS shall be maintained
and updated quarterly. Refer to Appendix I for the scope of FMP.

5.7.4 Provide flowmeter(s) for each flare. Flowmeter(s) shall be capable of

accurately measuring the entire range of flow through the flare stack.
Flowmeter(s) shall be connected to the facility PI database and to the
CFMS. Flowmeter(s) shall be maintained and calibrated regularly to
ensure accurate reading.

5.7.5 Facilities are responsible for monitoring and reporting their actual flaring
data through CFMS. Facilities shall update their CFMS database on a
regular basis to avoid any discrepancy in the flaring data.
Note: Exemption from 5.7.2 minimum height requirement may be granted for
multi-tip flares flaring sweet gas provided the proposed design
demonstrate compliance with both source and ambient air quality
requirements. The design must be approved by P&CSD and EPD.

5.8 Burn Pits

5.8.1 The usage of burn pits is restricted to Emergency Cases only. A liquid
hydrocarbon recovery system shall be provided to eliminate non-
emergency liquid hydrocarbon burning. Emergency burn-pit usage shall
be reported to EPD within 24 hours. Liquid Hydrocarbons generated
during pipeline scraping shall be recovered. Liquid Hydrocarbon
generated during pipeline scraping shall be recovered and a portable
elevated flare shall be used to burn the unrecovered gas.

5.8.2 The installation of new burn pits is restricted to burning liquids during
plant emergency shutdown only.
Commentary Notes:

Hydrocarbon brought-up during drilling and well cleaning operations are

not considered emergency. Hydrocarbon recovery system or alternatives
shall be provided to eliminate liquid hydrocarbons burning. Zero discharge
technology shall be used to eliminate any hydrocarbon flaring.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Burn pits shall be lined with a suitable, non-combustible material,

i.e., 60 cm low permeability compacted marl.

Stand-alone burn pits shall be fenced with Type V fence

(Ref. SAES-M-006) and locking gates (Ref. SAES-O-202).

Hydrocarbon gas and NGL recovery facilities are not required for remote
locations where there is no power and no nearby destination to gather the
recovered products.

5.8.3 Burn pits shall be located at least 1 kilometer from major roads and
sensitive receptors.

5.9 Open Burning Sources

Open burning is prohibited within Saudi Aramco properties and facilities except
as noted in Section 5.8.

5.10 Atmospheric Tanks

5.10.1 Storage Tanks for hydrocarbon liquids with TVP greater than or equal
to 1.5 psia shall be designed with floating roof and secondary seal.
Storage tanks for hydrocarbon liquids with a TVP greater than 11 psia
shall require vapor recovery as part of the design of the storage tank.

5.10.2 All Floating Roof Tanks shall have seal inspections at the initial fill
and at least once per year thereafter. The initial seal inspection report
of new tanks shall be provided to the General Supervisor of EED.

5.10.3 Storage Tanks with a True Vapor Pressure (TVP) >1.5 psia, shall
maintain a record of the petroleum liquid stored, the period of storage,
and the maximum true vapor pressure of that liquid during the
respective storage period.

5.10.4 Slotted Guide Gauge Poles shall not be used on storage tanks
containing VOC material having a True Vapor Pressure (TVP) of
greater than 1.5 psia unless the poles are equipped with Pole Wiper on
Sliding Cover, and Well Gasket on Top of Fixed Plate, in addition to
Pole Sleeve Seal or Float with Wiper Seal.

5.10.5 External floating roof tanks used for crude oil storage with a capacity
greater than 1,000 bbls shall be equipped with a secondary roof seal.

5.11 Bulk Loading and Product Transfer Operations

5.11.1 Facilities loading or unloading liquid hydrocarbons with a TVP greater

than or equal to 1.5 psia in quantities greater than 75 m³ per day shall
install a Vapor Control System (VCS) to control VOC emissions.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.11.2 Vapor emissions from the vapor control system are limited to no more
than 35 grams hydrocarbon per cubic meter (1000 liters) of loaded
product.

5.11.3 Use of bottom loading or submerged loading techniques for gasoline

tanker trucks is required at all facilities.

5.12 Site Location of Emission Sources

5.12.1 EED General Supervisor approval is required to obtain the permission

for Land Use Permit (LUP) for emission sources.

5.12.2 Land Use Permit (LUP) requests for crusher sites shall be approved as
follows:

5.12.2.1 All new crushers must be at least 4 kilometers away from

major highways, public areas and other sensitive receptors.

5.12.2.2 Existing crusher sites within 1 kilometer of major highways

and public areas shall not be renewed; and

5.12.2.3 Existing crusher sites from 1 to 4 kilometers of major

highways and public areas may be approved with site specific
conditions that would reduce/eliminate impact of the crusher
emissions on air quality.

5.13 Stack Emissions / Performance Testing

5.13.1 Conduct stack/performance tests on all regulated units (e.g., CGTs,

Boilers, SRUs, etc.) to demonstrate compliance with applicable Source
Emission Standards. The test shall be conducted within 60 days of the
facility achieving the normal production rate or within 180 days of
initial start-up, whichever is earlier.

5.13.2 Periodic stack/RATA testing (at least once every two years) shall be
conducted on all regulated units and on units with CEMS/PEMS.
The RATA shall be performed using USEPA approved methods.
Periodic stack/RATA test results shall be reported to EPD.

5.13.3 Stack/performance testing shall be conducted and reported in

accordance with methods and procedures that are approved by United
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Parts 60 - 63 or Equivalent International
Standard.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.13.4 A written stack performance test report shall be provided to the General
Supervisor of EED within 60 days of the test summarizing the results.
A new facility shall not be considered in environmental compliance
until the initial stack test results have been accepted by EED.

5.14 Air Pollutant Emissions from wastewater systems shall be controlled by

implementing the following requirements:

5.14.1 Each oil-water separator tank, slop oil tank, storage vessel, or other
auxiliary equipment subject shall be equipped and operated with a fixed
roof, which meets the following specifications:

5.14.1.1 The fixed roof shall be installed to completely cover the

separator tank, slop oil tank, storage vessel, or other auxiliary
equipment with no separation between the roof and the wall.
The vapor space under a fixed roof shall not be purged unless
the vapor is directed to a control device.

5.14.1.2 If the roof has access doors or openings, such doors or

openings shall be gasketed, latched, and kept closed at all
times during operation of the separator system, except during
inspection and maintenance.
Note: Storage vessels, including slop oil tanks and other auxiliary tanks that
are required to install floating roof with double-seals are not subject
to this requirement.

5.14.2 Each oil-water separator tank or auxiliary equipment with a design

capacity to treat more than 16 liters per second [250 gallons per minute
(gpm)] of refinery wastewater shall be equipped and operated with a
closed vent system and control device.

5.14.3 Slop oil from an oil-water separator tank and oily wastewater from slop
oil handling equipment shall be collected, stored, transported, recycled,
reused, or disposed of in an enclosed system.

5.14.4 Each oil-water separator tank, slop oil tank, storage vessel, or other
auxiliary equipment that is required to comply with paragraph (5.13.1)
of this section, and not paragraph (5.13.2) of this section, may be
equipped with a pressure control valve as necessary for proper system
operation. The pressure control valve shall be set at the maximum
pressure necessary for proper system operation, but such that the value
will not vent continuously.

5.14.5 Each drain shall be equipped with water seal controls.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
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Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

5.14.6 Sewer lines shall not be open to the atmosphere and shall be covered or
enclosed in a manner so as to have no visual gaps or cracks in joints,
seals, or other emission interfaces.
Note: For details about closed vent systems and control devices, refer to
USEPA document 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart QQQ.

5.15 Other Emission Sources

5.15.1 Spent caustic shall be treated to remove objectionable odors before

surface disposal.

5.15.2 H2S discharges to the ambient air from wastewater lagoons and ponds
shall be controlled as per design parameters found in the SAES-A-104
engineering standard.

5.15.3 Fugitive Emissions from components (valves, flanges, pump seals, etc.)
shall be controlled by implementing Leak Detection and Repair
(LDAR) survey in accordance with EPD LDAR Protocol.

5.16 Air Quality Monitoring and Meteorology Network (AMMNET) Stations

5.16.1 Major new facilities (e.g., refineries, gas plants, major crude oil
processing facilities) shall include the installation of at least one new
AMMNET station to monitor regulated pollutants (SO2, NO, NO2,
Ozone, THC, etc.) to be located in the prevailing down wind direction
of the facility. EED shall approve the location and interface with Saudi
Aramco’s existing AMMNET system.

5.16.2 Air dispersion modeling shall be used to determine the appropriate

AMMNET station location.

5.17 Fugitive Dust Emissions

To limit particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emissions into the ambient air
during construction/site preparation phases, an appropriate Dust Control Plan
shall be developed and implemented prior to any dust-generating activity.
The Dust Control Plan shall be in accordance with the EIA recommendations for
controlling fugitive dust emissions.

6 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

6.1 Definitions

Acid Gas: A byproduct from a natural gas or LPG sweetening process and
contains primarily H2S and CO2.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
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Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Actual Emissions (Tons/Year): This is the amount in tons per year of the
pollutant emitted at the emission point described.

Air Dispersion Modeling: Using computer models to estimate the

concentration of pollutants in the air by solving the mathematical equations that
govern their dispersion and diffusion in the atmosphere.

Air Pollutant: Any substance emitted to the atmosphere that causes or has the
potential to produce adverse impacts on human health or the environment.

Air Quality (AQ): A measure of the concentration and distribution of

pollutants in the air.

Ambient Air: It is defined as any air on the external side of a pollution source’s
boundary fence to which the public has access. This includes industrial areas
neighboring a pollution source.

Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) Standard: The prescribed level of a pollutant in

the ambient air that should not be exceeded during a specific time period to
prevent adverse effects.

Averages (as applied to the air quality standards):

1-Hour Average: - the smallest discrete averaging period that is used to

determine the other concentration averages such as 8-hour, 24-hour, and
1-year.

8-Hour Average: - computed as a running 8-hour average; any exceedances

will be determined based on running averages that do not share the same
hours. The 8-hour standard only applies to carbon monoxide.

24-Hour Average: - computed as the daily average, not as a running 24-hour

average.

Annual Average: - computed as 12-month Gregorian average (January 1 -

December 31).

Applicable Saudi Arabian Government Environmental Standards:

The latest version of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment standards
or Royal Commission environmental standards.

Best Available Control Technologies: An emission limitation based on the

maximum degree of reduction of each air contaminant emitted from or which
results from any stationary source or modification, which the Control Officer, on
a case by case basis, taking into account energy, environmental, and economic
impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such stationary source

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
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Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

through application of production processes and available methods, systems, and

techniques for control of such air contaminants. Said BACT determinations
may include a design standard, operational equipment specifications, fuel
restrictions, work practice or combination thereof. In no event shall application
of BACT result in emission of any pollutants which will exceed the emissions
allowed under existing Air Pollution Control Agency Rules and Regulations.

Bottom Loading: The loading of product via piping connected to fittings on

the bottom of the truck or railcar.

Breathing Loss: Breathing loss occurs daily when a liquid is stored in a tank.
Breathing loss for a product such as gasoline is due to evaporation and
barometric temperature changes. The frequency with which gasoline is
withdrawn from the tank, allowing fresh air to enter and enhance evaporation,
also has a major effect on the quantity of emissions.

Burn Pit: Any ground-level combustion area that is designed to burn off liquid
and/or gas.

Bulk Loading: Any gasoline facility which receives gasoline by pipeline, ship
or barge, and has a gasoline throughput greater than 75,700 liters per day.
Gasoline throughput shall be the maximum calculated design throughput.

Claus Sulfur Recovery Plant: A process unit that recovers sulfur from acid
gas by a vapor-phase catalytic reaction of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Combustion Gas Turbine (CGT): A fired gas turbine supplied with liquid or
gas fuel and used to generate electricity or drive a pump.

Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS): The system(s) that are

used to sample, condition, and analyze in-stack gas streams; and provide a
permanent record of emissions or process parameters.

Control Measure: A technique, practice, or procedure used to prevent or

minimize the generation, emission, entrainment, suspension, and/or airborne
transport of fugitive dust.

Criteria Pollutant: An air pollutant for which an air quality standard with a
specific set of ambient air concentration limits has been established by the Saudi
Arabian government based on specific health criteria (i.e., SO2, O3, NO2, CO.
Particulates).

Dust Control Device: A tool, machine, equipment, accessory, structure,

enclosure, cover, material or supply, including an adequate readily available
supply of water and its associated distribution/delivery system, used to control
fugitive dust emissions.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Dust Control Plan: A written plan describing all control measures to be

implemented and maintained in order to prevent or minimize the generation,
emission, entrainment, suspension, and/or airborne transport of fugitive dust.

Emergency/Upset Scenario: Unplanned, Intermittent, or infrequent process

interruption that leads to irregular atmospheric discharge events with averaging
time varied between 1 hr to 5 days depending on the situation and as per EPD
analysis.

Emergency Cases: “Emergency” means a situation arising from a sudden and

reasonably unforeseeable event beyond the control of the facility that:
(a) Requires immediate corrective action to restore normal operation;
(b) Causes the source to exceed a technology-based emission limitation in the
emission standard due to unavoidable increases in emissions attributable to
the emergency; and
(c) Does not include noncompliance caused by improperly designed equipment,
lack of preventive maintenance, careless or improper operation, or operator
error.

Emission Source: Any facility, process, or operation that releases air pollutants
to the atmosphere.

Exceedance: A ground-level concentration (GLC) value greater than the PME

or Royal Commission standard. A source emission greater than the PME or
Royal Commission standard.

Facility: Any installation or industrial activity expected to be a source of

pollution or cause an adverse environmental impact.

Facility Boundary: The recognized boundary of a facility indicated by a fence

line. Public facilities such as houses, schools, shops, etc., cannot be within a
facility boundary.

Flaring: Flaring is a high-temperature oxidation process used to burn

combustible components, mostly hydrocarbons, of waste gases from industrial
operations. Natural gas, propane, ethylene, propylene, butadiene and butane
constitute over 95 percent of the waste gases flared.

Floating Roof Tanks: Means a storage vessel cover consisting of a double

deck, pontoon single deck, internal floating cover or covered floating roof,
which rests upon and is supported by the petroleum liquid being contained, and
is equipped with a closure seal or seals to close the space between the roof edge
and tank wall.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Flare Gas Recovery System (FGRS): A system to recover the daily normal
continuous flare gas, and direct it back to the processing facility using a
compressor.

Fuel Gas: Any gas generated at a facility that is used to sustain a combustion
process to generate power, steam, or additional heat for other processes.
Fuel gas includes natural gas that is combined and combusted in any proportion
with another gas generated at facility.

Fugitive Dust: The particulate matter not collected by a capture system, that is
entrained in the ambient air, and is caused from human and/or natural activities,
such as, but not limited to, the movement of soil, vehicles, equipment, blasting,
and wind.

Fugitive (Non-Point) Emissions: Emissions to the atmosphere from such

sources as pumps, valves, flanges, seals, and other process locations not vented
through discrete openings, area-wide sources such as settling ponds, wastewater
lagoons, landfills, cooling towers, open burning areas, and piles of stored
material.

Ground Level Concentration (GLC): The actual measured ambient

concentration of the specified pollutant at ground-level, or the predicted
concentration based on air dispersion modeling techniques in parts per million
(ppm) or equivalent micrograms per cubic meter (g/m³), referenced to standard
temperature and pressure (STP) conditions.

Ground-Level Flare: Any flaring system that is designed to continuously

combust excess gases at ground level, inside or outside of a burnpit area.
Ground-level flares can be configured as a combination of horizontal or vertical,
multi-jet, multi-tip, or multi-stage type flares.

Industrial Area: The area inside a facility’s officially recognized property line
that excludes non-employees or other unauthorized personnel.

Inhalable Particulates: Any particle dispersed to the atmosphere in solid or

liquid form that has an aerodynamic size of 10 microns or less.

Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR): A program to control fugitive emissions

from a facility.

Modified (or Upgraded) Facility: Any modification or addition to an existing

facility that directly or indirectly increases air pollutant emissions to the
atmosphere from the facility.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

New Facility: Any facility designed and constructed as a wholly new facility.
All new facilities must be meet all current and anticipated environmental
standards and regulations.

Opacity: The degree to which emissions reduce the transmission of light and
obscure the view of an object in the background; the percent of opaqueness of
the exhaust gas of a stack or flare. (Note: the higher the opacity number, the
darker or more opaque the exhaust gas). Opacity measurement techniques are
specified in USEPA Method 9.

Open Burning: The intentional combustion of any material for the sole
purpose of disposal or recovery of specific products, and which produces air
pollution that cannot be controlled.

Performance Testing: The testing of new units to determine if such units

conform to the approved design. Performance testing includes stack testing of
process emissions to determine if all applicable Source Emission standards are
met.

Point Source: An emission source that releases pollutants from a limited

opening, such as a stack or vent.

Regulatory Agency: Presidency for Meteorology and the Environment (PME),

Royal Commission of Jubail, and Royal Commission of Yanbu.

Reid Vapor Pressure: The absolute vapor pressure of volatile crude oil and
volatile non viscous petroleum liquids except liquefied petroleum gases
(ASTM D323). Equivalent to true vapor pressure of volatile organic compounds
at 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu: The jurisdictional authorities that
administer industrial activities within the Madinat Jubail Al-Sinaiyah and
Madinat Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah areas.

Source Emission Standards (SES): The maximum amount of a particular

pollutant that can be discharged from a source. Source emission standards are
given for specific pollutants and specific sources and can specify technologies
and/or strategies to control the quantity and/or release rate of air pollutants from
a facility.

Spent Caustic: Caustic (NaOH) is used to treat light hydrocarbons and remove
Mercaptans and H2S. The caustic purge from these processes is referred to in
this document as Spent Caustic.

Stack: Any specific opening used directly or indirectly for discharging

pollutants to the atmosphere.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Stack Testing: The manual sampling and analysis of stack gases during normal
operation to determine the emission rates of specific pollutants. Stack testing is
part of the performance testing required at the initial start-up of a new process
and may be required periodically thereafter if mandated by the regulatory
agency.

Standard Limit: The 1-hour, 8-hour, 24-hour, or 12-month GLC of the

specified air pollutant.

Submerged Loading: The transfer of a product using a loading arm that

provides product freefall of 30 centimeters or less.

Tanker ship Operations: All ship operations that may release fumes and gases
to the ambient air due to loading, discharging, tanks inerting/venting activities,
tube cleaning, sounding, manifold/loading arms connecting and disconnecting,
and tanks topping procedures.

True Vapor Pressure: The equilibrium partial pressure exerted by a volatile

organic liquid at storage conditions.

Violation: An exceedance of the allowed number of AAQC standard exceedances.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): Organic chemicals which produce

vapors readily, at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure.
VOCs include gasoline, industrial chemicals such as benzene, and industrial
solvents (such as those used in dry cleaning). Many VOCs are also hazardous
air pollutants; for example, benzene causes cancer. VOCs also combine with
oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the presence of sunlight to form ozone (O3).
However, VOCs are not criteria pollutants.

6.2 Abbreviations and Acronyms

AAQS Ambient Air Quality Standard

AMMNET Air Quality Monitoring and Meteorology Network
Bbl Barrel
Btu British thermal unit
CEMS Continuous Emission Monitoring System
CGT Combustion Gas Turbine
DBSP Design Basis Scoping Paper for Projects
DSCM Dry Standard Cubic Meter

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

EED Environmental Engineering Division

ESP Electrostatic precipitator
FCCU Fluidized-bed catalytic cracking unit
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
FGRS Flare Gas Recovery System
FPD Facilities Planning Department
GLC Ground-level concentration
HEC High efficiency cyclone
J Joule, unit of energy
M 1000
MMBtu Million British thermal units
MT Metric Ton
MCF Thousand Cubic Feet
MMCF Million Cubic Feet
NOx Nitrogen Oxide
Ng/J Nanograms per Joule
PME Presidency for Meteorology and the Environment
PMT Project Management Team
PPM parts per million, by volume
PEM Predictive Emission Monitoring
RATA Relative Accuracy Test Audit
RCJ Royal Commission of Jubail
RCY Royal Commission of Yanbu
RVP Reid Vapor Pressure
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAMSS Saudi Aramco Material Systems Specification

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

SASD Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing

SES Source Emission Standard
STP Standard temperature & pressure (STP) conditions of
25°C (298°K) & 1 standard atmosphere (760 mm Hg)
(used for air quality applications)
SOx Sulfur Oxides
TVP True Vapor Pressure
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
µg/m³ micrograms per cubic meter
ng/Joule nanograms per joule

Revision Summary
25 May 2016 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the content of the document, and reissued as
major revision.

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Document Responsibility: Environmental Standards Committee SAES-A-102
Issue Date: 25 May 2016
Next Planned Update: 25 May 2019 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emissions Standards

Appendix I - Scope of Flaring Minimization Plan (FMP)

All Saudi Aramco facilities with flares/burn pits shall maintain a comprehensive facility specific
Flaring Minimization Plan (FMP). The FMP shall be updated annually. Flaring Minimization
Plan (FMP) shall consist of the following major elements:
o Policies and procedures adopted to minimize flaring;
o Measuring, monitoring and recording of flared gases;
o Causes of Flaring; and
o Implementation of preventive measures.
A. Policies and Procedures to Minimize Flaring

This procedure shall state facility policy and procedures for various categories of flaring
that include flaring due to process upsets, unanticipated equipment failure, plant start up
and shut downs and T&Is.
B. Measuring, Monitoring and Recording of Flared Gases

All flares at Saudi Aramco Facilities shall monitor the flared gases and prepare a monthly
report containing: 1) the total daily and monthly volumetric flow of the vent, pilot and
purge gas, and 2) the weekly average molecular weight of the vent gas.
C. Causes of Flaring

Plants shall categorize the flaring events as follows:

 Safety: Minimum purge gas (fuel gas or sales gas) to keep air out the flare headers.
 Leakages: Leakages from control valves and Safety Valves.
 Upset: Flaring attributed to process upsets.
 Mechanical Failure: Flaring attributed to mechanical equipment or instrumentation
failures.
 Startup/Shutdown: Flaring attributed to startup and shutdown.
 Process/Fuel Imbalance: Flaring resulting from temporary fuel imbalance in the fuel
system or inadequate gas processing capacity.
D. Implementation of Preventive Measures

Description of the completed FMPs capital modifications and a list of the remaining
activities along with their milestones.

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