what are the gases that constitute the air in a refinery

Are you talking about what is inside the refinery column (petroleum derivatives), the intake gas (the atmosphere) or the effluent/exhaust (from the stacks?)

To determine the gases that constitute the air in a refinery, we need to understand different aspects.

1. Intake Gas (Atmosphere):
The air surrounding the refinery usually consists of approximately 78% nitrogen (N2), 21% oxygen (O2), 0.9% argon (Ar), and trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O). These percentages can vary slightly depending on the location and specific circumstances.

2. Inside Refinery Column (Petroleum Derivatives):
Refinery columns are used to separate and process petroleum into different fractions. As the process involves heating and various chemical reactions, gases released within the refinery column can include hydrocarbons like methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

3. Effluent/Exhaust (From the Stacks):
Refinery operations produce various gases as byproducts, which are released through stacks and exhaust systems. These gases can include nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other hazardous gases.

To get precise information about the specific gases in a particular refinery, it would be best to consult the refinery's environmental reports, permits, or speak with industry experts in the field.