Which key function does sour water treatment address in a refinery?

Sour water treatment primarily focuses on the removal of hazardous components, which is crucial for maintaining a safe and environmentally compliant operation within a refinery. Sour water is a byproduct that typically contains ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, phenols, and other toxic compounds. Treating this sour water is essential to reduce these hazardous substances before the water can be reused or discharged.

By effectively treating sour water, refineries can prevent potential harm to the environment and human health, as well as meet regulatory standards for wastewater discharge. This function aligns with the overall goal of ensuring that the refinery operates safely and responsibly, minimizing the risk associated with hazardous materials.

While other options such as emissions reduction and product quality improvement are also important aspects of refinery operations, the primary function of sour water treatment centers around addressing the hazardous components present in the sour water stream.