Storage tank vapor recovery controls hydrocarbon emissions from filling, emptying and temperature changes. A suitable system combines source collection, pressure management, liquid protection, recovery or treatment equipment and safe discharge control.
Where tank vapor comes from
- Working losses during tank filling and product transfer
- Breathing losses caused by ambient temperature and pressure changes
- Flashing or dissolved gas released from incoming product
- Leaks, open vents, sampling and maintenance activities
How to select the VRU route
Condensation + adsorption can suit streams with recoverable heavier hydrocarbons and a need for low residual vapor. Adsorption + absorption can suit variable gasoline or light-hydrocarbon vapor where concentration equalization and gas-liquid contact are useful. Oxidation may be evaluated when recovery value is low or the gas lacks a safe recovery destination.
Tank data needed for design
Provide tank type, diameter, volume, liquid level, product, vapor pressure, throughput, filling and emptying rate, temperature range, vapor composition, pressure limits, oxygen, liquid carryover and the number of tanks operating at the same time.
Safety design
Tank vapor headers should be reviewed with the tank pressure rating, nitrogen blanketing, breathing valves, emergency relief, flame arresters, grounding, low-point drainage, isolation and emergency bypass. Different products or incompatible hazard classes should not be connected without a documented safety review.
Request a tank vapor recovery review
Send tank and product data for a preliminary collection and VRU route comparison.
Related: VRU product selection · storage tank design guide · VRU troubleshooting.