Determination of the maximum capacity an existing
vapor holder and vapor control system could achieve for future expansion at
the terminal.
A major oil company had a relatively new activated
carbon based vapor recovery unit, which had been purchased to replace an aging
refrigeration/condensation vapor recovery unit equipped with a vapor holder.
The challenge put to WNEC was how to increase the throughput of the terminal
without the major expense of purchasing new vapor control equipment.
A feasibility study was initiated and several
strategies were reviewed including the purchase of other vapor control
technology. WNEC presented the client with the concept of utilizing the
existing vapor holder (which had been determined was still in good condition)
along with their existing activated carbon based vapor recovery unit. It was
determined that by using this strategy along with managing the loading profile
rates, a sizable throughput could be accomplished.
WNEC developed a spreadsheet in MS Excel format that
allowed a "what if" analysis of the various scenarios. Using the
parameters of the vapor recovery unit's capacity, the capacity of the vapor
holder and managing the loading profile rates finding an acceptable mix of the
three parameters was found. The terminal accomplished the goal of increasing
the throughput at a very reasonable cost compared to the installation of new
vapor control equipment.
