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Vapor Control Engineering Studies

Example Vapor Control System Study

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.

Other Vapor Control Engineering Studies include:
  • Survey of two adjacent terminals to determine the feasibility of joint utilization of the existing vapor control equipment.

  • Review of the operations and facilities of a synthetic organic liquid manufacturing operation for the project's major investor.

  • Review of existing vapor control equipment to determine its feasibility to be used for a different vapor control application.

  • Determination of the maximum capacity an existing vapor holder and vapor control system could achieve for future expansion at the terminal.

  • Feasibility study for a batch chemical operation to reduce the emission of VOCs.

  • Review of current patents for a major vapor control equipment manufacturer and recommendations regarding new concepts.

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