The release of vapors into the atmosphere is an unavoidable consequence every time an oil or gas storage tank is filled. These vapors, which are primarily composed of organic compounds, interact with nitrogen oxides under the influence of sunlight, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone. This type of ozone is not only a potent environmental pollutant but also poses severe health risks to humans. It is highly toxic and can contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues.
One effective method to mitigate the release of these toxic and explosive fumes is through the use of a vapor recovery unit (VRU). Vapor recovery becomes even more critical considering that storage containers are susceptible to leaks through the hatch and safety valve, and the internal vapor pressure tends to build up over time.
From this publication, you will learn what a vapor recovery compressor is and when it is used.
What is Vapor Recovery?
Vapor recovery refers to the process of extracting harmful vapors and fluid contaminants from oil, gas, and other products. This process enhances the purity of these products and prevents the release of toxic pollutants into the environment.
Unlike flaring or venting, vapor recovery employs the negative pressure created by a vacuum pump in conjunction with the pressure within the storage tank to capture the vapors.
This method not only improves environmental safety but also offers a practical solution to manage the vapors that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
Understanding Vapor Recovery Units
A VRU is a specialized compression package designed to significantly reduce emissions from the vapors of oil and gas while simultaneously recovering valuable hydrocarbons that can be sold or reused. These units are capable of eliminating about 95% of unwanted vapors present in crude oil or distillate tanks, thereby enabling operators to reduce emissions effectively. VRU compressors are mechanically driven and powered by either an electric motor or a gas engine.
There are several types of VRUs, each tailored to specific applications within the oil and gas industry as well as the chemical industry. These include gas-lift systems, wellhead compression, tank battery vapor recovery, and industrial tail gas recovery, among others. A typical vapor recovery unit consists of 4 principal components:
- Gas compressor. This can be a rotary screw, rotary sliding vane, or reciprocating piston, depending on the specific application and required capacity.
- Scrubber. This component is responsible for removing fluid impurities, such as water vapor and debris, from the vapors.
- Variable frequency drive (VFD). This device adjusts the speed of the compressor to match the varying levels of vapor being processed.
- Switching device. It detects changes in pressure and automatically starts or stops the unit as needed.
VRU compressor is an essential tool for enhancing environmental safety and operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry
The Vapor Recovery Procedure
The vapor recovery process involves several steps to ensure efficient capture and processing of vapors:
- Compression. The compressor draws in vapor molecules from the storage tank.
- Scrubbing. The vapors pass through the scrubber, which removes water vapor, debris, and other unwanted fluids.
- Recovery. The purified vapors are then pumped into lines for further processing or storage, while the trapped liquids are channeled into pipelines for proper disposal or reuse.
The VRU compressor package not only improves environmental safety by capturing and processing harmful vapors but also enhances operational efficiency by reducing emissions and minimizing fire hazards. By integrating this technology, facilities can demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices.
Benefits of Vapor Recovery Compressors
The implementation of vapor recovery units offers numerous benefits, both from an operational and an environmental perspective:
- Cost savings and new revenue streams. By recovering vapors that would otherwise be vented, VRUs enable companies to reuse these hydrocarbons, returning them to the production line for sale and creating new revenue opportunities.
- Reduction in back pressure. VRU compressors address back pressure issues by capturing gas from the casing, compressing it, and reintroducing it into the production line, thus ensuring smooth operations.
- Fire hazard minimization. By collecting combustible vapors from tanks and keeping them within the system, VRUs significantly reduce the risk of fire.
- Health, safety, and environmental risk reduction. VRUs capture carcinogenic gases that pose serious health risks, thereby protecting the health of workers and nearby communities while enhancing environmental safety.
- Enhanced social and environmental responsibility. By eliminating venting and reducing emissions of dangerous pollutants by up to 95%, VRU compressor packages help companies demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and environmental protection.
Environmental Impact of Vapor Recovery Units
VRUs play a crucial role in reducing air pollution emissions by capturing vent gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere or burned in flares. This reduction in emissions helps mitigate the risks and liabilities associated with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making VRUs an ideal solution for the petroleum and petrochemical industries. By enabling companies to treat a wide range of vapors in hydrocarbon storage units, VRU compressor packages contribute to significant cost savings, emission reductions, decreased fire hazards, and the protection of human health and the environment.
Considering a Vapor Recovery Unit for Your Facility?
For those interested in implementing vapor recovery solutions, GasPro Compression Corp. offers a range of high-quality VRUs. With a focused team dedicated to providing dependable products and prompt service, GasPro is a leading provider of compressor packages in Canada. The company continually improves and innovates its products to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Whether you need a proposal or have specific questions, GasPro’s team is ready to assist.
If you want to buy a vapor recovery compressor right now, call our manager at 403-443-8886.
Frequently Asked Questions
A VRU compressor is a device used to recover vapors from storage tanks and other equipment in oil and gas operations, preventing the loss of valuable hydrocarbons and reducing environmental pollution.
A typical VRU compressor package includes a compressor, separators, scrubbers, cooling systems, and control panels, all integrated to work together efficiently to recover vapors.
Vapor recovery is crucial in the oil and gas industry because it helps reduce environmental impact by capturing harmful emissions, enhances safety by preventing vapor build-up, and improves profitability by recovering valuable hydrocarbons.
Industries such as oil and gas production, refining, and petrochemicals benefit most from using vapor recovery compressors due to the high volume of vapors produced and the need for efficient vapor recovery and emission control.
Our manager will advise and help you choose the best VRU compressor. Our contact phone number is 403-443-8886.