What is Vapour Emission Control System?
A vapour emission control system is a specialized setup used to capture and treat harmful vapours—especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—released during storage, transfer, or processing of fuels, chemicals, and petrochemicals. These systems prevent environmental pollution and ensure compliance with air quality regulations in industrial facilities.
Why Vapour Emission Control Is Crucial for Industrial Operations
In industries like tank storage terminals, refineries, or chemical plants, evaporation is an inevitable byproduct during liquid handling. Without a vapour emission control solution, these vapours would escape into the atmosphere, leading to:
- Air pollution
- Workplace hazards
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Loss of valuable product
Controlling these vapours ensures operational safety and environmental responsibility while also reducing product loss.
How Does a Vapour Emission Control System Work?
A vapour emission control system works through the following steps:
- Vapour Collection
Vapours generated from tank vents, loading arms, or process equipment are captured and directed through sealed pipelines. - Compression & Pre-Treatment
The collected vapours are compressed to optimal pressure and often passed through a cooling or drying system to remove particulates or moisture. - Treatment Method
Depending on the type of vapours, the system applies:- Activated Carbon Adsorption: VOCs adhere to carbon surfaces.
- Thermal Oxidation: Vapours are incinerated at high temperatures.
- Condensation Units: Vapours are cooled to condense into liquid form for recovery.
- Biofiltration or Scrubbers: Vapours are absorbed into a liquid or broken down by biological means.
- Clean Air Release or Product Recovery
Treated air is safely released into the atmosphere or, in some cases, recovered components are returned to the process as valuable byproducts.
Common Applications in Industrial Settings
You’ll typically find vapour emission control systems used in:
- Bulk liquid storage terminals
- Marine loading/unloading of tankers
- Truck and railcar loading bays
- Petrochemical manufacturing units
- Refineries and gas plants
At BM Process Control, we integrate vapour recovery systems as part of a wider process automation and safety strategy tailored for environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
Regulatory Importance and Environmental Impact
Global regulations like the European Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) or standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. demand strict control of air emissions. Vapour emission control systems play a central role in achieving:
- VOC emission limits
- Occupational safety thresholds
- ISO 14001 environmental standards
Non-compliance not only results in fines but can also cause long-term damage to a company’s reputation and the environment.
Key Components of a Vapour Emission Control Setup
A robust system generally includes:
- Vapour recovery unit (VRU)
- Blowers and compressors
- Condensers and chillers
- Activated carbon filters or incinerators
- Automated safety valves and control panels
Integration with a SCADA or DCS platform ensures real-time monitoring and optimization, something BM Process Control specializes in.
Final Thoughts
A vapour emission control system is not just an environmental add-on—it’s a necessity in today’s industrial setup. It offers a blend of safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency. With increasing scrutiny on emissions, implementing or upgrading such systems is a smart move for any forward-looking industry player.
