Emissions from Storage Terminals
and Tank Farms

Tank storage facilities including those handling crude oil, refined fuels, chemicals, or specialty liquids are significant sources of fugitive and vented emissions, especially during filling, emptying, and breathing cycles. Common pollutants include:
  • • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from gasoline, solvents, aromatics, and specialty chemicals
  • • Hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX)
  • • Sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in sour crude or distillates
  • • Odorous compounds and off-gas from loading/unloading operations
  • • Nitrogen or inert gases used in blanketing or pressure maintenance systems

Why Treatment is Necessary

Environmental Regulations

Storage terminals fall under strict air emission control rules (e.g., EU VOC Directive, US EPA MACT standards), especially for VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

Odor Management

Fugitive vapors from breathing losses or spills can result in strong odors a major concern for terminals near populated areas or ports.

Product Loss Prevention

Emissions during storage represent direct product loss. Treating and recovering vapors can significantly improve profitability.

Worker Safety &
ATEX Compliance

Exposure to explosive and toxic vapors like BTEX or H₂S poses serious health and fire risks, requiring explosion-proof and controlled systems.

Community & ESG Pressure

Storage operators are increasingly scrutinized for environmental performance, odor footprint, and visible flaring impacting licenses and reputation.

Our Solutions for You

BM Process provides engineered vapor treatment and recovery systems customized for bulk liquid storage facilities

Activated Carbon Filters

Capture VOCs, odorants, and HAPs from tank vents, loading bays, and vapor balancing systems.

Vapor Recovery Units (VRU)

Recover valuable hydrocarbons from vented gases for reuse or resale reducing emissions and improving ROI.

Thermal Oxidizers (TO / RTO)

Safely combust VOC-laden vapors when recovery is not feasible, ensuring compliance and minimal emissions.

Enclosed Flares and Emergency Relief Handling

Manage overpressure scenarios with controlled, low-visibility combustion of stored product vapors.

Inert Gas Scrubbers

Treat nitrogen or other inert vent streams that may carry VOCs or odorous compounds.

Real life experience in tank storage
projects and emission control

At BM Process, we know tank storage like no other. We combine in-depth knowledge of the industry and emission abatement technologies with full-scope engineering services—process, piping, mechanical, electrical & instrumentation (E&I), and automation.
BM Process is your go-to source for all these technologies and moreover to assist you in selecting the most optimal solution for your situation. We understand both the technology and the legislative framework.

For tank terminal operators, BM Process focuses on emission control, process engineering and safety studies. Our holistic approach and extensive experience ensure you get only the best solutions in every field.

Our Services:

Consultancy & Compliance Advice

Pre-Engineering & Feasibility Studies

Basic & Detailed Engineering

Owner’s Engineering and Project Support

Engineering for tank storage isn’t just about compliance; it’s about smarter, cleaner storage operations.

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