What is Vapour Emission Control System?
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.
At BM Process, we design and implement integrated emission control systems that align with both environmental and operational goals.
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.
Learn more about thermal oxidation and vapour recovery technologies used in our real-world industrial projects.
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, we integrate process automation and safety systems to ensure vapour recovery aligns with operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
Regulatory Importance and Environmental Impact
Global regulations like the European Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) or standards set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 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 specializes in as part of its comprehensive engineering solutions.
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. BM Process stands ready to support industries with cutting-edge, compliant, and customized solutions.
