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Vapor Recovery Systems Overview

Vapor recovery units are used at gasoline distribution facilities to control volatile organic compound emissions and reduce ozone formation. Without controls, total VOC emissions in the US were over 16 million pounds per year. Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems, which capture vapors during fuel transfers and vehicle refueling, reduced emissions by over 90%. However, disasters like Superstorm Sandy can disrupt gasoline infrastructure and supplies, increasing emissions until normal operations resume. State environmental agencies provide guidance for impacted facilities to balance compliance with recovery needs.

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82 views23 pages

Vapor Recovery Systems Overview

Vapor recovery units are used at gasoline distribution facilities to control volatile organic compound emissions and reduce ozone formation. Without controls, total VOC emissions in the US were over 16 million pounds per year. Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems, which capture vapors during fuel transfers and vehicle refueling, reduced emissions by over 90%. However, disasters like Superstorm Sandy can disrupt gasoline infrastructure and supplies, increasing emissions until normal operations resume. State environmental agencies provide guidance for impacted facilities to balance compliance with recovery needs.

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trilok corporation
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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VAPOR 

RECOVERY UNITS AT
GASOLINE DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
By
Dinesh C. Patel
Principal Env. Engineer
CFO, Air Enforcement
OZONE
NOX   +  VOC  +  SUNLIGHT  =  Ozone

Tropospheric Ozone affects ecosystem

• Attacks cells and tissue
• Interferes with vegetation
• Triggers human health  problems

Gasoline Vapors – over 150 chemicals
Benzene  ‐ causes lungs irritation , 
depress the central nervous system

Total VOC Emissions without any control
16,028,105 lbs / yr
PROTECTING THE AIR WE BREATH
• The Federal Clean Air Act Amendment of 
1990 
• Control of VOC emissions top priority
• Largest contributor‐ distribution & marketing 
of gasoline
• Gasoline – 100’s of chemicals, some are 
dangerous to human health
• VOC – raw material for smog (Ozone)
GASOLINE SUPPLY CHAIN
• Producing at refinery
• Importing via barge, rail or 
pipeline
• Bulk terminal storage and 
blending
• Transporting via truck to retail 
locations
• Fueling vehicles at retail 
locations
• Annual throughput of  gasoline
131 Billions Gallons in 2011
GASOLINE CONSUMPTION
• 254 million vehicles
• 131 billion gallons in 2011
• 360 million gallons/day
• 162,000 retail gasoline outlets
• 2/3 of transportation fuel
• 18% of total energy consumption
CONTROLLING GASOLINE EMISSIONS
VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEMS:

Stage 1 :    Capture vapors during transfer at marine terminals, truck loading racks, 
bulk terminals and at retail gas stations

Stage 2:     Capture vapors during fueling  vehicles at retail gas stations

Total Emissions Without any control in US                        =      16,028,105 lbs/yr

Total Emissions with Stage I  Vapor Recovery                 =         8,655,177 lbs/yr

Total Emissions with Stage II  Vapor Recovery                =         9,616,863 lbs/yr

Total Emissions with Stage I & II Vapor Recovery             =        2,243,943  lbs/yr
VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM
As Compared to
Other Vapor Recovery Technologies

• Worldwide acceptance as standard for evaporative hydrocarbon 
vapor control
• Operates at near ambient pressure and temperature
• No vapor holder, no refrigeration
• Easy to operate and maintain
• Electricity is the only required utility
• Proven reliability for highest emission control efficiency
• Low capital and operating costs
SUPERSTORM SANDY
Causes disruption to gasoline Infrastructure and 
supply:
• Refinery shutdown operation
• Marine terminal shutdown
• Massive outage of electric supply
• Retail stations without power and/or gasoline
SUPERSTORM SANDY AFTERMATH……
2000 Gas Stations affected
Gasoline for Emergency Generators
No Public Transportation  
Out of Service
WIRES ARE DOWN
Rationing Gasoline
LIMITED TRANSPORTATION
FLOODED ATLANTIC CITY
HOBOKEN STATION
SHOPPING WITH A FLASHLIGHT
DEP ACTS PROACTIVELY
• Sends inspectors to affected facilities to access 
the damage 
• Allowed facilities to bring portable generators 
without air permits
• Allowed gasoline terminals to operate without 
VRU online 
COMPLIANCE ADVISORY

• Air Compliance & Enforcement
[Link]
For More Information
Contact
Dinesh C. Patel
Central Field Office, Air Enforcement
(609)292‐6408
[Link]@[Link]

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