Control Vapor Loss with Dynaglass IFR
By Stephan Seow, Founder of Dynamics Engineering
Emission of oil vapour or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), into atmosphere from bulk storae tanks is a known fact throughout the distribution industry worldwide.
Emission of oil vapour represents:
1) Considerable monetary loss termed as “wastages”
2) Harmful long-term consequences to environment.
The individual light hydrocarbons (HC) compounds of VOC reacts with NOx in the ozone layer. When exposed to sunlight in some cases a strong poison known as H2S becomes evident in oil vapour thus with the emission of this substance, contaminates the environment.
“The Environmental Protection Agency (API) has adopted a goal of 30% reduction of the emission of Non Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC) at the end of 1999 compared to 1989. In MARPOL Annex VI of 1997 it is stated that the individual countries are free to decide on requirements, and to initiate efforts for the reduction of NMVOC emission in their harbours and territorial waters. Many countries have adopted a national overall of 30% reduction in NMVOC emission. Plans are made to require emission control be carried to further 37% reduction by 2010”.
INTERNAL FLOATING ROOF
Vapour recovery and other systems were implemented. However cost of implementation and the subsequent cost of operations proved to be complex not practical. This comparision was made based on the cost of installing an internal floating roof inside a storage tank.
Aluminium Internal Floating Roof (IFR):
The aluminium Internal Floating Roofs (IFR) have been used with savings of up to 90% efficiencies. However, deterioration from material corrosion occurs due to electrolysis which is a chemical decomposition by electric action from the holding tank and fittings used.
Dynaglass Internal Floating Roof (IFR):
Dynaglass Internal Floating Roof (IFR) was successfully introduced in the Petroleum Industry. Made entirely from polymer composite material, Dynaglass Internal Floating Roof withstands the typical harsh environment in the chemical and process industries.
Dynaglass IFR is developed with the use of high-grade epoxy resins and glass fibres commonly known as Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE).
Advantages of Dynaglass IFR compared with Vapour Recovery systems:
Needs no maintenance.
Has as a life expectancy of 30 (thirty) years.
Manufactured in accordance to API 650-H.
Very low initial investment cost.
Can be implementation on a tank-by-tank basis as an when required
Flexible as implementation can be added at various stages of tank farm.
Needs no refrigeration to operate.
Savings from vapour loss due to pay for implementation costs.
(Typical payback of investment : 2 to 3 years)
No need expensive pumps, pipe lines and vapour recovery condensers plants to build and maintain.
Planning for future expansion by increasing capacity of recovery plant becomes redundant.