Elimination of vapours from the slop storage tanks

[03081966]

In refinery I work with, storage space for slop and API separator are placed close to flare system. Slop tanks are equipped with fixed roof and breathing valve. API separator for gravitational separation of oil from water is an open system. Vapours and gases from this system develop freely into the atmosphere and pollute the environment.

Is discharge of gases and vapours from the storage space to the flare system for burning a good idea? If not, what is the best sollution to this problem?

 

[bimr]

You have to evaluate whether it is feasible to install the piping to duct the vapors to the flare. Whether it is a good idea or not depends on the cost.

The API separator probably should be covered. In many plants, the separator would be considered to be a fire hazard.

Covering the API separator would considerably reduce the amount of vapors coming off the separator as well as reducing the cost of the air pollution control equipment.

 

[IFRs]

Floating roofs are often the solution

 

[TD2K]

How do the maximum operating pressures in the flare compare to the equipments' design pressures you want to connect to the flare?

Unless it's a very low pressure flare, you may have a problem and I wouldn't want to depend on check valves for overpressure protection.