Discussion on the importance and strategy of vapor recovery to storage and transportation safety 2

Mar 25, 2025

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3.2 Improve the construction of vapor recovery facilities and system maintenance

 

 

In terms of facility construction, the layout of the recovery system should be scientifically planned according to the storage and transportation scale and oil characteristics. For example, for large oil depots, a zoning recovery strategy can be adopted to set up independent recovery units in different functional areas, which can not only ensure recovery efficiency but also facilitate management and maintenance.

When selecting equipment, priority should be given to materials with explosion-proof and anti-corrosion properties, such as using 316L stainless steel to manufacture storage tanks and pipelines, and using fluoroplastic seals to extend the service life of the equipment. In order to reduce the technical construction process risks of old equipment renewal, modular prefabrication methods can be used to assemble and test key equipment and pipelines in the factory in advance, and only quick docking is required on site, which greatly shortens the construction period and reduces the risk of on-site operations.

In terms of system maintenance, corresponding solutions are taken for the current bottleneck problems, such as fast adsorbent failure and high energy consumption. For example, new composite adsorption materials are introduced to improve adsorption capacity and selectivity, and extend the replacement cycle; heat pump technology is used to recover desorption heat and reduce energy consumption. Develop a detailed equipment inspection and maintenance plan, including daily inspections, regular maintenance, and overhauls [3]. For example, visual inspections and parameter records of key equipment are performed every shift, equipment cleaning and consumable parts replacement are performed every month, and a comprehensive overhaul is performed once a year. In terms of the safety of the recycling process, the design and operation of the recycling system should be ensured to comply with national safety standards and industry specifications. Explosion-proof electrical equipment and fireproof materials should be used, and safety accessories such as safety valves and emergency shut-off valves should be installed to deal with possible abnormal situations such as overpressure and leakage. In addition, hazardous wastes generated during the recycling process, such as waste adsorbents and waste oil, should be safely disposed of in strict accordance with relevant national laws and regulations to prevent harm to the environment and human health. In terms of corrosion protection design, in addition to the selection of corrosion-resistant materials, multiple measures such as cathodic protection and coating protection should also be taken. The application of intelligent monitoring systems is also crucial. By installing gas detectors and pressure sensors, the operating status of the recycling system can be fully monitored. Once an abnormality is detected, the system can automatically activate the emergency plan, such as cutting off relevant pipelines, opening emergency discharge, etc., to minimize the risk of accidents.

 

3.3 Strengthening the control of recycled residue treatment

 

 

Implementing a classified collection strategy is the first step in treatment. According to the nature and composition of the residue, special collection containers and pipelines should be set up [4].

For example, for vapor condensate with high water content, gravity separation technology can be used for preliminary treatment. The separated oil phase can be recycled and the water phase enters the sewage treatment system. For high-concentration hydrocarbon gas generated during adsorbent regeneration, deep cold recovery technology can be used for treatment. The recovered liquid hydrocarbon can be reused as chemical raw materials. Residues that are difficult to recover, such as discarded adsorbents, should be entrusted to qualified professional institutions for harmless treatment.

In terms of environmental emission control, relevant national standards should be strictly implemented, such as the "Comprehensive Emission Standard of Air Pollutants" (GB16297-1996). Install an online monitoring system to monitor the total hydrocarbons, benzene series and other indicators of the exhaust gas in real time. Use end-of-pipe treatment technologies such as activated carbon adsorption and catalytic combustion to ensure that emissions meet the standards. At the same time, a complete record system is established to record in detail the amount of residues generated, the way they are handled and where they are going, so as to facilitate traceability management.

 

3.4 Strengthening personnel training and safety awareness

 

 

In terms of professional training, a hierarchical and classified training system should be established, and corresponding training plans should be formulated for different positions and responsibilities [5]. For example, operators should focus on training equipment operating procedures, emergency response to faults, and other practical skills, especially strengthening vapor recovery procedures and control logic training to ensure that they are proficient in the operation mechanism of the recovery system; for management personnel, the focus should be on knowledge of recovery technology principles and process optimization.

Adopt a training method that combines theory with practice, such as combining virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate various operation scenarios to improve training effectiveness.

Organize skill competitions and experience exchange meetings regularly to stimulate employees' enthusiasm for learning.

In terms of improving safety awareness, safety education should be integrated into daily work, such as giving safety reminders before daily shifts and organizing safety theme activities once a month. Establish an accident case library and strengthen employees' risk prevention awareness through case analysis. Implement a safety behavior observation system to encourage employees to supervise each other and correct unsafe behaviors in a timely manner. In terms of emergency management, we formulate detailed emergency plans and organize drills regularly to improve employees' ability to deal with emergencies. We introduce a safety performance assessment mechanism to link safety performance with employee performance to form a long-term incentive. In addition, we establish a smooth safety information feedback channel to encourage employees to report safety hazards in a timely manner and reward effective feedback.

 

3.5 promote environmental protection concepts and implement refined management

 

 

In terms of promoting environmental protection concepts, enterprises should actively participate in community activities, such as holding open days and inviting surrounding residents to visit vapor recovery facilities to enhance the public's understanding and support for the technology. Cooperate with local governments and environmental protection organizations to carry out environmental protection publicity activities to enhance the environmental awareness of the whole society.

In internal management, incorporate environmental protection goals into corporate strategies, establish an environmental performance evaluation system, and encourage employees to actively participate in environmental protection practices.

In terms of refined management, a comprehensive data collection and analysis system should be established to monitor key indicators of all links in vapor storage and transportation in real time. For example, the Internet of Things technology can be used to monitor the liquid level, temperature, pressure and other parameters of the storage tank in real time, and combined with big data analysis, optimize inventory management and reduce vapor losses [6]. In the loading and unloading process, advanced metering technologies, such as mass flow meters, are used to improve metering accuracy and reduce leakage. Establish a sound management system, such as formulating detailed operating procedures, clarifying the responsibilities and authority of each position, and ensuring that someone is responsible for each link. Introduce a third-party audit mechanism to regularly evaluate the operating effect of the vapor recovery system, identify weak links in management, and continuously improve. Through these measures, the vapor recovery rate of a large oil depot has increased to 98%, saving nearly 10 million yuan in annual costs, and it has also won the title of environmental protection demonstration enterprise from the local government.

 

4 Conclusion

 

In summary, the development and application of vapor recovery technology marks an important step for the petrochemical industry to move towards green, intelligent and efficient directions. Through the discussion of this article, we not only recognize the huge potential of vapor recovery technology in resource conservation, environmental protection and safe production, but also clarify the future development direction. With the continuous emergence of new materials and new processes and the deep integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, vapor recovery technology will surely usher in a broader application prospect and make greater contributions to building a clean, low-carbon and safe modern energy system.

 

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