Stock Tank

[furio2]

Hi all, I’m a process engineer new in oil & gas engineering.
I have a question for you:
I’m working to a crude oil separation train (20000 tpd) constituted by a first stage separator operating at 500 psig, a second stage separator operating at 100 psig and an atmospheric tank that constitutes the final stage of separation. The flow of gas released in the tank is about 1000 Nm3/h and the operating temperature ranges between 25°C and 80°C. The oil that feeds the tank has a flash point of 44-54 °C. How can I manage the emissions from the tank? Can you give me some reference book or standard?
Thank you very much.

 

[BigInch]

You have seen this I presume,

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/software/tanks/index.html

"I think it would be a good idea."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948),
when asked about Western civilization

 

[furio2]

Dear BigInch,

Thank you for your reply. The proposed web site is very interesting.

My question, however, needs a clarification:
The Client asks to vent to atmosphere the gas released from the tank. I think that I have to manage this tank in the same way as the other separators for which the gas released is flared. The oil flashes also into the tank releasing a moderate quantity of gas (see my original question).
What's is usually done in these cases. What's your opinion on this?

Thank you very much.

 

[BigInch]

Technically it can either be released to atmosphere or flared, but releasing VOC to atmosphere is not an appropriate practice for protection of the environment, hence the many regulations that mandate vapor recovery systems on storage tanks and VOC vapor control during tansfers of VOC. You must consult the regulations governing the project's environmental compliance requirements.

"I think it would be a good idea."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948),
when asked about Western civilization

 

[furio2]

Dear BigInch thank you for your help. Now, I know something more about stock tanks but I'm still a bit confused and I need a guide that leads me to the choice of the right configuration of the tank (for blanketing, venting etc....): may you suggest me some reference book or guidelines?
Thank you.