Vapor recovery

[FACS]

We are looking at using a small compressor to evacuate a small chamber of hydrocarbons.

Essentially, we will have a chamber that we will draw into a vacuum. Then hydrocarbons, such as butane, is released into the chamber.

A compressor will evacuate the chamber, and store it in a tank for use later.

Any concerns I need to be aware of?

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[IFRs]

Fire, explosion, corrosion

 

[FACS]

Thanks for that, you have a firm grasp on the obvious.

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[dtn6770]

Would your infrastructure support an eductor?

At this level 'bout all I can suggest is to apply ye-ol PHA/HAZOP "what-ifs"...more pressure/temp./flow, less p/t/f, etc. (you probably know the drill).

 

[FACS]

dtn,
No, probably won't be considering an eductor.

Yeah, we know the drill, thanks though for throwing things out there.

Looking for things that we may overlook. It all seems so easy, but I'd like to head off possible problems at the pass.

There are a lot of safety officers already involved.

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[dcasto]

I guess you'll need to think about the control, will it run continously with a discharge to suction control or should it be on/off. I'd assume the biggest problem would be how much vacuum can you pull on the vessel, if thats what you are looking for.

Types of units available. The smaller units say 15HP or so use sliding vane compressors, if a deep vacuum is requires, a liquid ring is called for. For all around use, the screw compressor is the one.

Spend money on good pressure sensors/transmitters on the suction if your system cannot take to much vacuum.

Teledyne makes O2 sensors for shutdown in case of a vacuum leak. I've seen more than 3% O2 in a gas, its not a problem.

 

[FACS]

Thanks dcasto.

It's a small lab unit, I found a 1 HP compressor, it was hard to find.



Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[mk2000]

FACS

Do you have all the necessary safety equipment. I would consider monitoring the tank stress/strain level as well as it will give you a warning about upcoming failures.

Regards