Vapor Recovery
The Vapor Recovery (Gasoline Vapor Recovery) system, which stands for Reduction, Guidance, Transfer, and Recovery of Gasoline Vapors, was designed to reduce air pollution and prevent fuel wastage. This initiative was approved as a national solution in Iran and has been implemented in collaboration with the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company and the Environmental Protection Organization.
Objectives and Applications of the Vapor Recovery System
The Vapor Recovery system is implemented with three main objectives:
Environmental:
Reducing the emission of gasoline vapors, which can lead to respiratory and environmental issues.
Economic:
Recovering gasoline vapors and converting them into liquid fuel, which reduces fuel costs.
Safety:
Minimizing the risk of explosions caused by the mixture of gasoline vapors with ambient air.
This system contributes to a safer, more sustainable, and economically efficient fuel distribution process.
Stages of Implementing the Vapor Recovery Scheme
The Vapor Recovery scheme includes three main stages for the recovery of gasoline vapors and air pollution reduction:
Stage One:
In this stage, gasoline vapors are collected during the transfer of fuel to storage tanks. This process is carried out using dry connections, vapor recovery hoses, and pressure-vacuum valves to prevent the release of vapors into the environment.Stage Two:
This stage occurs during vehicle refueling. The gasoline vapors that escape from the vehicle’s fuel tank are collected by vapor recovery nozzles, coaxial hoses, and vapor suction pumps and returned to the storage tanks.Stage Three:
In this stage, the collected vapors are processed and recycled. This process involves compression, condensation, and returning the liquid back into the fuel distribution cycle. Various methods, such as cryogenic, membrane, and absorption techniques, are used for this process.
Benefits of Implementing the Vapor Recovery Scheme
The implementation of the Vapor Recovery scheme has a significant impact on air quality, as the scheme is designed to reduce the release of gasoline vapors. Gasoline vapors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which, if released into the air, can contribute to air pollution and the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone. These pollutants have negative health impacts and can cause respiratory problems and lung diseases.
Improvement of Air Quality:
By reducing the release of gasoline vapors, air quality improves, and the negative health impacts on humans are reduced.Increased Fuel Efficiency:
By collecting and recovering gasoline vapors, fuel efficiency is increased, and fuel waste is prevented.Environmental Protection:
Reducing gasoline vapor emissions helps preserve natural resources and decrease environmental pollution.
Implementation of the Vapor Recovery Scheme Worldwide
Similar vapor recovery schemes like Vapor Recovery have been implemented in various countries to prevent the release of fuel vapors and improve air quality. Some of the countries that have adopted fuel vapor recovery systems include:
- United States:
The United States uses fuel vapor control technologies at gasoline stations to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These technologies are part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, which require the installation of Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems at fuel stations, particularly in areas with high vehicle traffic. These systems capture fuel vapors during both delivery to the storage tanks and during vehicle refueling, preventing the release of harmful VOCs into the atmosphere.
- European Union:
Many European countries, such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, have strict regulations for controlling fuel vapors and utilize vapor recovery systems at fuel stations. These regulations aim to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant.
The EU has implemented legislation like the Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems across member states. These systems collect the vapors released during fuel delivery to storage tanks (Stage I) and during vehicle refueling (Stage II).
- China:
Due to the significant air pollution challenges it faces, China has taken steps to reduce fuel vapor emissions at gasoline stations. The country has adopted various measures to tackle volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which are a major contributor to smog and poor air quality.As part of these efforts, China has introduced vapor recovery systems for both Stage I (during fuel transfer to underground storage tanks) and Stage II (during vehicle refueling). These systems help capture and recycle the vapors, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere.
Mechanism of the Impact of the Vapor Recovery Plan on Air Quality
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Vapor Recovery during Fuel Dispensing:
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During fuel dispensing at fueling stations, gasoline vapors are not released into the atmosphere. Instead, they are collected and returned to the tank truck for proper disposal or recycling. This process effectively reduces the amount of harmful emissions in the air.
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Reduction in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Emissions:
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VOCs are organic chemicals that easily vaporize and contribute significantly to air pollution. If released, they can increase the risk of respiratory diseases and exacerbate environmental conditions like smog. The Vapor Recovery system prevents this by recovering these vapors and recycling them into the fuel cycle.
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Prevention of Secondary Pollutant Formation:
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By reducing the release of VOCs, the Vapor Recovery plan helps prevent the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone. These pollutants are harmful, especially in urban environments, where they can lead to serious health and environmental issues.
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Safety Enhancement and Explosion Risk Reduction:
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Controlling gasoline vapors reduces the risk of explosions that can occur due to the combination of gasoline vapors with atmospheric air, which could form flammable mixtures. This added safety measure is vital in preventing catastrophic accidents in fuel stations.
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Complementary Measures to Improve Air Quality:
Installation of Displacement Ventilation Systems:
These systems return the gasoline vapors to the fuel tanker, preventing them from escaping into the air and thereby reducing air pollution. The use of closed-loop systems is critical for minimizing exposure to VOCs.
Use of Positive and Negative Pressure Technologies:
This technology ensures that vapors are directed toward the fuel tanker by creating a positive or negative pressure environment. This process also prevents air from entering the storage tanks, maintaining a controlled and safe fuel storage condition.
Monitoring and Supervision of Equipment Performance:
Online stations can be installed at fuel stations for continuous monitoring of the Vapor Recovery system’s performance. This would allow real-time assessment of system effectiveness, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards and helping optimize system maintenance.
These combined measures significantly contribute to reducing pollution, improving air quality, and ensuring healthier environments for the surrounding population.