A Tool for Design and Analysis of Vapour Collection and Control Systems

Lead Proponent

Clearstone Engineering Ltd.

Project Background

The objective of the project was to address an existing knowledge gap, which was resulting in numerous instances of undersized and improperly maintained vapour collection and control systems (VCCS) in the upstream oil and gas industry, causing appreciable atmospheric emissions of methane (CH4) and volatile organic compounds (VOCS).

The project aimed to produce a rigorous, user-friendly software tool for designing and evaluating VCCSs, and a best practices document for the design, operation and maintenance of safe VCCSs. These necessary tools were unavailable to industry or regulators and are expected to have a significant positive impact in Canada, the United States and internationally.

Results

The project developed a software tool, VaporSIM^TM, for the design and analysis of VCCSs. The software was designed to estimate the potential for storage tanks to emit in the absence of any controls, as well as the total and transient emissions based on the variability in activity levels and the effects of any applied controls. It is also designed to consider the basic range of applications in which VCCSs may be installed and considers the worst-case (or most demanding) conditions for which the VCCS are to be sized. Users can choose from several pre-defined flowsheet models to suit their system design and data availability. A best practices document was also prepared which includes the prediction of evaporation losses, the sizing and analysis of VCCSs, and a review of available vapour control technologies across petroleum storage applications.

VaporSIM^TM is expected to have long-term applicability and achieve immediate market uptake. Uptake could result in reductions of CH4 and VOC emissions in Canada and in the United States, as well as reduced transboundary emissions of these pollutants into Canada from the United States. Broader benefits included improved emissions estimation, domestic and global market opportunities, job creation for Canadians, and increased awareness and understanding of how to prevent venting from VCCSs.