Vapor Recovery Units (VRU)

Remove and Recover Carbon Vapors from Crude Oil and Distillate Tanks

At Power Service, a DNOW Company, we understand the importance of complying with emission regulations while maintaining safe and efficient operations. We're proud to be a leading fabricator of vapor recovery units (VRUs), which are crucial for safely removing hazardous vapors from crude oil and distillate tanks. Our VRUs are designed to reduce emissions effectively and support your commitment to environmental stewardship. With Power Service VRUs, expect a seamless operational experience with reduced lead times and cost savings that do not compromise the precision of emission control. Every unit we produce adheres to the highest standards, surpassing both industry and government expectations, confirmed through rigorous in-house testing. Trust Power Service for VRUs that deliver simplicity, efficiency and eco-friendly solutions for your business.

Revolutionizing Industrial Sustainability with Power Service's Innovative Vapor Recovery Unit

Product Information

Overview

The vapor recovery unit from Power Service is a reliable and efficient solution for removing harmful vapors from crude oil or distillate tanks. Our process equipment units are engineered and designed to meet prevailing emission regulations and are easy to install and operate. With our vapor recovery unit, you can ensure that your operations are safe, efficient and environmentally friendly.

Features

  • Standard B31.3 piping construction
  • Wind, snow and seismic calculations
  • Lifting plans, FEA and torsional calculations are available
  • PE-stamped buildings and structural
  • Steel frame, panel and fiberglass buildings
  • Electrical classifications
  • All of our facilities are available in either non-classified, C1D2 or C1D1 designs
  • Optional enclosure for cold weather packages
A photo of a Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU) from Power Service, A DNOW Company, used to capture and recover vapors from oil and gas production facilities.

Benefits

  • Minimize emissions
  • Comply with regulations
  • Maximize profits
  • Easy to operate and maintain
  • Cutting-edge technology and automation package
  • Reduces waste
Power Service VRUs reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Specifications

Rates Up to 2 MMCFD +
Pressures Up to 1440 PSIG +

Essential Components of Vapor Recovery Units: Optimizing Emission Control and Hydrocarbon Recovery

A VRU is an essential piece of process and production equipment used in the oil and gas industry to control volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions produced while transferring and storing crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas. A typical VRU has several components that work together to achieve this task. These components include a compressor, a refrigeration system, heat exchangers and control systems.

  1. Electrical - our team can work closely with you to design fully integrated PLC and control options, including starters and VFD, flow computers, and SCADA integration.
  2. Pumps - our compression technology is selected based on flow and pressure. Our team will help you find the best solution from various options, including rotary vain, reciprocating and flooded screw.
  3. Pipe and Fittings - a wide selection of PVF can be integrated into any system depending on the customer's needs
  4. Valves - our selection of recycle valves can maintain system run time and prevent liquid buildup
  5. Filtration - we offer inlet and discharge scrubbers, which can be sized for flow rate, pressure and gas specifics
  6. Gas Cooling - our vapor recovery units offer gas cooling systems to cool the compressed vapor, causing it to condense back into a liquid form.
VRU by Power Service captures, compresses, and recycles or safely disposes of tank emissions, cutting pollution and reclaiming hydrocarbons.

Downloads

Power Service Products & Services Guidefile download

FAQs

A Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU) is a process and production equipment used to capture and recover volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial processes or storage tanks. These VOCs may include gases like methane, butane, propane, and other hydrocarbons that are typically emitted during the transfer of petroleum products or the processing of chemicals.

A VRU works by pulling the vapors from the storage tanks or equipment into a closed system through a series of pipes and valves. The vapors are then compressed and cooled to condense the VOCs into a liquid form, which can be collected and reused or disposed of safely. The recovered hydrocarbons can be used as fuel or returned to the production process, while reducing emissions and minimizing air pollution.

VRUs are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to control emissions from oilfield operations, refineries and transportation terminals. They can also be used in other sectors, such as chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, and pharmaceutical production, among others.

Vapor recovery units (VRUs) reduce air pollution emissions by capturing vapors and gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. These vapors and gases can come from various sources, such as storage tanks, loading facilities and pipelines. When these vapors and gases are discharged into the atmosphere, they contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Capture and recovery of these vapors through VRUs prevent them from being released into the atmosphere, and instead, they are treated and recovered for reuse.

Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) are essential systems used primarily in the oil and gas industry to capture and compress low-pressure gas for various applications, including gas-lift operations, wellhead compression, and tank battery vapor recovery. The most common application is immediately downstream of a Vapor Recovery Tower (VRT), which helps in capturing oil flash gas and preventing oxygen contamination. There are several types of VRU compressors, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the selection process critical for effective operation. The four commonly used positive displacement compressors are:

  1. Reciprocating Compressors: These compressors use pistons and cylinders to mechanically compress gas by enclosing a fixed volume. They are known for their high-pressure capabilities and the ability to achieve multiple stages of compression when installed in sequence.

    • Advantages: High pressure capability, configurable to specific needs, possible to operate without oil injection at lower RPMs, and allows for direct electric motor drive.
    • Disadvantages: High maintenance due to moving parts, potential misfit for certain applications, capacity limitations at low suction pressure, and noise.
  2. Flooded Screw Compressors: These compressors use one or more screws that rotate to compress the fluid, with lubrication oil injected to cool and reduce leakage.

    • Advantages: Suitable for high pressures, compact design, high compression ratios, and lower discharge temperatures.
    • Disadvantages: Necessity for lubrication oil and filters, risk of oil carryover, sensitivity to contamination, and regular maintenance.
  3. Rotary Vane Compressors: These create a seal with vanes in a cylinder bore and an eccentrically mounted rotor, compressing the gas as the rotor turns.

    • Advantages: High capacity, suitable for various gas qualities, and relatively easy maintenance.
    • Disadvantages: Requirement for oil injection or cooling, sensitivity to oil injection rate, and potential oil discharge issues.
  4. Liquid Ring Compressors: Similar to rotary vane compressors but with a spinning rotor that creates a liquid ring inside the casing to form compression chambers.

    • Advantages: Quiet operation, consistent flow without pulsation, and no need for lubrication.
    • Disadvantages: Risk of bearing failure, inefficiency, limited operating conditions, risk of cavitation, and potential for sealant fluid contamination.

Each type of VRU compressor is suited for specific conditions and requirements, and understanding their characteristics can lead to better selection for an operation's needs.