In the oil and gas world, capturing valuable hydrocarbon vapors isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also key to boosting efficiency. Vapor recovery units (VRUs) play a critical role in this process. There are two primary types of VRUs used extensively in the industry: rotary screw and reciprocating compressors. Each of these units brings unique strengths to vapor recovery, depending on the specific needs of your operation.
Let's dive into these types and then explore the key applications of VRUs in the oil and gas industry.
Rotary screw VRUs use twin interlocking screw rotors that compress vapor continuously. These units are known for their smooth, reliable operation and ability to handle a wide range of vapor volumes. Because they provide continuous compression, they’re well-suited for sites with dynamic vapor flash rates and high recovery demands.
Rotary screw VRUs use twin interlocking screw rotors that compress vapor continuously. These units are known for their smooth, reliable operation and ability to handle a wide range of vapor volumes. Because they provide continuous compression, they’re well-suited for sites with dynamic vapor flash rates and high recovery demands.
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Reciprocating screw VRUs use pistons to compress vapors in stages. These units are ideal in environments where vapor volumes and pressures are stable and do not fluctuate. Thanks to their staged compression, they have the potential to recover gas from sources at different pressures. They are also efficient in regard to horsepower expenditure.
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Both rotary and reciprocating screw VRUs are widely used in the oil and gas industry because of their adaptability, efficiency, and reliability. Choosing between them depends on the specific conditions of your site, such as vapor flow consistency and available space.
While rotary screw and reciprocating VRUs represent the primary types of vapor recovery units, these systems are implemented in various applications tailored to the specific needs of oil and gas operations.
Application: Conventional VRUs are commonly used in storage tanks for crude oil or natural gas. These units are designed to handle a wide range of vapor pressures and volumes, making them highly versatile across different site sizes and conditions.
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Application: These smaller VRUs are ideal for small production sites like marginal wells or gas-gathering systems where vapor pressures are lower.
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Application: High-pressure VRUs are necessary for large gas processing facilities or production sites with significant vapor emissions.
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Application: Flare gas VRUs are designed to recover gases that would otherwise be burned off during flaring, reducing emissions and maximizing resource use.
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Application: These mobile units are perfect for temporary operations or remote sites with fluctuating vapor recovery needs.
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Selecting the appropriate VRU depends on several factors, such as vapor pressure, volume, and operational scale:
Why Choose Flogistix for Your Vapor Recovery Needs?
At Flogistix, we offer a range of vapor recovery units tailored to meet the specific needs of your oil and gas operation. Whether you require rotary screw VRUs for high-volume recovery or reciprocating screw VRUs for fluctuating vapor flows, we provide cutting-edge solutions that maximize recovery and efficiency.
Don’t let valuable hydrocarbons escape. Contact Flogistix today to learn how our vapor recovery solutions can help you reduce emissions, increase profitability, and meet regulatory requirements.