News
What Are Vapor Recovery Units Used For?

What Are Vapor Recovery Units Used For?

In the oil and gas industry, boosting efficiency and cutting down on waste is always a top priority. That’s where vapor recovery comes in. But what exactly is a Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU), and why does it matter so much? Let's talk about what vapor recovery units are actually used for in oil and gas operations.

1. Crude Oil Storage Tanks: Catching Escaping Vapors

Think of it like this: if you had a leaky container of cleaning supplies, you wouldn’t want the fumes to just evaporate into the air, right? The same goes for crude oil storage tanks. As oil sits in these tanks, temperature and pressure changes can cause lighter hydrocarbons (called VOCs) to evaporate and build up inside. If there’s no VRU in place, those vapors can escape into the atmosphere, wasting product and harming the environment.

That’s why VRUs are so useful. They grab those vapors, convert them back into liquid, and either send them back into the production process or turn them into sellable products. It’s an easy way to capture valuable resources and keep operations environmentally friendly.

2. Natural Gas Processing: Making Every Drop Count

Think about cooking—you wouldn’t want to lose any of your ingredients while you’re prepping, right? The same idea applies to natural gas processing. As natural gas is processed, liquids like condensate and hydrocarbons are separated out, creating vapors. If those vapors aren’t captured, they must be vented or flared, taking valuable product with them.

With a vapor recovery system in place, those emissions are captured before they’re lost. It’s like making sure you don’t waste any ingredients, which keeps the operation more efficient and helps recover as much product as possible.

3. Truck Loading and Unloading: Stopping Vapor Loss

Every time liquid is moved from a a truck in either loading or unloading operations, it creates pressure that can push valuable vapors out into the atmosphere. Vapor recovery systems capture those vapors before they’re lost. It’s like putting a lid on your coffee to avoid spills—it keeps things cleaner and more efficient, making sure no product goes to waste.

4. Wellhead Operations: Catching Vapors at the Source

At the wellhead, where oil and gas are first pulled from the ground, vapors naturally form in the storage tanks during operations. If you don’t have a VRU there to capture them, those vapors are vented or flared, releasing emissions and wasting valuable hydrocarbons.  

VRUs capture these vapors right at the source and put them back into the production process. It’s a simple way to ensure nothing goes to waste and to help reduce the environmental impact of the operation.

5. Offshore Platforms: Handling Tough Conditions

Offshore oil platforms are no joke—they’re out in the middle of the ocean, dealing with harsh weather and limited space. But even in these tough conditions, managing vapors is still crucial. Without the right systems in place, vapors can escape into the air or sea, causing environmental damage.

That’s why offshore platforms rely on vapor recovery units to catch and contain those vapors. These systems are designed to handle the challenges of offshore work while keeping things running smoothly and efficiently.

Why Flogistix?

At Flogistix, we get it—vapor recovery isn’t just about meeting environmental regulations, it’s also about keeping your operations efficient and cost-effective. Whether it’s storage tanks, natural gas processing, or handling emissions on offshore platforms, we’ve got the tech and expertise to help you capture and reuse those valuable vapors.

Want to make your operations smoother and reduce waste? Let’s talk about how Flogistix can help you get the most out of vapor recovery. Contact us today, and we’ll show you how our solutions can make a real difference.

IconIconIconIcon