Vapor Return Lines

Vent Lines for Storage Tanks and Loading Facilities

The safety of vapor return lines connected to storage tanks and loading facilities plays a critical role in maintaining both operational integrity and environmental compliance. These vent and vapor return systems are designed to allow the controlled movement of vapors, preventing hazardous pressure or vacuum Vacuum Vacuum is the pressure in an enclosed space that is lower than the ambient pressure. conditions while managing ignition and flame transmission risks.

Protection of Storage Tanks

During normal operation, vapor return lines provide a pathway for displaced vapors from storage tanks. Without appropriate protection, these lines can become potential routes for flame propagation or detonation Detonation Explosion propagating at supersonic velocity and characterized by a shock wave (EN 1127-1: 1997). back into tanks or connected vapor systems. Proper safeguarding of these pathways is therefore essential for safe operation and regulatory compliance.

PROTEGO® application concepts for vapor return lines combine pressure and vacuum management with flame and detonation protection. The solutions shown integrate Flame Arresters and Pressure and Vacuum Relief Valves Pressure and vacuum relief valve A pressure and vacuum relief valve is a pressure equalization valve for impermissible pressure and vacuum in a closed system. that are designed specifically for vent and vapor service. These components are selected and arranged to protect tanks, piping, and connected systems from overpressure Overpressure Overpressure refers to an increase in pressure in a system or vessel above the normal operating pressure. , vacuum conditions, flame transmission, and explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. risks, while supporting stable and predictable vapor handling.

Protection of Loading Systems 

Loading operations can displace flammable vapors into gas displacement or vapor recovery lines. This creates a potential ignition source Ignition source Any source with enough energy to initiate combustion. and flame transmission risk, particularly in tank truck and tank wagon loading stations.

In this application concept, the vapor recovery pathway is protected using in-line detonation protection installed in the displacement line. The detonation safeguard helps prevent flame or detonation propagation back toward the loading area and into connected vapor systems. By interrupting flame transmission, the system supports safer loading operations and helps maintain compliance with applicable safety requirements.

Highlights

Improved safety 
at burners/VCUs
Optimal product selection
at early FEED stage
Compliant designs
with documented test data and manuals
Stable operation 
during transients

During the delivery of the project, the project team of your company submits the equipment Equipment Machines, appliances, fixed or mobile devices, control parts and accessories, and warning and prevention systems, whether separate or combined, intended for the generation, transfer, storage, measurement, control, and conversion of energy, and for the processing of materials, which have their own potential source of ignition and may cause an explosion. design documents every day, simultaneously carries out the work of equipment design and technical communication of procurement parts, and timely feedback and solves the problems raised, which ensures the smooth progress of our project construction. The professionalism and dedication of the project team have left a deep impression on our company. 

Project Manager

China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. 

Contact CSR Department 

Talk to a PROTEGO® engineer to request guidance for your vessel or terminal loading application

Picture of Mrs. Auris-Nadine Hillen
Mrs. Auris-Nadine Hillen

CSR Department

+49 (0)5307 809 108