Zero VOC Emissions at a Petrochemical Tank Farm
Zero Emissions
Background
A major petrochemical operator in Thailand was under increasing pressure to reduce fugitive emissions from benzene storage tanks. The facility relied on ageing breather 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. and emergency vent valves that exhibited heavy leakage, preventing compliance with zero-VOC performance requirements.
Routine gas detector readings consistently indicated vapor escape at the tank roof, creating both environmental and safety concerns.
As part of a plant-wide initiative to tighten emissions control, the operator sought a certified, verifiable solution capable of delivering zero leakage at tank
operating pressure
Operating pressure
Operating pressure is the pressure existing at normal operating conditions within the system being protected.
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Solution
The operator engaged PROTEGO® to evaluate the existing tank venting arrangement and recommend a suitable low-leakage replacement.
Based on tank service conditions and the sensitivity of benzene vapor handling, PROTEGO® supplied ZETOP zero-emission valve technology engineered to achieve bubble-tight sealing at tank operating pressure.
Zero leakage
The upgrade included the installation of PROTEGO® ER/V, V/SV, and PM-HF series valves sized to the tank’s low-pressure duty. After installation, the site’s engineering team conducted a field verification using calibrated gas detectors positioned on top of the tank roof.
Result
The post-installation emissions assessment confirmed a zero ppm VOC reading, demonstrating complete elimination of vapor leakage at operating pressure. Key outcomes included:
- Zero VOC emissions detected during site measurements (verified via gas detector).
- Full containment of benzene vapor, supporting regulatory compliance and environmental performance targets.
- Replacement of all previously leaking devices with certified PROTEGO® ZETOP valve technology.
- Long-term reliability, validated through on-site tests conducted months after commissioning.
A senior engineering representative noted that the upgrade successfully met their zero-VOC requirement and resolved a longstanding emissions challenge.
Our measurements confirmed zero vapor leakage after installing PROTEGO® valves. The solution fully met our zero-emission goal.
