Challenge
A major Houston refinery engaged Envent Corporation in a competitive bidding process alongside several thermal oxidizer companies to support the cleaning and degassing of an underground API separator. This rectangular tank with an external-floating roof had accumulated years of wastewater hydrocarbons from multiple refinery operations—resulting in a potentially hazardous, unidentified mix of vapors and an estimated 5–6 feet of sludge.
Due to the high vapor pressure of residual hydrocarbons and the potential presence of benzene, H₂S, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the project required an experienced team capable of delivering compliant, high-performance vapor control services.
Solution
The refinery employed frac tanks, pumps, a centrifuge, and a manway cannon to conduct the physical cleaning process. Envent Corporation supported the operation with comprehensive, mobile vapor control throughout every stage.
Key highlights of Envent’s solution:
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Vapors displaced during frac tank filling were routed to Envent’s EMTOS (Envent Mobile Thermal Oxidizer System)—engineered to exceed EPA BACT guidelines with >99.9% destruction efficiency (DRE)
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EMTOS units operated at temperatures exceeding 1400 °F, providing full combustion of VOCs and ensuring regulatory compliance
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Once the API tank was physically cleaned, Envent utilized the mobile thermal oxidizer fleet to complete the final degassing stage
Envent’s system configuration prevented emissions, controlled tank vapor management, and protected both workers and the surrounding community from toxic exposures.
Benefit
Thanks to Envent’s mobile degassing and thermal oxidizer technology, the refinery successfully completed the project safely, efficiently, and 100% in compliance with environmental regulations.
This marked Envent’s first major project at the facility, and the flawless execution built a solid foundation for future collaboration. The refinery team commended Envent for its clear communication, engineering support, and reliable vapor control solutions—leaving a lasting impression and demonstrating why Envent is the trusted name in refinery vapor control and tank degassing for refineries.
