Challenge

A customer contacted Envent Corporation to address odor complaints and emission control issues at a sulfuric acid storage tank. Periodically, the tank would vent sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nearby residents—including a school—reported noticeable odors. Due to public concern and proximity to a sensitive receptor, the plant’s operations were restricted until an effective vapor control solution could be implemented.

The situation required a system capable of safely managing acid vapors, SOx emissions, and hydrocarbon residuals without interrupting facility productivity.

Solution

Envent’s engineering team designed a customized vapor control system using a two-stage approach:

• Deployment of a high-flow recirculating vapor scrubber, designed to neutralize sulfur dioxide vapors and other acid gases

• Installation of an EMTOS (Envent Mobile Thermal Oxidizer System) downstream to destroy any remaining hydrocarbon vapors, ensuring full VOC abatement

This combination ensured >99.9% destruction efficiency and eliminated sulfuric acid vapor emissions, allowing the customer to resume operations without delay.

Benefit

Envent’s vapor scrubber and thermal oxidizer system enabled the facility to return the tank to service faster and safer than in previous years.

The project delivered several measurable and immeasurable benefits:

• Complete odor control, preventing any impact on the nearby school

• Regulatory compliance with local air district standards for acid gas emissions and VOC control

• Elimination of operational restrictions, restoring full productivity at the plant

• Enhanced community relations and environmental performance

This project highlights Envent’s expertise in acid gas scrubbing, odor mitigation, and engineered vapor control systems—delivering safe, compliant, and community-conscious solutions for critical emission challenges.

Project: Sulfur Dioxide Vapor Scrubber Location: Beaumont, Texas Product: Sulfuric Acid