Featured Project: 24-Hour Emergency Ammonia Vapor Control – Southern California Coker Unit (SCAQMD Rule 401 & 403 Compliance)
A Southern California refinery suffered severe plugging downstream of its delayed coker unit. To clear the line, they needed to break into the system — but the attached column contained ~2,500 ppm ammonia vapors and could not be emptied with existing equipment.
Production was halted. Every hour cost tens of thousands in lost throughput.
The Challenge
- 2,500 ppm ammonia vapors in coker column
- Immediate line break required for plugging repair
- Zero atmospheric release allowed under SCAQMD Rule 401 (Visible Emissions) & Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust/Odor)
- Must neutralize ammonia and remove hydrocarbons before venting
- 24-hour mobilization required
Envent’s <24-Hour Emergency Response
Envent mobilized a fully SCAQMD-permitted vapor control train within under 24 hours:
| Equipment | Role |
|---|---|
| ESCRUB 2000-SS Dual-Column Recirculating Scrubber | Phosphoric acid chemistry → >99.9% ammonia neutralization |
| Dual 10,000-lb GAC Vessels | Polished residual hydrocarbons & odors |
| Real-Time Monitoring + 24/7 Envent Technicians | Continuous pH, flow, and stack sampling |
Performance
- Inlet ammonia: ~2,500 ppm
- Outlet ammonia: non-detect (<1 ppm)
- Zero odors, zero visible emissions, zero complaints
Proven Results – Production Restored, Zero Violations
| Benefit | Delivered Outcome |
|---|---|
| Response Time | <24 hours from call to fully operational |
| Ammonia Removal | >99.9% – non-detect at stack |
| Regulatory Compliance | 100% SCAQMD Rule 401, 403, and Title V compliant |
| Production Impact | Line break completed on schedule – zero lost throughput |
| Safety | 24/7 staffed with no incidents |
This project is why Southern California refineries keep Envent on speed dial for ammonia, H₂S, and emergency vapor events.
Got an ammonia, H₂S, or coker emergency in California? Get your Free 24-Hour Emergency Vapor Control Plan & Quote today. Call Envent’s SoCal Emergency Team at 888-997-9465 or email [email protected] — we answer 24/7.
