The vapor recovery unit hydrocarbon emission rate will be determined from processor outlet hydrocarbon concentration and outlet volume. The test methods MTS will use are specified in 40CFR60 Section 60.503 of Subpart XX. The methods include EPA Standard Reference Methods 2A, 21 and 25B.
4.1 Test Equipment and Installation
In this system the retentate, or exhaust of the PERMEATOR® was hard piped to a roots meter.
The inlet analysis equipment consists of a Horiba Model PIR-2000 non-dispersive infrared analyzer (NDIR). The analyzer was operated in the range of 0-60% as propane and was calibrated on-site with propane in nitrogen standards.
Inlet samples were drawn from the vapor line upstream of the point where the vapor line enters the recovery unit. A stainless steel sample pump with Teflon diaphragm was used to draw the
sample from the inlet through a Teflon sample line to the inlet hydrocarbon analyzer.
The permeate or return analysis equipment consisted of a Summit non-dispersive infrared analyzer (NDIR). The analyzer was also operated in the range of 0-60% as propane and was calibrated on-site with propane in nitrogen standards.
Permeate samples were drawn from the vapor line upstream of the point where the vapor line returns to the storage tanks. A stainless steel sample pump with Teflon diaphragm was used to draw the sample from the permeate line through a Teflon sample line to the inlet hydrocarbon analyzer.
Outlet volume was measured with a Romet model RM1000DCID rotary gas meter. A Pulse-A-Matic transmitter, attached to the rotary gas meter, sent a single pulse for every half a cubic foot through the meter. Using test ports in the hard piping, temperature was measured with a K type thermocouple and meter pressure was measured with a Rosemount pressure transmitter.
Outlet samples were drawn from a site on or near the rotary gas meter. The outlet analyzer was a Horiba Model PIR-2000 NDIR analyzer operating in the range 0 - 4% C3. A stainless steel sample pump with Teflon diaphragm was used to draw the sample from the outlet through a Teflon sample line to the outlet analyzer. The analysis system was housed in a laboratory trailer parked adjacent to the recovery unit.
A Campbell Scientific data acquisition system (DAS) was used to collect and log the data obtained from the above mentioned instrumentation. The DAS monitors readings once each second and reports the results in one minute averages.
