EP4530221A1 - Mobile venting system, venting system and venting method for an oil industry storage tank - Google Patents

Mobile venting system, venting system and venting method for an oil industry storage tank Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4530221A1
EP4530221A1 EP24202950.2A EP24202950A EP4530221A1 EP 4530221 A1 EP4530221 A1 EP 4530221A1 EP 24202950 A EP24202950 A EP 24202950A EP 4530221 A1 EP4530221 A1 EP 4530221A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mobile
storage tank
venting system
installation
venting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24202950.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Krzysztof Doroszko
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Orlen Spolka Akcyjna
Original Assignee
Orlen Spolka Akcyjna
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Application filed by Orlen Spolka Akcyjna filed Critical Orlen Spolka Akcyjna
Publication of EP4530221A1 publication Critical patent/EP4530221A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/22—Safety features
    • B65D90/30—Recovery of escaped vapours
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/22—Safety features
    • B65D90/32—Arrangements for preventing, or minimising the effect of, excessive or insufficient pressure
    • B65D90/34—Venting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2205/00—Venting means

Definitions

  • the object of the invention is a venting system, a venting system and a method of venting a storage tank of the oil industry.
  • liquid fuels are stored in various types of tanks, whether in petrochemical plants, fuel storage facilities or on means of transport such as ships or tankers. Depending on their needs, fuels are pumped to installations that process the fuel or send the fuel to other tanks. Storage tanks need to be maintained however for safety reasons the concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in empty storage tanks must be below the lower explosive limit during servicing, inspection, verification, etc.
  • venting process is expected to be safe for both operators and the equipment itself, and the system and method of venting will use different sets of process variables depending on the imposed parameters for safe operation of the equipment connected to the venting system for the duration of the process, which may include the flow rate and the prevailing pressure or vacuum in the tanks and equipment. It is expected to develop a venting system such that it can be connected at the appropriate time to remove volatile fractions from the tank and then disconnected after venting, in this description such a system will be referred to as a mobile system.
  • the essence of the invention is a mobile venting system for carrying out the process of venting a petroleum industry storage tank and transferring the hydrocarbon/gas vapours removed from the tank to a recovery facility by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank or pumping air into the storage tank.
  • the mobile venting system comprises a flow channel for transferring hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the inlet to the outlet of the mobile venting system, a fan with adjustable capacity for transferring hydrocarbon/gas vapours through the flow channel, the part of the flow channel from the inlet of the mobile venting system to the fan being the suction part, and the part of the flow channel from the fan to the outlet of the mobile venting system constitutes the discharge part of the flow channel, an inlet manual valve in the suction part for shutting off the mobile venting system from external objects, an outlet manual valve in the discharge part for shutting off the mobile venting system from external objects, a first pressure sensor in the suction part to control the low pressure in the system, a second pressure sensor in the delivery part to control the high pressure in the system, a first flow meter to control the hydrocarbon vapour/gas flow through the flow channel, a first lower explosion limit analyser to analyse the gas concentration in the mobile venting system, a second lower explosion limit analyser to analyse the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented tank
  • the mobile venting system is characterized by the fact that it includes a third pressure sensor to control the pressure in the vented storage tank.
  • the mobile venting system comprises a fourth pressure sensor for controlling the pressure of the hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the gasoline vapour recovery facility or in the discharge pipeline or in the discharge pipeline that leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the gasoline vapour recovery facility or other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline.
  • the mobile venting system is characterized by the fact that it includes a second flow meter to control the gas flow in the petrol vapour recovery system.
  • the mobile venting system can be equipped with a first flame arrester in the suction section of the flow channel and a second flame arrester in the discharge section of the flow channel.
  • venting system for venting a storage tank of the petroleum industry adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours and transfer to a petrol vapour recovery installation by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank or by pumping air into the storage tank.
  • the venting system comprises a storage tank equipped with connections for connecting the storage tank to the gasoline vapour recovery installation and the mobile venting system, an air intake, a mobile venting system according to the present invention, a gasoline vapour recovery installation, piping for connecting the mobile venting system to the storage tank and to the gasoline vapour recovery installation.
  • the venting system is characterized in that a second lower explosion limit analyser is located on the storage tank.
  • the venting system is also characterized in that the mobile venting system includes at least one pressure sensor located on the storage tank or in the petrol vapour recovery installation or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline, or a flow meter located in the petrol vapour recovery installation or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation.
  • the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by pumping air into the vented storage tank so that the inlet of the mobile venting system remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air and the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected via a first discharge pipeline to the inlet of the storage tank, furthermore the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the gasoline vapour recovery system via a first discharge pipeline, in which the manual valve is mounted, a third pressure sensor of the mobile venting system is mounted on the storage tank, while the fourth pressure sensor is mounted on the petrol vapour recovery installation or on the discharge pipeline that leads hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline, and the second lower explosion limit analyser is mounted on the storage tank, with a fifth pressure sensor located on the petrol vapour recovery installation as part of this installation.
  • the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by pumping air into the vented storage tank so that the inlet of the mobile venting system remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air and the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a first discharge pipe to the inlet of the storage tank, furthermore the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation by means of a first discharge pipe, in which a manual valve is installed, a second flow meter of the mobile venting system is installed on the first discharge pipe by which the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation and to which other technological facilities are connected, a third flow meter being part of the petrol vapour recovery installation and a second lower explosion limit analyser being installed on the storage tank.
  • the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by sucking hydrocarbon vapours/gases from the vented storage tank so that an ambient air supply is provided to the storage tank
  • the inlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the connection of the storage tank by means of a suction pipe
  • the connection is the outlet of the storage tank and the air supply to the storage tank is realised by opening the inlet of the storage tank
  • the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe to the petrol vapour recovery installation
  • the third pressure sensor of the mobile venting system is installed on the storage tank
  • the fourth pressure sensor is installed on the petrol vapour recovery system or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon vapours/gases to the petrol vapour recovery system or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline
  • a second lower explosion limit analyser is installed on the storage tank, with a fifth pressure sensor as part of the petrol vapour recovery system.
  • the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank so that ambient air is provided to the storage tank
  • the inlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the connection of the storage tank by means of a suction pipe, the connection being the outlet of the tank, the air supply to the storage tank being made by opening the inlet
  • the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe to the petrol vapour recovery installation
  • a second flow meter of the mobile venting system is installed on the first discharge pipeline to which other process facilities are connected, with a third flow meter as part of the system and a second lower explosion limit analyser is installed on the storage tank.
  • the essence of the invention is a method of venting a petroleum industry storage tank.
  • the veltilation method comprises steps in which the storage tank is emptied of the liquid phase, the mobile venting system is connected to the storage tank and to the petrol vapour recovery installation, the ambient air flow is established through the storage tank to the mobile venting system and to the petrol vapour recovery installation or through the mobile venting system to the storage tank and to the petrol vapour recovery installation and the vented storage tank is connected to the inlet of the mobile venting system, and the outlet of the mobile venting system to the petrol vapour recovery installation or the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the vented storage tank and the vented storage tank to the petrol vapour recovery installation, the process variables are determined for the measuring elements selected from the first group comprising a first pressure sensor in the suction part of the flow channel of the mobile venting system, a second pressure sensor in the discharge part of the flow channel of the mobile venting system, a third pressure sensor on the vented storage tank, a fourth pressure sensor on the petrol vapour recovery installation
  • the method of ventilating the storage tank is implemented by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank, comprising steps in which a discharge pipe is connected to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the storage tank, a first process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks connected to the petrol vapour recovery system or a second process variable for the second pressure sensor plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system and the discharge line, which defines the set pressure in the petrol vapour recovery system for the regulation of the gas flow through the mobile venting system, a third process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system of 95% pressure, which opens the breathing valves of the tanks connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation or a fourth process variable for the second pressure sensor at 95% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery installation, plus the hydraulic
  • the method of ventilating the storage tank is implemented by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting the first discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the storage tank, connecting the outlet of the storage tank to the petrol vapour recovery system by means of the first discharge line, a seventh process variable is set for the second flow meter of the mobile venting system or for the third flow meter of the petrol vapour recovery installation with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery installation or an eighth process variable is set for the first flow meter of the mobile venting system, which defines a flow rate into the system of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate into the petrol vapour recovery system, a sixth process variable defining the minimum vacuum in the suction section of the flow channel measured by the first pressure sensor of 90% of the minimum vacuum generated by the fan is determined, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section of the mobile venting system, the inlet manual valve is opened
  • the method of venting the storage tank is implemented by sucking hydrocarbon vapours from the storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting a suction pipe to the inlet of the mobile venting system and to the connection of the storage tank, connecting a discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the installation, closing the manual valve, opening the inlet of the storage tank, determine the first process variable for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery system or the second process variable for the second pressure sensor with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery system, plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile vapour recovery system and the discharge line, which defines the set pressure in the petrol vapour recovery system to regulate the gas flow through the mobile vapour recovery system, a third process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile vapour recovery system with
  • the method of venting the storage tank is implemented by drawing air from the vented storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting a suction pipe to the inlet of the mobile venting system and to the connection of the storage tank, connecting a discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the installation, closing the manual valve, opening the inlet of the storage tank, a seventh process variable is determined for the second flow meter of the mobile venting system or the third flow meter of the petrol vapour recovery system with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery system or an eighth process variable is determined for the first flow meter of the mobile venting system with a value of 30% to 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery system, a sixth process variable is determined which defines the minimum pressure in the suction part of the flow channel measured by the first pressure sensor with a value of 90% of the vacuum generated by the fan, which defines the minimum vacuum in the suction part of the mobile venting system
  • a universal venting system which can be used in oil industry processes in a very flexible manner.
  • the venting system according to the invention makes it possible to ventilate the reservoir by means of differentiated processes, both with air being pumped into the reservoir and with the suction of gas/hydrocarbon vapours from the reservoir as recorded in the method according to the invention.
  • These differentiated processes can be implemented in the venting systems in the presented implementation examples, as well as in venting systems built based on the presented implementation examples.
  • the industrial automation control elements including sensors, flow meters, used in the venting system make it possible to introduce a wide variety of process variables in the venting systems both in the presented examples and in those built on the basis of the presented systems.
  • the process variables required to guide and control the venting process can be selected according to the venting technique used, whereby by using automatic valves, flame arresters, the venting process can be carried out safely for both the venting system components and the venting system itself.
  • venting system and the method of venting ensures that no hydrocarbon vapours are emitted into the atmosphere when the tank is vented.
  • the venting system according to the invention provides constant pressure monitoring in all objects of the system, namely the ventilated tank, the venting system, the hydrocarbon vapour recovery installation and other connected technological objects.
  • the developed venting system is a universal system suitable for use in various venting systems.
  • the mobile venting system 1 is adapted for carrying out the venting process of a storage tank 2 of the oil industry.
  • the mobile venting system 1 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term MUW 1 or system 1 is used in the description) is adapted for use in a venting system in such a way that air flows through the MUW 1 and is conveyed through a conveying pipeline 24 to the storage tank 2, and the hydrocarbons/gases from the tank 2 are conveyed through another conveying pipeline 25 to a receiving installation 3, for example to a gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term OPB installation 3 or installation 3 is used in the description).
  • hydrocarbon/gas vapours are removed from storage tank 2 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term tank 2 is also used) for the duration of venting of storage tank 2 and transferred to OPB 3.
  • the venting system 1 comprises a flow channel 4 extending from the inlet 5 to the outlet 6 of the venting system 1 ( Fig. 1 ).
  • the flow channel 4 conveys air or hydrocarbons/gases.
  • a fan 7 is located on the flow channel 4 for forcing the flow in the flow channel 4.
  • the fan 7 can convey air or draw in hydrocarbons/gases with an adjustable capacity.
  • the part of the flow channel 4 from the inlet 5 to the fan 7 is the suction part 4A, and the part of the flow channel 4 from the fan 7 to the outlet 6 is the discharge part 4B.
  • On the suction part 4A is situated an inlet manual valve 8 for shutting off the system 1 from external objects.
  • On the discharge part 4B is situated an outlet manual valve 9 for shutting off the system from external objects.
  • an inlet automatic valve 10 is arranged for emergency shutting off the venting system 1 from external objects.
  • an outlet automatic valve 11 for emergency shut-off of the venting system 1 from external objects is situated on the discharge part 4B.
  • An inlet flame arrester 12 may be installed between the inlet manual valve 8 and the inlet automatic valve 10, and an outlet flame arrester 13 may be installed between the outlet manual valve 9 and the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • the flame arrester 12, 13 protects in the event of a fire against the ingress of fire from outside into the components of the venting system 1.
  • Pressure sensors are arranged in the flow channel 4.
  • the first pressure sensor 14 is located in the suction section 4A and is used to control the low pressure of the system 1.
  • the second pressure sensor 15 is located in the discharge section 4B and is used to control the high pressure of the system 1.
  • the venting system 1 is equipped with a non-return valve 16 located on the flow channel 4 to protect the venting system 1 from backflow, i.e. in the direction from the outlet 6 to the inlet 5.
  • a first flow meter 17 is arranged on the flow channel 4 to control the flow of gas through the flow channel 4.
  • the first flow meter 17 is arranged in the suction section 4A, the first flow meter 17 may also be arranged in the discharge section 4B.
  • the venting system 1 may be equipped with a first lower explosion limit analyser 18 for analysing the concentration of gases in the venting system 1.
  • the lower explosion limit analyser 18 may be situated in the suction section 4A as well as in the discharge section 4B as in the example shown.
  • the venting system 1 may comprise a second lower explosion limit analyser 19 adapted to be installed on the vented storage tank 2 for analysing the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in this tank.
  • the venting system 1 may be provided with a third pressure sensor 20 provided for mounting on the storage tank 2 provided for venting. Furthermore, the venting system 1 may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor 21 provided for mounting on the hydrocarbon/gas collection system 3.
  • the venting system 1 is equipped with multiple communication channels/connections (shown with dashed lines) between the controller and the pressure sensors, flow meters, fan and explosion limit analysers, with the communication channels shown in simplified form.
  • the venting system 1 can be equipped with a communication channel with a fifth pressure sensor 27, which is an integral part of the installation 3.
  • the venting system 1 may be equipped with a second flow meter 22 adapted to be installed on the hydrocarbon/gas collection system 3.
  • the venting system 1 may be equipped with a communication channel with a third flow meter 28, which is an integral part of the installation 3.
  • the venting system 1 comprises a controller 23 for receiving process signals and running the process.
  • the controller 23 receives measured pressure value signals from the first sensor 14, the second sensor 15, the third sensor 20, the fourth sensor 21, the fifth sensor 27, the first flow meter 17, the second flow meter 22, the third flow meter 28, and the signal concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the first analyser 18 lower explosion limit and the second analyser 19 lower explosion limit.
  • the controller 23 controls the output of the fan 17, in case the preset pressure in the installation 3 of the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery or the pressure in the storage tank 2 is exceeded, the controller 23 interrupts the venting process of the tank 2. In an emergency situation, the controller cuts off the mobile venting system by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 and the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • the mobile venting system 1 can be connected in such a way that the air sucked from the environment into the mobile venting system 1 is pumped through the delivery pipe 24 to the tank 2 and further to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery installation 3. Examples of how the mobile venting system 1 can be connected so as to ventilate the tank 2 by pumping air into the tank 2 are described below in the examples of the execution of the venting system and are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 .
  • the mobile venting system 1 can be connected in such a way that hydrocarbons/gases sucked through the suction pipe 29 from the tank flow through the mobile venting system 1 and are pumped through the delivery pipe 24 to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery installation 3, with air being supplied to the vented tank 2. Examples of how to connect the mobile venting system 1 so as to ventilate the tank 2 by suction are described below in the examples of the execution of the venting system and are shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 .
  • the venting system according to the invention is adapted to vent the storage tank 2 in such a way that the hydrocarbons/gases removed from the storage tank 2 are transferred to the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3.
  • a venting system is provided in which either air is pumped into the storage tank 2 to remove the hydrocarbons/gases or the hydrocarbons/gases are sucked out of the storage tank 2.
  • the venting system comprises the storage tank 2, the mobile venting system MUW 1 and the petrol vapour collection OPB installation 3, with the components of the system connected to each other by pipelines.
  • the venting system is equipped with pressure sensors and flow meters to control the venting process, with the tank venting process being operated by the mobile venting system controller.
  • venting system and the method of venting the storage tank according to the invention are shown below in examples of embodiments.
  • the venting system in the first example implementation shown in Fig. 3 is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank 2.
  • the inlet 5 of the mobile venting system 1 remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air.
  • the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a first discharge pipeline 24 to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2.
  • the outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery system 3 by means of a first discharge pipeline 25 for routing hydrocarbons/gases to the OPB installation 3, whereby a manual valve 26 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25, the discharge pipeline 25 being a discharge pipeline.
  • a third pressure sensor 20 of the system 1 is mounted on the storage tank 2, while a fourth pressure sensor 21 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25, a fifth pressure sensor 27 is mounted on and belongs to the OPB installation 3, the fifth pressure sensor 27 being connected to the controller 23 of the MUW 1.
  • a second analyser 19 of the lower explosion limit is mounted on the storage tank 2.
  • To the discharge pipe 25 may be connected to other technological facilities, for example tanker loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tanker loading equipment 33.
  • the manual valve 26 on the discharge pipe 25 leading to the OPB installation 3 is opened, the discharge pipe 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system 1 and to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2.
  • the venting process can be based on the signal from the fifth pressure sensor 27 of the OPB installation 3, the signal from the fourth pressure sensor 21, the third pressure sensor 20 or the second pressure sensor 15 of the MUW 1, whereby process variables are determined for the sensors selected to implement the venting process.
  • a first variable Z1 is determined with a value of 80 % of the pressure that opens the breathing valves in the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation.
  • the value of the second process variable Z2 may correspond to the value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breathing valves, increased by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 define the set pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 for the regulation of the gas flow through MUW 1.
  • the first process variable Z1 and the second process variable Z2 represent the values of the pressures sought by the PID controller used in the controller 23 of MUW 1.
  • the first and second variables process variable Z1 and Z2 can be 1800 Pa, advantageously the process variable Z1, Z2 is within +/- 5% of the setpoint.
  • the third process variable Z3 which defines the maximum pressure in the OPB 3 installation at which MUW 1's gas discharge is interrupted.
  • the third process variable Z3 is determined for the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 installation or for the fourth sensor 21 of MUW 1 with a value of 95 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation.
  • the fourth process variable Z4 for the second pressure sensor 15 can be increased by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 define the maximum pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 until the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted.
  • process variables Z3 and Z4 can be 2200 Pa.
  • a fifth process variable Z5 is determined for the third pressure sensor 20 on storage tank 2 with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of storage tank 2, the fifth process variable Z5 defines the minimum vacuum in storage tank 2.
  • the fifth process variable Z5 can be -5000 Pa.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 defining the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14, with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A in the mobile venting system 1.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • the controller 23 starts the fan 7 of the mobile system venting 1.
  • the controller 23 receives signals about the pressure in the ventilated tank 2, in the MUW 1 and in the OPB installation 3.
  • the venting process is carried out using a PID controller.
  • the process can be interrupted at any time if at least one of the set process variables Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 is exceeded.
  • the venting process is terminated when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%.
  • the controller 23 interrupts the venting process, furthermore the flow through MUW 1 is blocked by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • the venting system in the second design example shown in Fig. 4 is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank 2.
  • the inlet 5 of the mobile venting system 1 remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air.
  • the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system 1 is connected by means of a first discharge pipe 24 to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2.
  • the outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3 by means of a discharge pipe 25 for routing hydrocarbons/gases to the OPB installation 3, a manual valve 26 being installed on the discharge pipe 25.
  • a second flow meter 22 MUW 1 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25.
  • Other process facilities may be connected to the discharge pipeline 25, for example tank car loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tank car loading equipment 33.
  • the first discharge pipeline 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of MUW 1 and to the inlet 2A of storage tank 2, while the outlet 2B of storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3 by means of a discharge pipeline 25.
  • the venting process of the storage tank 2 may take place for a predetermined flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours, which is controlled by a second flow meter 22 at the MUW 1.
  • a process variable defining the flow rate to the OPB installation is determined for the second flow meter 22.
  • the venting process may take place for a specific flow rate, which is controlled by the third flow meter 28 of the OPB installation 3.
  • the process variable defining the flow rate to the OPB installation 3 is determined.
  • the process variables are determined.
  • a seventh process variable Z7 of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate is set for the second flow meter 22 of MUW 1 or for the third flow meter 28 of the OPB installation 3, the seventh process variable Z7 defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the OPB installation 3.
  • An eighth process variable Z8 can be set for the first flow meter 17 of MUW 1, the eighth process variable Z8 defines the rate of flow rate to the OPB installation 3 of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the OPB installation 3, depending on the loading of the OPB installation 3 by process facilities 31, 32, 33.
  • the seventh and eighth process variables Z7 and Z8 can have a value in the range of +/-5% from the setpoint.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 is determined, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14 of 90 % of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A in MUW 1.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • the controller 23 receives a signal about the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the discharge pipeline 25 leading to the OPB installation 3.
  • the venting process is implemented using the PID controller used in the controller 23.
  • the controller aims to maintain the value of the eighth process variable Z8.
  • the process can be interrupted at any time if the preset seventh process variable Z7 or sixth process variable Z6 is exceeded, or when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%.
  • the controller 23 interrupts the flow through the mobile venting system 1 by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • the venting system in the third example implementation shown in Fig. 5 is adapted to remove hydrocarbons by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, whereby an ambient air supply is provided to the tank 2.
  • the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 is connected to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2 by means of a suction pipe 29, the connection 2A being, in this example of implementation, the outlet 2A of the tank 2.
  • the air supply to the storage tank 2 is carried out by opening the inlet 2C.
  • the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected via a second discharge pipe 24 to the inlet of the OPB installation 3.
  • the third pressure sensor 20 of the mobile venting system is mounted on the storage tank 2, while the fourth pressure sensor 21 is mounted on the OPB installation 3 or on the second discharge pipeline 24 or on the discharge pipeline 25 that leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the OPB installation 3 or on other process facilities 31, 32, 33 connected to the pipeline 25, for example facilities of the group comprising the tank car loading facility 31, tanks 32, tank car loading facilities 33 may be connected.
  • a second lower explosion limit analyser 19 is mounted on the storage tank 2, a fifth pressure sensor 27 being part of the OPB installation 3 is located on the installation 3.
  • the suction pipeline 29 is connected to the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 and to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2
  • the discharge pipeline 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the MUW 1 and to the inlet of the OPB installation 3.
  • the manual valve 26 is then closed, the inlet 2C of the storage tank 2 is opened.
  • the venting process may be based on the signal from the fifth pressure sensor 27 of the OPB installation 3, the signal from the fourth pressure sensor 21, the third pressure sensor 20 or the second pressure sensor 15 of the mobile venting system 1, whereby process variables are determined for the sensors selected to implement the venting process.
  • a first variable Z1 is determined with a value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the installation of the OPB 3.
  • the value of the second process variable Z2 may correspond to a value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breather valves, increased by the hydraulic resistance of the MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 define the set pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 for regulating the gas flow through the MUW 1.
  • the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 may be 1800 Pa, preferably the first and second process variables Z1, Z2 are within +/- 5% of the setpoint.
  • a third process variable Z3 defining the maximum permissible pressure in the OPB 3 installation at which the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted.
  • a third process variable Z3 is established for the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 installation or for the fourth sensor 21 of MUW 1 with a value of 95 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation.
  • the fourth process variable Z4 for the second pressure sensor 15 can be augmented by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 define the maximum pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 until the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted.
  • the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 can be 2200 Pa.
  • a fifth process variable Z5 is determined for the third pressure sensor 20 on storage tank 2 with a value of 80% of the permissible negative pressure in storage tank 2.
  • the fifth process variable Z5 defines the minimum negative pressure in storage tank 2.
  • the fifth process variable Z5 can be -5000 Pa.
  • a sixth process variable Z6 is established that defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction part 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14, with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 defines the minimum pressure in the suction section 4A of the mobile venting system 1.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • outlet manual valve 9 When the inlet manual valve 8, outlet manual valve 9 are opened, the controller 23 activates the fan 7 of the mobile venting system 1.
  • controller 23 receives signals about the pressure in vented tank 2, in MUW 1 and in the OPB installation.
  • the venting process is implemented using a PID controller.
  • the process can be interrupted at any time if at least one set process variable Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 is exceeded.
  • the venting process is terminated when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%.
  • the controller 23 interrupts the venting process, furthermore the flow through MUW 1 is blocked by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • the venting system in the fourth design example shown in Fig. 6 is adapted to remove hydrocarbons by drawing hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, whereby an air supply is provided to the tank 2 from the surroundings.
  • the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 is connected to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2 by means of a suction pipe 29, the connection 2A being in this implementation example the outlet 2A of the tank 2.
  • the air supply to the storage tank 2 is realised by closing the manual valve 26 and opening the inlet 2C.
  • the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe 24 to the inlet of the OPB installation 3.
  • a second flow meter 22 MUW 1 is mounted on the first discharge pipe 25, by means of which the outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3.
  • a third flow meter 28 is located on the OPB installation 3.
  • a second lower explosion limit analyser 19 is mounted on the storage tank 2.
  • To the discharge pipe 25 may be connected to other technological facilities, for example tanker loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tanker loading equipment 33.
  • a suction pipe 29 is connected to the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 and to the connection 2B of the storage tank 2
  • a second discharge pipe 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the MUW 1 and to the inlet of the OPB installation 3.
  • the manual valve 26 is closed, the inlet 2C of the storage tank 2 is opened.
  • the venting process of the storage tank 2 can take place for a specific flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours, which is controlled by the second flow meter 22 MUW 1.
  • the venting process can take place for a specific flow rate, which is controlled by the third flow meter 28 of the PBO installation 3.
  • Process variables are established for the flow meters selected to implement the venting process.
  • a seventh process variable Z7 with a value of 95% of the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate is determined for the second flow meter 22 of MUW 1 or for the third flow meter 28 of OPB installation 3, the seventh process variable Z7 defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to OPB installation 3.
  • An eighth process variable Z8 can be determined for the first flow meter 17 in MUW 1, the eighth process variable Z8 defines a flow rate to the OPB installation 3 of between 30% and 80% of the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the OPB installation 3, depending on the load of the OPB installation 3 by the process facilities 31, 32, 33.
  • the seventh and eighth process variables Z7 and Z8 can be within +/-5% of the setpoint.
  • a sixth process variable Z6 is determined, which defines the minimum pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14 value of 90 % of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth process variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in suction section 4A in MUW 1.
  • the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • outlet manual valve 9 When the inlet manual valve 8, outlet manual valve 9 are opened, the controller 23 activates the fan 7 of the mobile venting system 1.
  • the controller 23 receives a signal about the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the discharge pipeline 25 leading to the OPB installation 3.
  • the venting process is carried out using the PID controller used in the controller 23.
  • the controller seeks to maintain the value of the eighth process variable Z8.
  • the process can be interrupted at any time if at least one of the preset seventh or sixth process variables Z7, Z6 is exceeded or when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in the vented tank falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%.
  • the controller 23 interrupts the flow through the mobile venting system 1 by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

The object of the invention is a mobile venting system for carrying out the process of venting a storage tank (2) of the petroleum industry and transferring to installation (3) for recovering hydrocarbon/gas vapours removed from the tank (2) by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank (2) or by pumping air into the storage tank (2), which comprises a flow channel (4) for conveying hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the inlet (5) to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1), a fan (7) with adjustable capacity for conveying hydrocarbon/gas vapours through the flow channel (4), wherein the part of the flow channel (4) from the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) to the fan (7) being the suction part (4A) and the part of the flow channel (4) from the fan (7) to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) is the discharge part (4B) of the flow channel (4), an inlet manual valve (8) in the suction part (4A) for shutting off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects, an outlet manual valve (9) in the discharge part (4B) for shutting off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects, a first pressure sensor (14) in the suction part (4A) to control the low pressure in the system, a second pressure sensor (15) in the discharge part (4B) to control the high pressure in the system, a first flow meter (17) to control the flow of hydrocarbon vapours/gases through the flow channel (4), a first low explosion limit analyser (18) to analyse the gas concentration in the mobile venting system (1), a second low explosion limit analyser (19) to analyse the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented tank (2), a first automatic valve (10) in the suction part (4A) to automatically shut off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects, a second automatic valve (11) in the discharge section (4B) for automatically shutting off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects, a non-return valve (16) to prevent backflow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the flow channel (4), a controller (23) for receiving process signals and running the process.Furthermore, the subject of the invention is a system and method of venting using a venting system.

Description

  • The object of the invention is a venting system, a venting system and a method of venting a storage tank of the oil industry.
  • In the petroleum processing industry, liquid fuels are stored in various types of tanks, whether in petrochemical plants, fuel storage facilities or on means of transport such as ships or tankers. Depending on their needs, fuels are pumped to installations that process the fuel or send the fuel to other tanks. Storage tanks need to be maintained however for safety reasons the concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in empty storage tanks must be below the lower explosive limit during servicing, inspection, verification, etc.
  • In known tank venting processes use systems that transfer hydrocarbon vapours directly to the atmosphere. This is a very un-environmental solution and currently undesirable. Another solution is the use of systems to burn hydrocarbon vapours, which is equally unenvironmental due to the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the temperature of the atmosphere. In hydrocarbon vapour recovery systems, absorption columns are used in which the petrol vapour and an absorbent, such as aviation fuel, flow in opposite directions so that the volatile hydrocarbon fractions can be absorbed, with the need to control the process by appropriately matching the vapour and absorbent flows. The capacity of the absorbent to absorb volatile hydrocarbons depletes and exceeding process parameters can result in the loss of some volatile fractions. Systems equipped with carbon beds adsorbing hydrocarbon vapours are also used, with the absorption capacity of the bed depleting. Any of the above solutions can result in the loss of a certain amount of volatile fractions, with the primary concern being the adverse environmental impact of such systems. It is very important for the efficiency of gasoline vapour recovery to maintain the required technological parameters of the gasoline vapour recovery process.
  • There is therefore a need in the petroleum processing industry for efficient storage tank venting equipment that can transfer hydrocarbon/gas vapours to stationary Petrol Vapour Recovery Facilities in a tightly controlled process. Among other things, there is a need for a system that will use the declarant's existing petrol vapour recovery facility as a destination point for vapour transfer from the fuel storage tank. The existing hydrocarbon vapour recovery facility in the event of an exceedance of the permissible pressure releases some hydrocarbon vapours, which has an adverse environmental effect. Therefore, there is a need to build a venting system that will be technically equipped to run the process in such a way that the recovery efficiency is kept as high as possible and to interrupt the process in order to prevent the release of hydrocarbon vapours into the atmosphere. The venting process is expected to be safe for both operators and the equipment itself, and the system and method of venting will use different sets of process variables depending on the imposed parameters for safe operation of the equipment connected to the venting system for the duration of the process, which may include the flow rate and the prevailing pressure or vacuum in the tanks and equipment. It is expected to develop a venting system such that it can be connected at the appropriate time to remove volatile fractions from the tank and then disconnected after venting, in this description such a system will be referred to as a mobile system.
  • The essence of the invention is a mobile venting system for carrying out the process of venting a petroleum industry storage tank and transferring the hydrocarbon/gas vapours removed from the tank to a recovery facility by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank or pumping air into the storage tank.
  • The mobile venting system comprises a flow channel for transferring hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the inlet to the outlet of the mobile venting system, a fan with adjustable capacity for transferring hydrocarbon/gas vapours through the flow channel, the part of the flow channel from the inlet of the mobile venting system to the fan being the suction part, and the part of the flow channel from the fan to the outlet of the mobile venting system constitutes the discharge part of the flow channel, an inlet manual valve in the suction part for shutting off the mobile venting system from external objects, an outlet manual valve in the discharge part for shutting off the mobile venting system from external objects, a first pressure sensor in the suction part to control the low pressure in the system, a second pressure sensor in the delivery part to control the high pressure in the system, a first flow meter to control the hydrocarbon vapour/gas flow through the flow channel, a first lower explosion limit analyser to analyse the gas concentration in the mobile venting system, a second lower explosion limit analyser to analyse the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented tank, a first automatic valve in the suction part for the automatic shut-off of the mobile venting system from external objects, a second automatic valve in the discharge part for the automatic shut-off of the mobile venting system from external objects a non-return valve to secure the against backflow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the flow channel, controller for receiving process signals and running the process.
  • The mobile venting system is characterized by the fact that it includes a third pressure sensor to control the pressure in the vented storage tank.
  • Advantageously, the mobile venting system comprises a fourth pressure sensor for controlling the pressure of the hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the gasoline vapour recovery facility or in the discharge pipeline or in the discharge pipeline that leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the gasoline vapour recovery facility or other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline.
  • The mobile venting system is characterized by the fact that it includes a second flow meter to control the gas flow in the petrol vapour recovery system.
  • The mobile venting system can be equipped with a first flame arrester in the suction section of the flow channel and a second flame arrester in the discharge section of the flow channel.
  • Also of the essence of the invention is a venting system for venting a storage tank of the petroleum industry adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours and transfer to a petrol vapour recovery installation by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank or by pumping air into the storage tank. The venting system comprises a storage tank equipped with connections for connecting the storage tank to the gasoline vapour recovery installation and the mobile venting system, an air intake, a mobile venting system according to the present invention, a gasoline vapour recovery installation, piping for connecting the mobile venting system to the storage tank and to the gasoline vapour recovery installation. The venting system is characterized in that a second lower explosion limit analyser is located on the storage tank. The venting system is also characterized in that the mobile venting system includes at least one pressure sensor located on the storage tank or in the petrol vapour recovery installation or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline, or a flow meter located in the petrol vapour recovery installation or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation.
  • Advantageously, the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by pumping air into the vented storage tank so that the inlet of the mobile venting system remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air and the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected via a first discharge pipeline to the inlet of the storage tank, furthermore the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the gasoline vapour recovery system via a first discharge pipeline, in which the manual valve is mounted, a third pressure sensor of the mobile venting system is mounted on the storage tank, while the fourth pressure sensor is mounted on the petrol vapour recovery installation or on the discharge pipeline that leads hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline, and the second lower explosion limit analyser is mounted on the storage tank, with a fifth pressure sensor located on the petrol vapour recovery installation as part of this installation.
  • Advantageously, the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by pumping air into the vented storage tank so that the inlet of the mobile venting system remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air and the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a first discharge pipe to the inlet of the storage tank, furthermore the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation by means of a first discharge pipe, in which a manual valve is installed, a second flow meter of the mobile venting system is installed on the first discharge pipe by which the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation and to which other technological facilities are connected, a third flow meter being part of the petrol vapour recovery installation and a second lower explosion limit analyser being installed on the storage tank.
  • Advantageously, the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by sucking hydrocarbon vapours/gases from the vented storage tank so that an ambient air supply is provided to the storage tank, the inlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the connection of the storage tank by means of a suction pipe, the connection is the outlet of the storage tank and the air supply to the storage tank is realised by opening the inlet of the storage tank, the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe to the petrol vapour recovery installation, the third pressure sensor of the mobile venting system is installed on the storage tank, while the fourth pressure sensor is installed on the petrol vapour recovery system or in the discharge pipeline which leads the hydrocarbon vapours/gases to the petrol vapour recovery system or in other process facilities connected to the discharge pipeline, and a second lower explosion limit analyser is installed on the storage tank, with a fifth pressure sensor as part of the petrol vapour recovery system.
  • Advantageously, the venting system is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank so that ambient air is provided to the storage tank, the inlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the connection of the storage tank by means of a suction pipe, the connection being the outlet of the tank, the air supply to the storage tank being made by opening the inlet, the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe to the petrol vapour recovery installation, a second flow meter of the mobile venting system is installed on the first discharge pipeline to which other process facilities are connected, with a third flow meter as part of the system and a second lower explosion limit analyser is installed on the storage tank.
  • Also the essence of the invention is a method of venting a petroleum industry storage tank. The veltilation method comprises steps in which the storage tank is emptied of the liquid phase, the mobile venting system is connected to the storage tank and to the petrol vapour recovery installation, the ambient air flow is established through the storage tank to the mobile venting system and to the petrol vapour recovery installation or through the mobile venting system to the storage tank and to the petrol vapour recovery installation and the vented storage tank is connected to the inlet of the mobile venting system, and the outlet of the mobile venting system to the petrol vapour recovery installation or the outlet of the mobile venting system is connected to the vented storage tank and the vented storage tank to the petrol vapour recovery installation, the process variables are determined for the measuring elements selected from the first group comprising a first pressure sensor in the suction part of the flow channel of the mobile venting system, a second pressure sensor in the discharge part of the flow channel of the mobile venting system, a third pressure sensor on the vented storage tank, a fourth pressure sensor on the petrol vapour recovery installation, a fifth pressure sensor which is either part of the installation or one selected from the second group comprising the first flowmeter on the mobile venting system, the second flowmeter on the mobile venting system, the third flowmeter which is part of the petrol vapour recovery installation, whereby the mentioned process variables for the venting process are established according to technical parameters of the storage tank, technological facilities and petrol vapour recovery installation to which the venting system is connected, the inlet manual valve and the outlet manual valve of the mobile venting system are opened, the mobile venting system is activated, the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented storage tank is checked, the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate is adjusted within the set process variables by varying the mobile venting system fan output, the venting process is stopped if at least one of the process variables is exceeded, the venting process is continued until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit.
  • Advantageously, the method of ventilating the storage tank is implemented by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank, comprising steps in which a discharge pipe is connected to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the storage tank, a first process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks connected to the petrol vapour recovery system or a second process variable for the second pressure sensor plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system and the discharge line, which defines the set pressure in the petrol vapour recovery system for the regulation of the gas flow through the mobile venting system, a third process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system of 95% pressure, which opens the breathing valves of the tanks connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation or a fourth process variable for the second pressure sensor at 95% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery installation, plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system and the delivery pipeline, which defines the maximum pressure in the petrol vapour recovery installation until the delivery of the gases through the mobile venting system is interrupted, a fifth process variable is determined for the third pressure sensor on the storage tank with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of the storage tank, which defines the minimum vacuum in the storage tank, a sixth process variable is determined defining the minimum vacuum in the suction part of the flow channel measured with the first pressure sensor, with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section of the mobile venting system, the manual valve on the discharge line leading to the petrol vapour recovery installation is opened, the inlet manual valve and the outlet manual valve are opened, the mobile venting system is started, the mobile venting system fan is started, the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented storage tank is checked, the pressure in the vented storage tank, in the mobile venting system and in the petrol vapour recovery unit is checked, the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow is adjusted so that the mentioned process variables are kept within the set limits by changing the fan capacity of the mobile venting system, the venting process is stopped if one or more of the mentioned process variables is exceeded, the venting process is continued until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  • Advantageously, the method of ventilating the storage tank is implemented by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting the first discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the storage tank, connecting the outlet of the storage tank to the petrol vapour recovery system by means of the first discharge line, a seventh process variable is set for the second flow meter of the mobile venting system or for the third flow meter of the petrol vapour recovery installation with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery installation or an eighth process variable is set for the first flow meter of the mobile venting system, which defines a flow rate into the system of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate into the petrol vapour recovery system, a sixth process variable defining the minimum vacuum in the suction section of the flow channel measured by the first pressure sensor of 90% of the minimum vacuum generated by the fan is determined, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section of the mobile venting system, the inlet manual valve is opened, the outlet manual valve is opened, the manual valve on the discharge pipeline is opened, the mobile venting system is started, the fan of the mobile venting system is started, the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the mentioned process variables are kept within defined limits by varying the output of the mobile venting system fan, the venting process is stopped if one or more of the mentioned process variables is exceeded, the venting process is continued until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  • Advantageously, the method of venting the storage tank is implemented by sucking hydrocarbon vapours from the storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting a suction pipe to the inlet of the mobile venting system and to the connection of the storage tank, connecting a discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the installation, closing the manual valve, opening the inlet of the storage tank, determine the first process variable for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or the fourth sensor of the mobile venting system with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery system or the second process variable for the second pressure sensor with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the petrol vapour recovery system, plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile vapour recovery system and the discharge line, which defines the set pressure in the petrol vapour recovery system to regulate the gas flow through the mobile vapour recovery system, a third process variable is determined for the fifth pressure sensor belonging to the petrol vapour recovery system or for the fourth sensor of the mobile vapour recovery system with a value of 95% of the pressure, which opens the tank breathing valves of the petrol vapour recovery system, or a fourth process variable for the second pressure sensor of 95% of the pressure which opens the tank breathing valves of the petrol vapour recovery system, plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system and the delivery pipeline, which defines the maximum pressure in the petrol vapour recovery system to be interrupted the mobile venting system is pumping gases, a fifth process variable is set for the third pressure sensor on the storage tank with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of the storage tank, which defines the minimum vacuum in the storage tank, a sixth process variable is set defining the minimum vacuum in the suction section of the flow channel measured by the first pressure sensor, with a value of 90% of the vacuum generated by the fan, which defines the minimum vacuum in the suction section in the mobile venting system, the inlet manual valve and the outlet manual valve are opened, the mobile venting system is started, the fan of the mobile venting system is started, the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the said process variables are kept within the set limits by varying the output of the mobile venting system fan, the venting process is stopped if one or more of the said process variables is exceeded, the venting process is continued until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  • Advantageously, the method of venting the storage tank is implemented by drawing air from the vented storage tank, comprising the steps of connecting a suction pipe to the inlet of the mobile venting system and to the connection of the storage tank, connecting a discharge pipe to the outlet of the mobile venting system and to the inlet of the installation, closing the manual valve, opening the inlet of the storage tank, a seventh process variable is determined for the second flow meter of the mobile venting system or the third flow meter of the petrol vapour recovery system with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery system or an eighth process variable is determined for the first flow meter of the mobile venting system with a value of 30% to 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the petrol vapour recovery system, a sixth process variable is determined which defines the minimum pressure in the suction part of the flow channel measured by the first pressure sensor with a value of 90% of the vacuum generated by the fan, which defines the minimum vacuum in the suction part of the mobile venting system, the inlet manual valve is opened, the outlet manual valve is opened, the mobile venting system is started, the mobile venting system fan is started, the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow is adjusted so that the process variables mentioned are kept within the set limits by varying the performance of the mobile venting system fan, the venting process is stopped if one or more of the process variables mentioned are exceeded, the venting process is continued until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  • According to the invention, a universal venting system has been developed which can be used in oil industry processes in a very flexible manner. The venting system according to the invention makes it possible to ventilate the reservoir by means of differentiated processes, both with air being pumped into the reservoir and with the suction of gas/hydrocarbon vapours from the reservoir as recorded in the method according to the invention. These differentiated processes can be implemented in the venting systems in the presented implementation examples, as well as in venting systems built based on the presented implementation examples. The industrial automation control elements including sensors, flow meters, used in the venting system make it possible to introduce a wide variety of process variables in the venting systems both in the presented examples and in those built on the basis of the presented systems. The process variables required to guide and control the venting process can be selected according to the venting technique used, whereby by using automatic valves, flame arresters, the venting process can be carried out safely for both the venting system components and the venting system itself.
  • The venting system and the method of venting ensures that no hydrocarbon vapours are emitted into the atmosphere when the tank is vented. The venting system according to the invention provides constant pressure monitoring in all objects of the system, namely the ventilated tank, the venting system, the hydrocarbon vapour recovery installation and other connected technological objects. The developed venting system is a universal system suitable for use in various venting systems.
  • The invention has been described with reference to the examples of implementation shown in the drawing, in which
    • Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a venting system for venting by pumping air into a vented tank,
    • Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a venting system for venting by aspiration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours from a vented tank,
    • Fig. 3 shows a schematic of a venting system for ventilating a tank by pumping air, the process being controlled by pressure sensors,
    • Fig. 4 shows a schematic of a venting system for ventilating a tank by pumping air, the process being controlled by flow meters,
    • Fig. 5 shows a schematic of a venting system for venting a tank by drawing in hydrocarbon/gas vapours, the process being controlled by pressure sensors, and
    • Fig. 6 shows a schematic of a venting system for ventilating a tank by drawing in hydrocarbon/gas vapours, the process being controlled by flow meters.
  • The mobile venting system 1 according to the invention shown in Fig. 1 is adapted for carrying out the venting process of a storage tank 2 of the oil industry. The mobile venting system 1 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term MUW 1 or system 1 is used in the description) is adapted for use in a venting system in such a way that air flows through the MUW 1 and is conveyed through a conveying pipeline 24 to the storage tank 2, and the hydrocarbons/gases from the tank 2 are conveyed through another conveying pipeline 25 to a receiving installation 3, for example to a gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term OPB installation 3 or installation 3 is used in the description). The MUW 1 shown in Fig. 2 is also adapted to be used in a venting system in such a way that the hydrocarbons/gases are sucked via a pipeline from the storage tank 2 through the MUW 1, whereby air is supplied to the storage tank 2 and the hydrocarbons/gases from the tank are sent via a discharge pipeline 24 to the receiving installation 3.
  • Irrespective of the method of connection of MUW 1, hydrocarbon/gas vapours are removed from storage tank 2 (hereafter, for simplicity, the term tank 2 is also used) for the duration of venting of storage tank 2 and transferred to OPB 3.
  • The venting system 1 comprises a flow channel 4 extending from the inlet 5 to the outlet 6 of the venting system 1 (Fig. 1). The flow channel 4 conveys air or hydrocarbons/gases. A fan 7 is located on the flow channel 4 for forcing the flow in the flow channel 4. The fan 7 can convey air or draw in hydrocarbons/gases with an adjustable capacity. The part of the flow channel 4 from the inlet 5 to the fan 7 is the suction part 4A, and the part of the flow channel 4 from the fan 7 to the outlet 6 is the discharge part 4B. On the suction part 4A is situated an inlet manual valve 8 for shutting off the system 1 from external objects. On the discharge part 4B is situated an outlet manual valve 9 for shutting off the system from external objects. Furthermore, on the suction part 4A an inlet automatic valve 10 is arranged for emergency shutting off the venting system 1 from external objects. On the other hand, an outlet automatic valve 11 for emergency shut-off of the venting system 1 from external objects is situated on the discharge part 4B. An inlet flame arrester 12 may be installed between the inlet manual valve 8 and the inlet automatic valve 10, and an outlet flame arrester 13 may be installed between the outlet manual valve 9 and the outlet automatic valve 11. The flame arrester 12, 13 protects in the event of a fire against the ingress of fire from outside into the components of the venting system 1.
  • Pressure sensors are arranged in the flow channel 4. The first pressure sensor 14 is located in the suction section 4A and is used to control the low pressure of the system 1. The second pressure sensor 15 is located in the discharge section 4B and is used to control the high pressure of the system 1. The venting system 1 is equipped with a non-return valve 16 located on the flow channel 4 to protect the venting system 1 from backflow, i.e. in the direction from the outlet 6 to the inlet 5.
  • A first flow meter 17 is arranged on the flow channel 4 to control the flow of gas through the flow channel 4. In the shown example of the implementation of the venting system 1, the first flow meter 17 is arranged in the suction section 4A, the first flow meter 17 may also be arranged in the discharge section 4B.
  • The venting system 1 may be equipped with a first lower explosion limit analyser 18 for analysing the concentration of gases in the venting system 1. The lower explosion limit analyser 18 may be situated in the suction section 4A as well as in the discharge section 4B as in the example shown. The venting system 1 may comprise a second lower explosion limit analyser 19 adapted to be installed on the vented storage tank 2 for analysing the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in this tank.
  • The venting system 1 may be provided with a third pressure sensor 20 provided for mounting on the storage tank 2 provided for venting. Furthermore, the venting system 1 may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor 21 provided for mounting on the hydrocarbon/gas collection system 3.
  • The venting system 1 is equipped with multiple communication channels/connections (shown with dashed lines) between the controller and the pressure sensors, flow meters, fan and explosion limit analysers, with the communication channels shown in simplified form.
  • The venting system 1 can be equipped with a communication channel with a fifth pressure sensor 27, which is an integral part of the installation 3.
  • The venting system 1 may be equipped with a second flow meter 22 adapted to be installed on the hydrocarbon/gas collection system 3.
  • The venting system 1 may be equipped with a communication channel with a third flow meter 28, which is an integral part of the installation 3.
  • The venting system 1 comprises a controller 23 for receiving process signals and running the process. The controller 23 receives measured pressure value signals from the first sensor 14, the second sensor 15, the third sensor 20, the fourth sensor 21, the fifth sensor 27, the first flow meter 17, the second flow meter 22, the third flow meter 28, and the signal concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the first analyser 18 lower explosion limit and the second analyser 19 lower explosion limit. The controller 23, on the basis of the received above signals, controls the output of the fan 17, in case the preset pressure in the installation 3 of the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery or the pressure in the storage tank 2 is exceeded, the controller 23 interrupts the venting process of the tank 2. In an emergency situation, the controller cuts off the mobile venting system by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 and the outlet automatic valve 11.
  • The mobile venting system 1 can be connected in such a way that the air sucked from the environment into the mobile venting system 1 is pumped through the delivery pipe 24 to the tank 2 and further to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery installation 3. Examples of how the mobile venting system 1 can be connected so as to ventilate the tank 2 by pumping air into the tank 2 are described below in the examples of the execution of the venting system and are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
  • The mobile venting system 1 can be connected in such a way that hydrocarbons/gases sucked through the suction pipe 29 from the tank flow through the mobile venting system 1 and are pumped through the delivery pipe 24 to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery installation 3, with air being supplied to the vented tank 2. Examples of how to connect the mobile venting system 1 so as to ventilate the tank 2 by suction are described below in the examples of the execution of the venting system and are shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.
  • The venting system according to the invention is adapted to vent the storage tank 2 in such a way that the hydrocarbons/gases removed from the storage tank 2 are transferred to the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3. According to the invention, a venting system is provided in which either air is pumped into the storage tank 2 to remove the hydrocarbons/gases or the hydrocarbons/gases are sucked out of the storage tank 2.
  • The venting system comprises the storage tank 2, the mobile venting system MUW 1 and the petrol vapour collection OPB installation 3, with the components of the system connected to each other by pipelines. The venting system is equipped with pressure sensors and flow meters to control the venting process, with the tank venting process being operated by the mobile venting system controller.
  • The venting system and the method of venting the storage tank according to the invention are shown below in examples of embodiments.
    • The venting system - example I
  • The venting system in the first example implementation shown in Fig. 3 is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank 2. The inlet 5 of the mobile venting system 1 remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air. The outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a first discharge pipeline 24 to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2. The outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the hydrocarbon/gas vapour recovery system 3 by means of a first discharge pipeline 25 for routing hydrocarbons/gases to the OPB installation 3, whereby a manual valve 26 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25, the discharge pipeline 25 being a discharge pipeline. A third pressure sensor 20 of the system 1 is mounted on the storage tank 2, while a fourth pressure sensor 21 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25, a fifth pressure sensor 27 is mounted on and belongs to the OPB installation 3, the fifth pressure sensor 27 being connected to the controller 23 of the MUW 1. A second analyser 19 of the lower explosion limit is mounted on the storage tank 2. To the discharge pipe 25 may be connected to other technological facilities, for example tanker loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tanker loading equipment 33.
    • The venting method - example I
  • Upon making a selection regarding the method of venting by pumping air into the ventilated tank 2, which corresponds to the use of the venting system in the above-described first example of implementation, the manual valve 26 on the discharge pipe 25 leading to the OPB installation 3 is opened, the discharge pipe 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the mobile venting system 1 and to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2.
  • The venting process can be based on the signal from the fifth pressure sensor 27 of the OPB installation 3, the signal from the fourth pressure sensor 21, the third pressure sensor 20 or the second pressure sensor 15 of the MUW 1, whereby process variables are determined for the sensors selected to implement the venting process. For the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 or for the fourth sensor 21 of the MUW 1, a first variable Z1 is determined with a value of 80 % of the pressure that opens the breathing valves in the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation. For the second pressure sensor 15, the value of the second process variable Z2 may correspond to the value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breathing valves, increased by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 define the set pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 for the regulation of the gas flow through MUW 1. The first process variable Z1 and the second process variable Z2 represent the values of the pressures sought by the PID controller used in the controller 23 of MUW 1. For example, the first and second variables process variable Z1 and Z2 can be 1800 Pa, advantageously the process variable Z1, Z2 is within +/- 5% of the setpoint.
  • It is possible to determine the third process variable Z3 which defines the maximum pressure in the OPB 3 installation at which MUW 1's gas discharge is interrupted. The third process variable Z3 is determined for the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 installation or for the fourth sensor 21 of MUW 1 with a value of 95 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation. The fourth process variable Z4 for the second pressure sensor 15 can be increased by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 define the maximum pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 until the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted. For example, process variables Z3 and Z4 can be 2200 Pa.
  • In addition, a fifth process variable Z5 is determined for the third pressure sensor 20 on storage tank 2 with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of storage tank 2, the fifth process variable Z5 defines the minimum vacuum in storage tank 2. For example, the fifth process variable Z5 can be -5000 Pa.
  • The sixth process variable Z6 defining the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14, with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A in the mobile venting system 1. For example, the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • When the inlet manual valve 8, the outlet manual valve 9 and the manual valve 26 on the discharge pipe 25 are opened, the controller 23 starts the fan 7 of the mobile system venting 1.
  • During venting, the controller 23 receives signals about the pressure in the ventilated tank 2, in the MUW 1 and in the OPB installation 3. The venting process is carried out using a PID controller. The process can be interrupted at any time if at least one of the set process variables Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 is exceeded. The venting process is terminated when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%. In the event of a malfunction, the controller 23 interrupts the venting process, furthermore the flow through MUW 1 is blocked by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
    • The venting system - example II
  • The venting system in the second design example shown in Fig. 4, similarly to the first design example, is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank 2. The inlet 5 of the mobile venting system 1 remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air. The outlet 6 of the mobile venting system 1 is connected by means of a first discharge pipe 24 to the inlet 2A of the storage tank 2. The outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3 by means of a discharge pipe 25 for routing hydrocarbons/gases to the OPB installation 3, a manual valve 26 being installed on the discharge pipe 25. A second flow meter 22 MUW 1 is mounted on the discharge pipeline 25. A third flow meter 28, which is part of the OPB installation 3, is located on the OPB installation 3. A second lower explosion limit analyser 19 is mounted on the storage tank 2. Other process facilities may be connected to the discharge pipeline 25, for example tank car loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tank car loading equipment 33.
    • The venting method - example II
  • In a venting process using a venting system adapted to remove hydrocarbons by pumping air into the vented storage tank 2, the first discharge pipeline 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of MUW 1 and to the inlet 2A of storage tank 2, while the outlet 2B of storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3 by means of a discharge pipeline 25.
  • The venting process of the storage tank 2 may take place for a predetermined flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours, which is controlled by a second flow meter 22 at the MUW 1. A process variable defining the flow rate to the OPB installation is determined for the second flow meter 22. Alternatively, the venting process may take place for a specific flow rate, which is controlled by the third flow meter 28 of the OPB installation 3. For the third flow meter 28, the process variable defining the flow rate to the OPB installation 3 is determined. For the flow meters selected to implement the venting process, the process variables are determined.
  • A seventh process variable Z7 of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate is set for the second flow meter 22 of MUW 1 or for the third flow meter 28 of the OPB installation 3, the seventh process variable Z7 defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the OPB installation 3. An eighth process variable Z8 can be set for the first flow meter 17 of MUW 1, the eighth process variable Z8 defines the rate of flow rate to the OPB installation 3 of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the OPB installation 3, depending on the loading of the OPB installation 3 by process facilities 31, 32, 33. Advantageously, the seventh and eighth process variables Z7 and Z8 can have a value in the range of +/-5% from the setpoint.
  • In addition, the sixth process variable Z6 is determined, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14 of 90 % of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section 4A in MUW 1. For example, the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa. When the inlet manual valve 8, the outlet manual valve 9 and the manual valve 26 on the discharge pipeline 25 are opened, the controller 23 starts the fan 7 of the mobile system venting 1.
  • During venting, the controller 23 receives a signal about the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the discharge pipeline 25 leading to the OPB installation 3. The venting process is implemented using the PID controller used in the controller 23. The controller aims to maintain the value of the eighth process variable Z8. The process can be interrupted at any time if the preset seventh process variable Z7 or sixth process variable Z6 is exceeded, or when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%. In the event of a failure, the controller 23 interrupts the flow through the mobile venting system 1 by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
    • The venting system - example III
  • The venting system in the third example implementation shown in Fig. 5 is adapted to remove hydrocarbons by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, whereby an ambient air supply is provided to the tank 2. The inlet 5 of the MUW 1 is connected to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2 by means of a suction pipe 29, the connection 2A being, in this example of implementation, the outlet 2A of the tank 2. The air supply to the storage tank 2 is carried out by opening the inlet 2C. The outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected via a second discharge pipe 24 to the inlet of the OPB installation 3. The third pressure sensor 20 of the mobile venting system is mounted on the storage tank 2, while the fourth pressure sensor 21 is mounted on the OPB installation 3 or on the second discharge pipeline 24 or on the discharge pipeline 25 that leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the OPB installation 3 or on other process facilities 31, 32, 33 connected to the pipeline 25, for example facilities of the group comprising the tank car loading facility 31, tanks 32, tank car loading facilities 33 may be connected. A second lower explosion limit analyser 19 is mounted on the storage tank 2, a fifth pressure sensor 27 being part of the OPB installation 3 is located on the installation 3.
    • The venting method - example III
  • In the process of venting with a venting system adapted to remove hydrocarbons by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, the suction pipeline 29 is connected to the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 and to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2, the discharge pipeline 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the MUW 1 and to the inlet of the OPB installation 3. The manual valve 26 is then closed, the inlet 2C of the storage tank 2 is opened.
  • The venting process may be based on the signal from the fifth pressure sensor 27 of the OPB installation 3, the signal from the fourth pressure sensor 21, the third pressure sensor 20 or the second pressure sensor 15 of the mobile venting system 1, whereby process variables are determined for the sensors selected to implement the venting process. For the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 or for the fourth sensor 21 of the mobile venting system 1, a first variable Z1 is determined with a value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the installation of the OPB 3. For the second pressure sensor 15, the value of the second process variable Z2 may correspond to a value of 80% of the pressure that opens the breather valves, increased by the hydraulic resistance of the MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 define the set pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 for regulating the gas flow through the MUW 1. For example, the first and second process variables Z1 and Z2 may be 1800 Pa, preferably the first and second process variables Z1, Z2 are within +/- 5% of the setpoint.
  • It is possible to establish a third process variable Z3 defining the maximum permissible pressure in the OPB 3 installation at which the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted. A third process variable Z3 is established for the fifth pressure sensor 27 belonging to the OPB 3 installation or for the fourth sensor 21 of MUW 1 with a value of 95 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks 32 connected to the OPB 3 installation. The fourth process variable Z4 for the second pressure sensor 15 can be augmented by the hydraulic resistance of MUW 1 and the discharge pipeline 24, the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 define the maximum pressure in the gasoline vapour recovery installation 3 until the gas discharge by MUW 1 is interrupted. For example, the third and fourth process variables Z3 and Z4 can be 2200 Pa.
  • In addition, a fifth process variable Z5 is determined for the third pressure sensor 20 on storage tank 2 with a value of 80% of the permissible negative pressure in storage tank 2. The fifth process variable Z5 defines the minimum negative pressure in storage tank 2. For example, the fifth process variable Z5 can be -5000 Pa.
  • A sixth process variable Z6 is established that defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction part 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14, with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan. The sixth process variable Z6 defines the minimum pressure in the suction section 4A of the mobile venting system 1. For example, the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • When the inlet manual valve 8, outlet manual valve 9 are opened, the controller 23 activates the fan 7 of the mobile venting system 1.
  • During venting, controller 23 receives signals about the pressure in vented tank 2, in MUW 1 and in the OPB installation. The venting process is implemented using a PID controller. The process can be interrupted at any time if at least one set process variable Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 is exceeded. The venting process is terminated when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in vented tank 2 falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%. In the event of a malfunction, the controller 23 interrupts the venting process, furthermore the flow through MUW 1 is blocked by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.
    • The venting system - example IV
  • The venting system in the fourth design example shown in Fig. 6 is adapted to remove hydrocarbons by drawing hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, whereby an air supply is provided to the tank 2 from the surroundings. The inlet 5 of the MUW 1 is connected to the connection 2A of the storage tank 2 by means of a suction pipe 29, the connection 2A being in this implementation example the outlet 2A of the tank 2. The air supply to the storage tank 2 is realised by closing the manual valve 26 and opening the inlet 2C. The outlet 6 of the mobile venting system is connected by means of a discharge pipe 24 to the inlet of the OPB installation 3. A second flow meter 22 MUW 1 is mounted on the first discharge pipe 25, by means of which the outlet 2B of the storage tank 2 is connected to the OPB installation 3. A third flow meter 28 is located on the OPB installation 3. A second lower explosion limit analyser 19 is mounted on the storage tank 2. To the discharge pipe 25 may be connected to other technological facilities, for example tanker loading equipment 31, tanks 32, tanker loading equipment 33.
    • The venting method - example IV
  • In the process of venting with a venting system adapted to remove hydrocarbons by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the vented storage tank 2, a suction pipe 29 is connected to the inlet 5 of the MUW 1 and to the connection 2B of the storage tank 2, a second discharge pipe 24 is connected to the outlet 6 of the MUW 1 and to the inlet of the OPB installation 3. The manual valve 26 is closed, the inlet 2C of the storage tank 2 is opened.
  • The venting process of the storage tank 2 can take place for a specific flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours, which is controlled by the second flow meter 22 MUW 1. Alternatively, the venting process can take place for a specific flow rate, which is controlled by the third flow meter 28 of the PBO installation 3. Process variables are established for the flow meters selected to implement the venting process.
  • A seventh process variable Z7 with a value of 95% of the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate is determined for the second flow meter 22 of MUW 1 or for the third flow meter 28 of OPB installation 3, the seventh process variable Z7 defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to OPB installation 3. An eighth process variable Z8 can be determined for the first flow meter 17 in MUW 1, the eighth process variable Z8 defines a flow rate to the OPB installation 3 of between 30% and 80% of the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the OPB installation 3, depending on the load of the OPB installation 3 by the process facilities 31, 32, 33. Advantageously, the seventh and eighth process variables Z7 and Z8 can be within +/-5% of the setpoint.
  • In addition, a sixth process variable Z6 is determined, which defines the minimum pressure in the suction section 4A of the flow channel 4 measured by the first pressure sensor 14 value of 90 % of the negative pressure generated by the fan, the sixth process variable Z6 defines the minimum negative pressure in suction section 4A in MUW 1. For example, the sixth process variable Z6 can be -3000 Pa.
  • When the inlet manual valve 8, outlet manual valve 9 are opened, the controller 23 activates the fan 7 of the mobile venting system 1.
  • During venting, the controller 23 receives a signal about the flow rate of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the discharge pipeline 25 leading to the OPB installation 3. The venting process is carried out using the PID controller used in the controller 23. The controller seeks to maintain the value of the eighth process variable Z8. The process can be interrupted at any time if at least one of the preset seventh or sixth process variables Z7, Z6 is exceeded or when the hydrocarbon/gas concentration in the vented tank falls below the lower explosion limit, which is defined at 9%. In the event of a failure, the controller 23 interrupts the flow through the mobile venting system 1 by closing the inlet automatic valve 10 as well as the outlet automatic valve 11.

Claims (15)

  1. A mobile venting system for carrying out the process of venting a storage tank (2) of the oil industry and transferring to installation (3) the recovery of hydrocarbon/gas vapours removed from the tank (2) by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank (2) or by pumping air into the storage tank (2), which comprises
    - flow channel (4) to transfer hydrocarbon vapours/gases from the inlet (5) to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - a fan (7) with adjustable capacity for conveying hydrocarbon/gas vapours through a flow channel (4), the part of the flow channel (4) from the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) to the fan (7) being the suction part (4A) and the part of the flow channel (4) from the fan (7) to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) being the discharge part (4B) of the flow channel (4),
    - inlet manual valve (8) in the suction section (4A) to shut off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects,
    - outlet manual valve (9) in the discharge section (4B) to shut off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects,
    - a first pressure sensor (14) in the suction section (4A) to monitor low pressure in the system,
    - second pressure sensor (15) in the discharge section (4B) to control the high pressure in the system,
    - a first flow meter (17) to control the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours through the flow channel (4),
    - a first lower explosion limit analyser (18) for analysing gas concentrations in the mobile venting system (1),
    - a second analyser (19) of the lower explosion limit to analyse the hydrocarbon/gas vapour concentration in the vented container (2),
    - a first automatic valve (10) in the suction section (4A) to automatically shut off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects,
    - a second automatic valve (11) in the delivery section (4B) to automatically shut off the mobile venting system (1) from external objects.
    - non-return valve (16) to prevent the backflow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the flow channel (4),
    - controller (23) to receive process signals and guide the process.
  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third pressure sensor (20) for controlling the pressure in the ventilated storage tank (2).
  3. The system according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a fourth pressure sensor (21) for controlling the pressure of the hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or in the delivery pipeline (24) or in the discharge pipeline (25), which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or other technological facilities (31, 32, 33) connected to the discharge pipeline (25).
  4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a second flow meter (22) for controlling the gas flow in the gasoline vapour recovery system (3).
  5. The system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first flame arrester (12) in the suction part (4A) of the flow channel (4) and a second flame arrester (13) in the discharge part (4B) of the flow channel (4).
  6. The venting system for venting a storage tank (2) of the petroleum industry adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours and to transfer to installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery by sucking hydrocarbon/gas vapours from the storage tank (2) or by pumping air into the storage tank (2), which comprises
    - storage tank (2) equipped with connections for connecting the storage tank (2) to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery and mobile venting system (1), air inlet (2C),
    - a mobile venting system (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5,
    - installation (3) of petrol vapour recovery,
    - pipework to connect the mobile venting system (1) to the storage tank (2) and to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery,
    characterized in that
    a second analyser (19) of the lower explosion limit is located on the storage tank (2),
    and in that the mobile venting system (1) comprises at least one pressure sensor (20, 21) located at the storage tank (2) or at the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery or at the discharge pipeline (25) which leads the hydrocarbon vapour/gas to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or at other process facilities (31, 32, 33) connected to thedischarge pipeline (25) or a flow meter (22) located in the installation (3) gasoline vapour recovery installation or in the discharge pipeline (25), which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the gasoline vapour recovery installation (3).
  7. The venting system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is adapted to remove hydrocarbon/gas vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank (2) so that the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air, and the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected by means of a first discharge pipeline (24) to the inlet (2A) of the storage tank (2), furthermore the outlet (2B) of the storage tank (2) is connected to the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery by means of a first discharge pipeline (25) in which a manual valve (26) is mounted, a third pressure sensor (20) of the mobile venting system (1) is mounted on the storage tank (2), while the fourth pressure sensor (21) is mounted on the installation (3) of the petrol vapour recovery or on the discharge pipeline (25) that leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or in other process facilities (31, 32, 33) connected to the discharge pipeline (25), and a second analyser (19) of the lower explosion limit is mounted on the storage tank (2), whereby a fifth pressure sensor is located on the installation (3) of the petrol vapour recovery sensor (27) which is part of this installation (3).
  8. The venting system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank (2) so that the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) remains open and is adapted to draw in ambient air, and the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected by means of a first discharge pipeline (24) to the inlet (2A) of the storage tank (2), furthermore the outlet (2B) of the storage tank (2) is connected to the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery by means of a first discharge pipeline (25), in which a manual valve (26) is mounted, second flow meter (22) of the mobile venting system (1) is mounted on the first discharge pipeline (25), by means of which the outlet (2B) of the storage tank (2) is connected to the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery, and to which other process facilities (31, 32, 33) are connected, with third flow meter (28) being located on the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery (1) and a second analyser (19) for the lower explosion limit being mounted on the storage tank (2).
  9. The venting system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is adapted to remove hydrocarbon vapours by sucking hydrocarbon vapours/gases from a ventilated storage tank (2) so that into the storage tank (2) ambient air supply is provided, the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected to the connection (2A) of the storage tank (2) by means of a suction pipe (29), the connection (2A) is the outlet (2A) of the storage tank (2) and the air supply to the storage tank (2) is realized by opening the inlet (2C) of the storage tank (2), the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected by means of a discharge pipe (24) to the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery, the third pressure sensor (20) of the mobile venting system (1) is mounted on the storage tank (2), while the fourth pressure sensor (21) is mounted on the installation (3) of the petrol vapour recovery or on the discharge pipeline (24) or in the discharge pipeline (25) which leads the hydrocarbon/gas vapours to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or in other process facilities (31, 32, 33) connected to the discharge pipeline (25), and a second analyser (19) of the lower explosion limit is mounted on the storage tank (2), with fifth pressure sensor (27) being located on the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) as part of this installation (3).
  10. The venting system according to claim 6, characterized in that it is adapted for the removal of hydrocarbon/gas vapours by suction of hydrocarbon/gas vapours from a ventilated storage tank (2) so that an ambient air supply is provided to the storage tank (2), whereby the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected to the connection (2A) of the storage tank (2) by means of a suction pipe (29), the connection (2A) being the outlet (2A) of the tank (2), whereby the air inflow to the storage tank (2) is realised by opening the inlet (2C), the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) is connected by means of a discharge pipeline (24) to the installation (3) for the recovery of petrol vapours, the second flow meter (22) of the mobile venting system (1) is mounted on the first discharge pipeline (25) to which other process facilities (31, 32, 33) are connected, whereby third flow meter is located on the installation (3) (28) which is part of the installation (3), and a second lower explosion limit analyser (19) is mounted on the storage tank (2).
  11. The venting method for an oil industry storage tank (2) comprising the steps, in which
    - the storage tank (2) is emptied of the liquid phase,
    - the mobile venting system (1) is connected to the storage tank (2) and to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery,
    - an ambient air flow is established through the storage tank (2) to the mobile venting system (1) and to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or through the mobile venting system (1) to the storage tank (2) and to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) and the ventilated storage tank is connected (2) to the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1), and the outlet (6) of the mobile vent system (1) to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or the outlet is connected (6) of the mobile venting system (1) to the vented storage tank (2), and the vented storage tank (2) to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3),
    - process variables are determined for the measuring elements selected from a first group comprising a first pressure sensor (14) in the suction part (4A) of the flow channel (4) of the mobile venting system (1), a second pressure sensor (15) in the discharge part (4B) of the flow channel (4) of the mobile venting system (1), a third pressure sensor (20) on the ventilated storage tank (2), a fourth pressure sensor (21) on the petrol vapour recovery installation (3), a fifth pressure sensor (27) being part of the installation (3) or selected from the second group comprising a first flow meter (17) on the mobile venting system (1), a second flow meter (22) of the mobile venting system (1), a third flow meter (27) being part of the petrol vapour recovery installation (3), whereby these process variables for the venting process are determined according to the technical parameters of the storage tank (2), the process facilities (31, 32, 33) and the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) to which the venting system (1) is connected,
    - the inlet manual valve (8) and the outlet manual valve (9) of the mobile venting system (1) open,
    - the mobile venting system (1) is activated,
    - the concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the vented storage tank (2) is checked,
    - regulates the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours within the limits of the established process variables by varying the fan capacity (7) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the venting process is interrupted if one or more of these process variables are exceeded,
    - venting is carried out until the concentration of gas vapours in the storage tank is below the explosion limit.
  12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the ventilating of the storage tank (2) is carried out by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank (2), comprising the steps, in which
    - connects the discharge line (24) to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) and into the inlet (2A) of the storage tank (2),
    - a first process variable (Z1) is determined for the fifth pressure sensor (27) belonging to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery or the fourth sensor (21) of the mobile venting system (1) with a value of 80 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks (32) connected to the installation (3) for vapour recovery petrol or the second process variable (Z2) for the second pressure sensor (15) plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system (1) and the discharge line (24), which defines the set pressure in the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery to regulate the flow of gases through the mobile venting system (1),
    - a third process variable (Z3) is determined for the fifth pressure sensor (27) belonging to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery or for the fourth sensor (21) of the mobile venting system (1) at 95 % of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tanks (32) connected to the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) or a fourth process variable (Z4) for the second pressure sensor (15) with a value of 95% of the pressure that opens the breathing valves of the tank of the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery, increased by the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system (1) and the delivery pipeline (24), which defines the maximum pressure in the installation (3) for gasoline vapour recovery until the delivery of the gases through the mobile venting system (1) is interrupted,
    - a fifth process variable (Z5) is determined for the third pressure sensor (20) on the storage tank (2) with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of the storage tank (2), which defines the minimum vacuum in the storage tank (2),
    - a sixth process variable (Z6) is determined that defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section (4A) of the flow channel (4) measured by the first pressure sensor (14), with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section (4A) in the mobile venting system (1),
    - the manual valve (26) on the discharge pipeline (25) leading to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery is opened,
    - the inlet manual valve (8) and the outlet manual valve (9) open,
    - starts the mobile venting system (1), activates the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the concentration of hydrocarbon/gas vapours in the vented storage tank (2) is checked,
    - the pressure in the vented storage tank (2), in the mobile venting system (1) and in the petrol vapour recovery installation (3) is checked,
    - the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the mentioned process variables (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6) are kept within set limits by varying the output of the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the venting process is interrupted if one or more of these process variables are exceeded,
    - venting is carried out until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the ventilating of the storage tank (2) is performed by pumping air into the ventilated storage tank (2), comprising the steps, in which
    - a first discharge pipe (24) is connected to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) and to the inlet (2A) of the storage tank (2),
    - the outlet (2B) of the storage tank (2) is connected to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery via the first discharge pipeline (25),
    - a seventh process variable (Z7) is determined for the second flow meter (22) of the mobile venting system (1) or for the third flow meter (28) of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate, which defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery, or an eighth process variable (Z8) is determined for the first flow meter (17) of the mobile venting system (1) which defines a flow rate to the installation (3) of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery,
    - a sixth process variable (Z6) is determined that defines the minimum vacuum in the suction section (4A) of the flow channel (4) measured by the first pressure sensor (14) with a value of 90 % of the minimum vacuum generated by the fan, which defines the minimum vacuum in the suction section (4A) in the mobile venting system (1),
    - opens inlet manual valve (8), outlet manual valve (9),
    - opens the manual valve (26) on the discharge pipeline (25),
    - the mobile venting system (1) is activated, the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1) is activated,
    - the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the mentioned process variables (Z7, Z8, Z6) are kept within set limits by varying the fan output of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the venting process is interrupted if one or more of these process variables are exceeded,
    - venting is carried out until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the venting of the storage tank (2) is performed by sucking hydrocarbon vapours from the storage tank (2), comprising the steps, in which
    - connects the suction pipe (29) to the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) and to the connection (2A) of the storage tank (2),
    - connectsto the discharge pipe(24) to the outlet (6) ofthe mobile venting system (1) and to the installation (3),
    - the manual valve (26) closes,
    - the inlet (2C) of the storage tank (2) opens,
    - a first process variable (Z1) is determined for the fifth pressure sensor (27) of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery or for the fourth sensor (21) of the mobile venting system (1) with a value of 80% of the pressure which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery, or a second process variable (Z2) for the second pressure sensor (15) with a value of 80% of the pressure, which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the installation (3) of the petrol vapour recovery system, increased by the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system (1) and the discharge pipeline (24), which defines the set pressure in the installation (3) of the petrol vapour recovery system to regulate the flow of gases through the mobile venting system (1),
    - a third process variable (Z3) is determined for the fifth pressure sensor (27) belonging to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery or for the fourth sensor (21) of the mobile venting system (1) with a value of 95% of the pressure which opens the tank breathing valves of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery, or a fourth process variable (Z4) for the second pressure sensor (15) with a value of 95% of the pressure, which opens the breathing valves of the tank of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery, plus the hydraulic resistance of the mobile venting system (1) and the delivery pipeline (24), which defines the maximum pressure in the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery until the delivery of the gases through the mobile venting system (1) is interrupted,
    - a fifth process variable (Z5) is determined for the third pressure sensor (20) on the storage tank (2) with a value of 80% of the permissible vacuum of the storage tank (2), which defines the minimum vacuum in the storage tank (2),
    - a sixth process variable (Z6) is determined that defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section (4A) of the flow channel (4) measured by the first pressure sensor (14), with a value of 90% of the negative pressure generated by the fan, which defines the minimum negative pressure in the suction section (4A) in the mobile venting system (1),
    - the inlet manual valve (8) and the outlet manual valve (9) open,
    - starts the mobile venting system (1), activates the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the mentioned process variables (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6) are kept within set limits by varying the output of the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the venting process is interrupted if one or more of these process variables are exceeded,
    - venting is carried out until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
  15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the ventilating of the storage tank (2) is performed by drawing air from the ventilated storage tank (2), comprising the steps in which
    - connects the suction pipe (29) to the inlet (5) of the mobile venting system (1) and to the connection (2A) of the storage tank (2),
    - the discharge line (24) is connected to the outlet (6) of the mobile venting system (1) and to the installation inlet (3),
    - the manual valve (26) closes,
    - the inlet (2C) of the storage tank (2) opens,
    - a seventh process variable (Z7) is determined for the second flow meter (22) of the mobile venting system (1) or for the third flow meter (28) of the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery with a value of 95% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate, which defines the hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery, or an eighth process variable (Z8) is determined for the first flow meter (17) of the mobile venting system (1) which defines a flow rate to the installation (3) of between 30% and 80% of the maximum allowable hydrocarbon/gas vapour flow rate to the installation (3) for petrol vapour recovery,
    - a sixth process variable (Z6) is determined that defines the minimum pressure in the suction section (4A) of the flow channel (4) measured by the first pressure sensor (14) with a value of 90% of the vacuum generated by the fan, which defines the minimum vacuum in the suction section (4A) in the mobile venting system (1),
    - inlet manual valve (8), outlet manual valve (9) opens,
    - the mobile venting system (1) is activated, the fan (7) of the mobile venting system (1) is activated,
    - the flow of hydrocarbon/gas vapours is adjusted so that the process variables (Z7, Z8, Z6) are kept within set limits by varying the fan output of the mobile venting system (1),
    - the venting process is interrupted if one or more of these process variables are exceeded,
    - venting is carried out until the gas vapour concentration in the storage tank is below the explosion limit of 9%.
EP24202950.2A 2023-09-28 2024-09-26 Mobile venting system, venting system and venting method for an oil industry storage tank Pending EP4530221A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL446256A PL248606B1 (en) 2023-09-28 2023-09-28 Mobile ventilation system, ventilation system and method for ventilating a petroleum industry storage tank

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EP4530221A1 true EP4530221A1 (en) 2025-04-02

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6478849B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-11-12 Dresser, Inc. Vapor recovery system for fuel storage tank
CN113996126B (en) * 2021-11-29 2022-12-23 国网江苏省电力有限公司检修分公司 SF6 recovery filtration and self-cleaning device and filtration method

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN210280097U (en) * 2019-04-19 2020-04-10 徐州恒安石油储运技术有限公司 Movable oil tank cleaning and ventilating device
CN212891948U (en) * 2020-04-08 2021-04-06 重庆万油石化有限公司 Chemical oil storage tank ventilation unit

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6478849B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-11-12 Dresser, Inc. Vapor recovery system for fuel storage tank
CN113996126B (en) * 2021-11-29 2022-12-23 国网江苏省电力有限公司检修分公司 SF6 recovery filtration and self-cleaning device and filtration method

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