Understanding Vapor Scrubbers: Protecting the Environment and Your Bottom Line

In industrial settings where harmful or odorous vapors are released during operations, vapor scrubbers play a critical role in protecting the environment, workers, and surrounding communities. At Envent Corporation, we specialize in advanced vapor scrubber systems that meet stringent environmental regulations while keeping your projects on schedule and in compliance.

What Are Vapor Scrubbers?

Vapor scrubbers, also known as gas scrubbers or air scrubbers, are systems designed to remove pollutants from industrial gas streams. These pollutants can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), ammonia, chlorine, and other hazardous or odorous vapors. The scrubber works by contacting the contaminated vapor stream with a scrubbing liquid—typically water or a chemical solution—which absorbs or neutralizes the target contaminants.

There are two main types of scrubbers:

• Wet Scrubbers – Use a liquid to capture and remove vapor-phase pollutants.
• Dry Scrubbers – Use a dry reagent or filter media for absorption or chemical reaction.

Envent’s vapor scrubber systems are designed to provide maximum removal efficiency, often exceeding 99% effectiveness for many contaminants.

Why Use Vapor Scrubbers?

Regulatory agencies such as the EPA and local air quality management districts require strict control of emissions from tanks, pipelines, barges, and other equipment. Failure to control these emissions can lead to costly fines, shutdowns, and environmental damage.

Envent’s vapor scrubber solutions help clients:

• Stay in compliance with federal and state emissions regulations.
• Minimize odors that impact surrounding communities.
• Protect personnel from exposure to hazardous vapors.
• Avoid costly downtime and enforcement actions.

Applications of Vapor Scrubbers

Our systems are used across a variety of industries and applications, including:

• Tank Cleaning & Degassing: Ensuring safe venting and cleaning of tanks while capturing harmful vapors.
• Turnarounds & Maintenance: Providing temporary vapor control during plant shutdowns or upgrades.
• Marine & Pipeline Operations: Controlling emissions from barges, ships, and pipeline operations.
• Chemical Processing & Refining: Handling corrosive and toxic vapors from production and waste streams.

Why Choose Envent’s Vapor Scrubber Services?

At Envent, we don’t just provide equipment—we deliver turnkey vapor control solutions with unmatched safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Our vapor scrubbers are engineered to handle high flow rates, corrosive chemicals, and complex emissions profiles.

Here’s what sets Envent apart:

• Custom-Engineered Systems tailored to your project’s flow rate, chemical composition, and compliance requirements.
• 24/7 Field Support to ensure uptime and safe operation throughout your project.
• High-Efficiency Design for VOC, H₂S, and ammonia removal with minimal pressure drop.
• Rental & Mobile Units ready for rapid deployment anywhere in North America.

Partner with Envent for Reliable Vapor Control

Whether you’re dealing with a short-term maintenance project or need long-term vapor control, Envent Corporation has the experience, equipment, and expertise to ensure safe and compliant operations. Contact our team today to learn more about how our vapor scrubber solutions can keep your operations running clean and compliant.

 

New TCEQ Environmental Regulations on VOCs and Thermal Oxidizers: What You Need to Know

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has rolled out new regulations affecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and thermal oxidizers. These updates are designed to improve air quality standards statewide and ensure industrial facilities operate responsibly.

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🔥 VOC Control and Thermal Oxidizer Requirements

TCEQ now requires thermal oxidizers used for VOC control to achieve at least 95% destruction efficiency. Key points include:

• Continuous Monitoring: Systems must record combustion chamber temperatures.
• Performance Standards: Temperatures must meet a 3-hour average based on initial performance testing.
• Calibration: Monitoring equipment must be calibrated annually and maintain accuracy within ±5°F.

For catalytic oxidizers, both inlet and outlet catalyst bed temperatures must be continuously monitored to ensure consistent operation.

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📊 Emissions Inventory & Reporting Updates

Facilities are now required to use updated emissions inventory (EI) forms for:

• Internal combustion engines
• Glycol dehydration units
• Storage tanks

TCEQ has also launched the Air Emissions and Inspection Fee (AEIF) program, which is now handled via the STEERS online system. This digital tool helps streamline submissions and improve compliance.

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🛠️ Permitting and Compliance Requirements

Thermal oxidizers must meet enhanced performance standards:

• Firebox exit temperature: Minimum 1,400°F
• Residence time: At least 0.5 seconds

Additionally, systems must comply with §106.493(2) and (3) of the Texas Administrative Code, specific to direct flame incinerators. Meeting these criteria is essential for permitting.

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🚫 Monitoring Exemptions

TCEQ has clarified exemptions for vents that:

• Emit colorless VOCs
• Release non-fuming liquids
• Are incapable of producing visible emissions

These sources may not require continuous monitoring if deemed low risk for environmental impact.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Staying compliant with TCEQ’s updated environmental regulations is crucial—not just for avoiding fines, but for demonstrating your facility’s commitment to air quality and responsible operations.

 

On April 9, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule targeting hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from chemical plants. This rule specifically addresses emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene, among other Hazardous Air Pollutants, aiming to improve air quality and protect public health.

Key Points of the New Rule:

1. Compliance Deadlines:
   • Facilities must reduce EtO emissions within two years of the rule’s effective date.
   • Chloroprene emissions must be reduced within 90 days.
2. Affected Equipment and Processes:
   • The rule impacts synthetic organic chemicals production, polymers and resins production, including neoprene.
   • Approximately 200 plants nationwide will need to comply.
3. Stricter Emission Controls:
   • Enhanced standards for flares, heat exchange systems, process vents, and storage vessels.
   • Emissions control must now be maintained during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods.
4. Fenceline Monitoring:
   • Required for facilities handling any of six specified air toxics, including EtO and chloroprene.
   • Monitoring for chloroprene at neoprene production facilities must start within 90 days; for others, within two years.
   • Quarterly data submissions to the EPA will be made public.
5. Action Levels:
   • Specific annual average concentration limits are set for each chemical.
   • For EtO, the action level is 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
   • Chloroprene has dual action levels: 0.8 micrograms (general compliance) and 0.3 micrograms (neoprene facilities).

The EPA’s new rule underscores the commitment to reducing harmful emissions and protecting communities near chemical plants. Stay tuned for more updates as the Hazardous Air Pollutants rule comes into effect and compliance efforts begin.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about how this new regulation might impact your operations or for assistance in ensuring compliance.