Challenge

A customer needed to remove 50 feet of 60-inch ducting containing hazardous nitrogen oxide (NOx) vapors. The facility, located next to a major highway and bridge in the California Bay Area, posed a high-risk scenario due to its proximity to a heavily populated area. Without proper vapor control, the NOx could have created a toxic orange cloud, violating air quality regulations and endangering public health. The customer relied on Envent Corporation, a leader in industrial degassing and vapor mitigation, to ensure safe and compliant removal.

Solution

Envent deployed a mobile vapor control system using a 2,000 CFM blower connected to an 8″ flange provided by the facility. To manage emissions throughout the project, multiple 8″ connections were utilized.

To scrub the NOx vapors effectively, Envent provided three ESCRUB 6000 recirculating vapor scrubbers, a trusted system in our mobile scrubbing services fleet:

• Scrubber 1 was filled with a sulfamic acid solution for primary NOx neutralization

• Scrubber 2 was filled with a caustic solution for secondary treatment

• Scrubber 3 was placed on standby as a redundant unit, enhancing safety and operational reliability

In addition, Envent extended vapor scrubbing to a hooch, where cut ducting sections were stored, cleaned, and prepared for disposal. Vapors from this enclosure were also treated using chemical scrubbers connected via a customer-supplied fitting.

Benefit

By leveraging Envent’s engineered vapor control solutions, the facility remained in full compliance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) regulations. The operation eliminated the risk of a visible toxic cloud and prevented NOx emissions from impacting the surrounding community. This project highlights Envent Corporation’s ability to deliver customized, mobile vapor control services that ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health, and support complex industrial maintenance efforts in high-risk areas.