Featured Project: 16-Mile Propane Pipeline Degassing Mobile Thermal Oxidizer
When a gas manufacturer discovered a leak in a 12-inch propane pipeline, they isolated a 16-mile segment containing approximately 12,000 barrels of liquid propane at pressure. Traditional flaring was not an option due to emissions, visibility, and proximity to populated areas.
Envent delivered the fastest 16-mile propane pipeline degassing with mobile thermal oxidizer ever recorded in the U.S., achieving >99.9% destruction efficiency and zero visible flame.
The Challenge: Rapid 16-Mile Propane Pipeline Degassing & Vapor Freeing
The job involved:
- 12,000 bbl liquid propane at line pressure
- High vapor pressure and flammability (LEL 2.1–9.5%)
- Strict 40 CFR §60.18 flare standards and EPA BACT (>99.9% DRE)
- Zero visible flame or reportable emissions
- Fastest possible pipeline degassing minimize downtime – Envent mobile thermal oxidizer system (EMTOS)
Envent’s 16-Mile Propane Pipeline Degassing Mobile Thermal Oxidizer Solution
Envent mobilized within hours and executed a fully engineered system:
| Equipment & Link | Role |
|---|---|
| Dual 200 GPH Propane Vaporizers | Rapidly converted liquid to vapor |
| 20 MMBTU/hr EMTOS Mobile Thermal Oxidizer | Delivered >99.9% destruction efficiency in an enclosed environment |
| Integrated Detonation Arrestors | Prevented flash-back into the pipeline |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Continuously tracked temperature, pressure, LEL, flow, and O₂ |
Execution Highlights First, the vaporized propane served as primary fuel for the EMTOS, so supplemental fuel was virtually eliminated. Next, excess vapor was safely destroyed at >1,600 °F with a 0.7-second residence time. Consequently, the entire 12,000-bbl volume was degassed in record time — 4× faster than traditional flaring. Finally, stack samples showed non-detect levels for VOCs and propane.
Proven Results – Fastest 16-Mile Propane Pipeline Degassing
| Benefit | Delivered Outcome |
|---|---|
| Speed | 4× faster than conventional flaring |
| Emissions | Zero visible flame, >99.9% DRE, non-detect stack |
| Safety | Enclosed mobile thermal oxidizer + detonation arrestors = zero ignition risk |
| Regulatory Compliance | Full EPA BACT & state permit compliant |
| Cost Efficiency | Used propane as fuel — minimal auxiliary fuel cost |
This remains the fastest documented 16-mile propane pipeline degassing with mobile thermal oxidizer in the U.S.
Need 16-mile propane pipeline degassing with mobile thermal oxidizer — fast and clean? Request a Free Quote → Or call Envent’s Pipeline Team at 888-997-9465.
