Challenge
Marine loading operations often come with minimal notice, and this case was no exception. On May 13th at 09:00, a client alerted Envent Corporation that a barge loading 250,000 barrels of high-octane naphtha—at an approximate rate of 3,300 barrels per hour—would begin in just 48 hours. The customer required mobile marine vapor control to comply with both South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) vapor emission standards.
Given the volatile nature of naphtha vapors and the high throughput rate, rapid mobilization and a reliable emission control system were essential. Regulatory notifications to SCAQMD also had to be submitted immediately to begin vapor control operations compliantly.
Solution
Envent quickly mobilized and commissioned the following:
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The EDSU (Envent Dockside Safety Unit) to manage real-time vapor safety at the dock interface
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The EMECS-42 (Envent Mobile Emission Control System), a USCG-compliant mobile thermal oxidizer unit, optimized for marine vapor recovery operations
Both systems were tested, configured, and positioned to handle the expected high-BTU vapor streams in accordance with 33 CFR 154 Subpart E.
Despite unexpected fluctuations in the client’s terminal pumping system during loading, Envent’s equipment and team adjusted operations dynamically to maintain full system performance and safety.
Benefit
Envent’s skilled operators maintained >99% destruction efficiency (DRE) throughout the loading operation, exceeding both EPA BACT standards and USCG vapor control system requirements.
Key outcomes included:
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Successful, compliant barge loading of volatile naphtha vapors
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Immediate SCAQMD notification and adherence to permit requirements
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An estimated $147,000 in cost savings for the client by avoiding the need for fixed vapor control infrastructure
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Full regulatory compliance, enhanced safety, and zero reportable emissions
This project reinforces Envent’s position as the North American leader in mobile marine vapor control systems, barge degassing, and turnkey emission control services—trusted to respond rapidly and deliver results even under tight timelines.
Cost Savings: $147,000 Location: West Coast Terminal Product: High Octane Naphtha
