Featured Project: Zero-Emission Degassing of 20-Mile Sour Crude Pipeline – West Coast Midstream (EPA BACT & State Air Permit Compliance)
A West Coast midstream operator needed to safely degas 20 miles of crude oil pipeline containing high levels of H₂S and benzene for scheduled maintenance. The line ran through or near residential areas — making odors, toxic releases, or visible emissions unacceptable.
Conventional nitrogen purging alone would have taken days and risked reportable releases (>10 lb/day benzene triggers EPA notification).
The Challenge
- 20 miles of 12–16″ crude pipeline with H₂S-rich vapors
- <100 PSIG to 0 PSIG in a single, continuous operation
- Proximity to homes → zero odor, zero visible plume
- Full compliance with 40 CFR 60.18 (flare standards), EPA BACT, and state air permits
- No reportable benzene or H₂S release
Envent’s 1-Hour Zero-Emission Solution
Envent mobilized a fully integrated system and completed the entire job in under one hour:
| Equipment | Role |
|---|---|
| High-Capacity Vapor-Liquid Separator | Captured <10 BBL residual liquids |
| EMTOS Mobile Thermal Oxidizer | >99.9% DRE of H₂S, benzene, VOCs at >1,600 °F |
| High-Pressure Vapor-Tight Flange Hoses | Zero leaks during 100 → 0 PSIG depressurization |
| Nitrogen Assist + Real-Time Monitoring | LEL, H₂S, pressure, flow, temperature telemetry |
- 60,000 SCF of vapor safely evacuated and destroyed
- Liquid carryover limited to <10 BBL (vs. 100 BBL worst-case)
- Stack samples: non-detect for benzene & H₂S
- No odors, no complaints, no visible plume
Proven Results – Record Speed, Zero Risk
| Benefit | Delivered Outcome |
|---|---|
| Speed | <1 hour total degassing (vs. days with N₂ only) |
| Emission Control | Zero reportable benzene (<10 lb/day EPA threshold) |
| Safety & Community | Zero odors, zero incidents, zero complaints |
| Regulatory Compliance | 100% EPA BACT + state permit compliant |
| Cost & Waste Reduction | <10 BBL liquid waste vs. 100 BBL expected |
This remains the fastest and cleanest crude pipeline degassing ever performed on the West Coast.
Need to degas a sour crude, gasoline, or products pipeline near homes? Get your Free Zero-Emission Pipeline Degassing Plan & Quote today. Call Envent at 888-997-9465 or email [email protected] — we make pipeline maintenance invisible to regulators and neighbors.
