Storage tank emissions were measured by determining vent gas flow rates and sampling the vent gas for chemical composition. Tank batteries having multiple tanks were sampled through common vent gas gathering pipes located at the tops of the tanks. All vent gas (flash gas) measurements and samplings were conducted at atmospheric pressure and all potential sources of fugitive emissions were sealed before making measurements.
Flow rates were measured using a FOX Model 10A thermal mass flowmeter. The monitoring system consisted of an “instrumentation tube”, a two-inch diameter four-foot long pipe into which
all vent gas was routed so as to flow across the thermal mass flow sensor. The instrument probe of the flowmeter was inserted horizontally at ninety degrees into the instrumentation tube.
Gas flowrate and totalized flowdata were recorded from the Fox meter. The gas composition was measured using gas chromatography with flame ionization and thermal conductivity detectors. Emission factors for vent gas were derived from these field measurements and used to estimate regional emissions.
Link to Final Report:
VOC Emissions From Oil and Condensate Storage Tanks: Final Report
Texas Environmental Research Consortium
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