Vent System Function

Process equipment vents release pressure during upsets, maintenance, or normal operation. Vent streams carry entrained liquids, condensed hydrocarbons, or water requiring removal before atmospheric discharge. Condensate drums separate liquids protecting vent stacks and meeting environmental requirements.

Drum Configuration

Vertical vessel with vent gas inlet, knockout section removing entrained liquids, mist eliminator capturing fine droplets, clean gas outlet to vent stack or flare header, liquid sump with drain, level control. Sized for maximum vent flow during upset conditions.

Operating Pressure

Near-atmospheric operation typically 0-5 psig. Low pressure allows simple lightweight construction. Design accommodates pressure surges during emergency venting. Relief protection prevents overpressure.

Liquid Sources

Condensed hydrocarbons from cooling. Water vapor condensation. Carryover from upstream equipment during depressuring. Process liquids entrained in vent flow. Drum captures all liquid phases preventing stack discharge or flare liquid.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for hydrocarbon service. Stainless steel where corrosive condensate forms. Materials resist atmospheric exposure and condensate chemistry. Simple construction suits low-pressure service.

Separation Efficiency

Gravity knockout removes bulk liquids. Mist eliminator captures droplets preventing visible emissions. Combined stages achieve 95-99% liquid removal. Critical for environmental compliance and safe vent operation.

Level Control

Level switches activate drains removing accumulated liquids. High-level alarm warns of excessive liquid. Drain routes condensate to closed collection or treatment system. Prevents liquid overflow to vent or flare.

Applications

Refinery vent systems collecting condensate, chemical plant atmospheric vents, tank farm vapor collection, flare knockout drums, relief valve discharge systems, and any vent requiring liquid removal before atmospheric release.

Environmental Compliance

Prevents liquid hydrocarbon discharge to atmosphere. Captures condensate for proper disposal. Protects vent stacks from visible emissions. Meets regulatory requirements for vent system design.

Flare Protection

When used as flare knockout drum, prevents liquid entering flare tip causing smoking, ground flaring, or tip damage. Essential safety equipment for reliable flare operation. Protects expensive flare systems.

Performance Benefits

Recovers valuable condensate versus atmospheric loss. Prevents environmental violations from liquid discharge. Protects vent and flare equipment from liquid damage. Simple proven technology with minimal maintenance.

Construction Standards

Design per applicable atmospheric vessel codes. Materials for vent stream composition. Drain system sized for maximum liquid rates. Complete documentation with capacity calculations.

ERGIL vent condensate drums provide reliable liquid removal from vent systems protecting environment and equipment in industrial facilities.