Hydrocarbon Vapor Recovery

The customized carbon removal equipment, speciallypenetrate the carbon, carbon appears to be
designed with a filtration canister to control the dustcompacted, carbon level in beds are 2' low, etc.). This
created from handling the carbon. The spent carboninformation is just as important as the lab testing.
is contained in super-sacs for ease of handling andThe lab test measures the Butane Working Capacity
disposal.(BWC) and Dust Content of the carbon sample. The
For gasoline vapor recovery units, a trained vaporBWC measures the ability of activated carbon to
service technician is the lead man on the change-out.absorb and desorb under normal loading conditions.
We can prep the VRU prior to shutting down, inspectThe Dust Content is measured using seven sieve
the inside of the carbon beds and make anyanalysis trays according to the carbon's mesh size
necessary repairs, complete saturation of new(4x14, 6x16, etc.). Anything measuring below the
carbon, restart the VRU and make any necessarysmallest mesh size (14, 16, etc.) is counted as dust.
adjustments to its operation.Both the BWC and Dust Content test results are
The technician has to have the required OSHAreported in percentage compared to new carbon
training, including confined space, and is equipped withspecifications. A full written report and
the required PPE.recommendations are provided with each test.
Carbon sampling and testing is a quality controlCarbon is handled one of two ways once removed
measure, necessary to track the condition andfrom service. It is either disposed of or recycled.
performance of the carbon. It is important whenMany times the carbon manufacturer will take back
sampling carbon that the sample represents thethe old carbon for recycling, as in the case of Calgon.
whole load and not just a portion. The serviceThey require the following three conditions be met: 1)
technicians do this by sampling the top, middle andThe new carbon must be purchased from them, 2)
bottom of each carbon bed. Each technician is trainedThe spent carbon must be a coal-based product, and,
and properly equipped to provide this service.3) The spent carbon must pass a series of analytical
Observations are documented during the samplingtests for recycling approval.
process even before lab testing begins (i.e., dustWaste disposal companies are recommended based
apparent in sample, sample probe would noton the geographical location of the job.