EODD Vapor Pump Control for Low-Pressure Emissions Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional emissions collection systems are ineffective and inefficient in capturing low-pressure hydrocarbon emissions from reciprocating compressors, posing safety hazards and failing to comply with new EPA regulations due to the introduction of oxygen into the process.

Innovation Solution

An emissions collection system utilizing an Electric Operated Dual Diaphragm (EODD) vapor pump, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to maintain a small but positive pressure on the packing vent system, effectively capturing low-pressure emissions and preventing vacuum formation, while incorporating a closed vent system to comply with EPA regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional pump is used to draw off leaked natural gas at high speed, then the capture efficiency is improved, but a vacuum is induced in the reciprocating compressor causing oxygen to enter and creating a safety hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapture efficiencyVSAvoidoxygen introduction and safety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the pressure parameter from negative (vacuum) to positive by using a vacuum breaker valve that maintains positive pressure (0.5-2.0 psi) on the packing vent system. This prevents oxygen from entering the compressor while still enabling effective capture of low-pressure hydrocarbon emissions through the EODD vapor pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional pumps are used to capture low-pressure emissions, then the system can operate, but the power consumption exceeds the energy extracted from the captured natural gas making it economically unviable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemissions capture capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces conventional high-power mechanical pumps with an EODD (Electric Operated Dual Diaphragm) vapor pump that is specifically designed for low-pressure vapor handling. This substitution reduces power consumption to levels where the captured natural gas energy can economically offset the operating costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by maintaining positive pressure (0.5-2.0 psi) on the packing vent system rather than operating under vacuum conditions. This parameter change enables the use of lower-power EODD vapor pumps compared to conventional high-speed pumps, making the system economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the packing on the piston rod is overtightened to reduce leaks, then the emission capture becomes easier, but the friction between packing and piston rod increases causing excessive wear and reducing packing life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon leakageVSAvoidpacking life

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effect of packing leakage into a beneficial opportunity for hydrocarbon recovery. Instead of preventing leaks through tighter packing (which would reduce life), the system captures the leaked hydrocarbons using the EODD vapor pump and positive pressure maintenance, turning the leakage problem into an economically viable recovery solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system efficiently captures low-pressure hydrocarbon emissions, reduces horsepower requirements, enhances system reliability, and provides real-time visibility and control, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations by preventing oxygen introduction and maintaining safe operating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an Electric Operated Dual Diaphragm (EODD) vapor pump to pressurize and transfer the emissions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor pump compression: Pump

Implementation Method 2

maintaining a small but positive pressure on the packing vent system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure maintenance: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260016002A1Emissions collection system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 C2G ENGINEERING INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present technology relate to solutions for capturing hydrocarbon emissions. In some examples, a system comprises a pressure regulator, an Electric Operated Dual Diaphragm (EODD) vapor pump, a pump pressure gauge, and a process controller. The pressure regulator receives hydrocarbon emissions at an input pressure from an emissions source, maintains the input pressure of the emissions, and passes the hydrocarbon emissions at a pump suction pressure. The EODD ingests the hydrocarbon emissions at the pump suction pressure, pressurizes the hydrocarbon emissions to an output pressure, and transfers the hydrocarbon emissions at the output pressure for delivery to a hydrocarbon emissions collector. The pump pressure gauge measures the pump suction pressure of the hydrocarbon emissions and reports the pump suction pressure. The process controller controls the motor speed of the EODD vapor pump to maintain the hydrocarbon emissions at the pump suction pressure.