Pipeline Pigging Emissions Control Using Transfer Tank Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The venting of pressurized petroleum fluids containing greenhouse gases like methane during pipeline pigging operations poses an environmental concern due to the release of regulated hydrocarbon species into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
An emissions control system comprising a transfer tank and a catalytic heater is used to capture and convert hydrocarbon gases into carbon dioxide, which is then discharged, reducing atmospheric emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressurized petroleum fluids are vented to the atmosphere to equalize pressure in the receiving station, then the pig can be safely removed through the door, but greenhouse gases such as methane and hydrocarbon species are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer tank is introduced as an intermediary component between the receiving station and the atmosphere. The transfer tank captures hydrocarbon gases that would otherwise be vented directly to the atmosphere, serving as a mediator that prevents harmful emissions while maintaining the pressure equalization function necessary for safe pig removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful vented hydrocarbon gases into a beneficial resource by directing them to a catalytic heater where they are converted to carbon dioxide. The harmful emission problem is transformed into a controlled chemical conversion process that produces less harmful exhaust
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a transfer tank and catalytic heater system is implemented to capture and convert hydrocarbon gases, then environmental emissions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tank and catalytic heater are merged into a single integrated emissions control system that handles both pressure management and gas conversion functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective emissions control
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 effectively converts hydrocarbon gases to less harmful carbon dioxide, minimizing environmental impact and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytic heater connected to the transfer tank through a catalytic feed line
Implementation Method 2
converting the hydrocarbon gases to carbon dioxide in the catalytic heater
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing hydrocarbon gas emissions include the use of an emissions control system connected to a transfer station on a gas pipeline. The transfer station can be a pig launcher or a pig receiver. The emissions control system includes a transfer tank connected to the transfer station through a transfer line and a catalytic heater connected to the transfer tank through a catalytic feed line. The methods call for transferring pressurized hydrocarbon gases from the transfer station to the transfer tank, which is sized to accept a rapid transfer of a large volume of hydrocarbon gases from the transfer station. Once the gas transfer operation has taken place, the hydrocarbon gases can be more slowly processed through the catalytic heater from the transfer tank. The process can be repeated until a sufficient volume of hydrocarbon gases have been removed from the transfer station.