1,2-Dichloroethane is a volatile, corrosive and toxic liquid requiring strict vapor emission control during storage and handling. At a major tank terminal in Antwerp, vapors are normally captured and recovered by an on-site Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU).
When the VRU unexpectedly required urgent maintenance, a temporary vapor treatment solution was deployed. This ensured continuous emission control and safe, uninterrupted terminal operations.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
Group AQ provided a rapidly mobilized stand-by cryogenic VRU system, ensuring 24/7 monitoring and safe handling of EDC vapors during overpressure events.
Condensed was recovered and returned to the client’s process, while the operating team received training and system handover.
The solution was implemented under strict safety and environmental requirements, without disrupting ongoing terminal operations.
Group AQ mobilized its complete cryogenic VRU package from Antwerp, including nitrogen supply, inertization, condensation and monitoring equipment. A Cirrus cryogenic condensation unit cooled to −28°C condensed the EDC vapors, while nitrogen maintained a fully inerted system and liquid nitrogen provided the required cooling capacity.
The recovered product was returned directly to the client’s process, avoiding product loss and waste. All equipment was inspected, certified and operated in compliance with the terminal’s environmental permit, with Group AQ operating the system continuously for the first month, followed by training and handover to the client’s team for the remaining two months.
The emergency deployment delivered strong technical, safety and environmental performance. A fully operational cryogenic VRU was mobilized and commissioned within just four hours, enabling immediate vapor control.
Over three months of continuous operation, all condensed EDC was recovered and returned to the client’s process, avoiding product loss. The system operated safely and reliably with no incidents or emissions beyond permitted limits, before being successfully handed over to the client’s trained operating team.
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