In an industrial environment in the Netherlands, a client requested the upgassing and commissioning of two propylene gas bullets, each with a capacity of 2,500 m³ and an associated pipeline system of approximately 2km, connecting the gas bullets to a harbor facility.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
During gasoline loading at a refinery in Antwerp, a large volume of vapor was displaced and had to be handled safely. The operation required preventing explosive atmospheres, keeping emissions within limits, maximizing product recovery and finishing within a tight timeframe to avoid delays.
With high transfer rates, the vapor recovery system needed to operate continuously and reliably under significant flow conditions. An added challenge was the complex composition of gasoline vapors, requiring an efficient method to recover both light and heavy components without using flaring, combustion or causing product loss.
The vapor recovery setup used two mobile cryogenic condensation units (Cirrus), each designed for high-capacity and safe handling of explosive hydrocarbon vapors. These modular units were certified for industrial and hazardous environments and suitable for marine and refinery applications.
They were operated in series to achieve efficient stepwise condensation: the first unit targeted heavier gasoline components at higher temperatures, while the second unit captured lighter fractions at much lower temperatures. This ensured optimal recovery across the full vapor range.
Supporting systems included a certified blower for safe vapor transfer, stainless steel connections, continuous monitoring and emergency shutdown systems to maintain safety. Liquid nitrogen was used as the cooling medium, supplied from an on-site tank, enabling effective cryogenic operation throughout the process.
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