Patent · US Expired

Vapor recovery system

US5480475A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
26References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 1994
Grant dateJan 2, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 19, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01D2259/402
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A vapor recovery unit comprising a vapor inlet for taking up hydrocarbon vapor from a loading facility or the like, and thereafter alternately allowing the vapor to flow to one of at least two adsorber vessels. Each adsorber vessel includes an entry port in the bottom of the adsorber vessel for receiving vapor. Hydrocarbons are retained on activated carbon beds in the adsorber vessels, resulting in purified air or other carrier gas which is removed through a discharge port also in the bottom of each adsorber vessel and released through an elevated vent to the atmosphere. Hydrocarbon vapor is desorbed from the adsorber vessel by a vacuum system and directed to a separator/absorber vessel wherein the desorbed vapor which has passed through the vacuum system is brought into contact with a hydrocarbon absorbent liquid or condenser. In use, when one adsorber vessel is taking in vapor from the vapor inlet, the other adsorber vessel is having its adsorbent bed desorbed or regenerated. When the adsorbent bed is saturated, or if desired on a time cycle, the process will alternate. The adsorber vessels of the present invention do not require any flow lines or vent lines on the top of the ads…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.