How Vapor Recovery Units Work on Permian Basin Tank Batteries
VaporLogix and its partners are changing the model of vapor recovery operations in the Permian basin. With increasing environmental concerns, and the volatile Waha prices for methane, vapor recovery is an ever increasing topic. Operators are balancing the need to reduce emissions from tank vents, reduce operating costs and capital deployment, yet profitably balance production of both gas and oil while navigating the midstream supply chain dynamics. VaporLogix brings an innovative approach to a common facility application.
VaporLogix provides vapor recovery as a service at Permian Basin Tank Batteries across Texas and New Mexico. Most Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU) suppliers operate on a typical hardware model: charge hefty monthly rental or lease fees for units, and charge extra for service work and call-outs. VaporLogix flips the model on its head. We pay operators to allow us to install, commission, operate, monitor and maintain our VRU units on location. Our return comes from the recovered vapors and the value it brings when sold.
In this model, our incentives are aligned: maximize recovery at the most economical prices while maintaining highest equipment availability possible. No upfront capital, service fees, or costs to reduce horsepower or swap units. These end-to-end vapor recovery solutions offer critical features that stand out from the competition, including: continuous diagnostics and monitoring, built-in oxygen detection and mitigation, and premium rotary vane compressors. Even in cold-weather conditions, our systems and tools are designed to withstand weather that causes other tech to fail.
VRUs are simple, in concept. Tank batteries are creating low-pressure hydrocarbon gas emissions that can leak into the air. Our technology works by capturing those gas emissions efficiently and offering a complete end-to-end vapor solution. The exclusive VaporLogix systems offer up to a 50% increase in capture efficiency for Permian operators. When you combine those figures with our 99.99% uptime, you can be sure that your byproducts are not vanishing into thin air. Operators we have partnered with on average see a net increase of greater than $3 per MCF.
The methodology is simple enough. VaporLogix can install VRUs on a single tank battery or across multiple installations on one site. Hydrocarbon vapors are pulled under low-pressure and sent to a scrubber (or separator) to remove any liquids that condense. Both the high value condensate and gas vapors captured bring a premium to the market over produced methane gas, as these vapors contain valuable NGL fluids. All of this helps add to the bottom line for production without the additional up front capital.
According to EPA.Gov, the installation of Methane Emissions Reduction systems like the Vapor Recovery Units offered by VaporLogix is not only key to additional revenue for oil and gas producers but also reduces air pollution. “Emissions of VOCs, HAPs, and other toxic contaminants will be reduced.”
It’s hard to put a price on the reputational impact of the reduction of pollution, but regulations on emissions and venting are becoming more stringent and future regulations could change the requirements significantly. Many of our clients report that environmental impacts of VRU are positively received by shareholders and members of the community where we live and work.
Let’s talk specifics about how VaporLogix stands out from other systems in the field. VaporLogix recovery systems demonstrated more than a 50% increase in capture efficiency and scf/bbl recoveries for operators in West Texas and New Mexico.
Premium Compressors – VaporLogix designs and manufactures its VRUs in-house and has standardized on Rotary Vane compressors. The reason is this compressor style has no monthly maintenance, no oil changes, coalescers, filters or other maintainable items that would require downtime to service. Whereas Flooded screw compressors, which are most common in VRU applications, require downtime for regular maintenance. The flooded screw compressor design works well in dry gas and limited btu applications. However, vapor recovered is often high btu and generally in wet gas application where the rotary vane style has an advantage dealing with NGLs condensing in the compressor.
Oxygen Detection and Mitigation – Oxygen can be a major challenge with VRU operations. If oxygen is captured, compressed and enters a gas sales line, there are serious safety issues that arise. Pipeline companies closely monitor oxygen levels on incoming gas lines and will shut in operators that are not within tolerance limits for oxygen. Poor seals on tank thief hatches, or vents left open can create the potential for oxygen to get captured in the vapor recovery process, which ultimately leads to shut-ins, penalties and other safety concerns. VaporLogix VRUs use high end Oxygen analyzers, the same ones gas pipeline companies rely on, to monitor recovered vapor and ensure levels are in compliance. If Oxygen levels are above the threshold required, the VRU will divert and the VaporLogix maintenance team will be automatically notified and will help identify and mitigate the problem.
24/7 Monitoring, Alerts and Maintenance – The entire vapor recovery process from the gas blanket on the tanks, the VRU and instrumentation and the sales line is monitored remotely and managed by the VaporLogix team; providing a hands-free or side-by-side approach with the operator. Not only that, but we use gas-phase analysis, midstream sampling management, and other means to ensure you have accurate composition data. Pair that with contract reviews and verification of settlement statements, and we have proven to boost producers’ revenues by an average of 15 percent.
VaporLogix’s model integrates advanced technology, operational excellence, and economic alignment to deliver unmatched performance in vapor recovery. With proven field results, a 99.9% mechanical availability rate, and consistent revenue enhancement across clients, VaporLogix provides producers with a strategic advantage in both compliance and profitability.
Contact us today to discuss our Integrated Production Solutions, like vapor recovery management.
