Chemical Technology November 2015

Reduce VOCs with oil and gas storage covers

From the sky, Greatario Covers’ new oil and gas tank covers look just like any tank cover. In reality, the Crude Oil Vapour Emission Reduc- tion System (COVERS) is a series of hexagonal shapes with symmetric ribs on both sides that allow the floating structures to form an interconnecting blanket barrier at the surface of the heavy oil. The unique floating cover system – targeted at hot, heavy-duty oil and gas storage applica- tions – reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- sions and water vapour that acts as a carrier of VOCs and harmful carcinogenic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, according to Greatario. Tomake those lightweight shapes, Greatario Covers used DuPont™ Zytel ® LCPA long chain polyamide resin for its superior chemical resis- tance and low moisture absorption, compared to competing thermoplastics like polyolefin. “The high-performance capabilities of Zy- tel ® LCPA resin has enabled us to penetrate highly aggressive oil and gas applications that were beyond the reach of previous materials,” said Terry Frank, vice president of sales for Canadian-based Greatario Covers. Zytel ® LCPA resin is chemically compatible with heavy oil components up to temperatures of 100 °C. It is also resistant to thermal shock with testing completed at -40 °C to 100 °C for sudden rapid temperature exposure. The low water absorption of Zytel ® LCPA resin avoids weight gain that would affect the Save money with WearCheck For any business that relies on machinery with moving components, a substantial, and critical, investment, are the fuels, lubricants, air and coolants (F.L.A.C) which help maintain compo- nents in peak operating condition. Without proper on-site management of FLAC, there is a direct link to the detrimental effect on overall machine / component health. An ongoing situation like this can lead to premature component failure, which is very costly and unproductive, and can cripple a business. Conditionmonitoring specialists WearCheck have developed a FLAC management system, which falls under the umbrella of WearCheck’s LubriGard programme, and which is geared to assist plant owners to reduce maintenance and operating costs without compromising the equipment in any way.   Chris Hattingh (operations/ technical sup- port for WearCheck), elaborates; ‘FLAC audits establish the current conditions and the man- agement of FLAC, problems are identified, and an action plan for improvement is mapped out. ‘Recommendations are made to achieve industry or equipment OEM standards for lube

flotation of the Hexa-Cover ® Floating Cover and its capability to trap vapours. The thermoplastic floating cover, measuring 21,59 cmby 18,79 cm by 8,38 cm, maintains its hexagonal shape to ensure the tiles will interlock uniformly on the oil’s surface. The reduction in absorption minimises the need for ventilation and reduces odour release and product evaporation, thus of- fering environmental benefits and reduced cost. Along with its exceptional chemical resis- tance, low moisture absorption and excellent thermal stability, Zytel ® LCPA resin delivers an- ti-static capabilities and corrosion resistance. For more information contact Carole Davies on tel +1 248-583-8112 or email carole.a.davies@dupont.com. Greatario Covers utilised DuPont™ Zytel ® LCPA long chain polyamide resin in the company’s Hexa-Cover ® Floating Cover. (Photo courtesy of Greatario Covers) and fuel cleanliness. Studies reveal contamina- tion as a major cause of premature failures – in fact, as much as 70% of all failures are due to the contamination culprit. ‘Once bulk storage and handling are assessed, we inspect the equipment. After- market products assist us in further improving the quality of fuel and lube cleanliness levels.’ WearCheck’s FLAC programme has re- corded good results to date. ‘We’ve extended drain intervals on some customers’ sites to 1 000 hours without com- promising equipment health, but they’ve been dedicated to this programme for the past few years.  ‘It is important to note that FLAC is not a quick fix, but rather a maintenance culture change and it takes time.  Also, FLAC and Wear- Check oil analysis results work in tandem― one cannot function without the other.’ For more information contact WearCheck on tel +27 11 392 6322, email support@wearcheck.co.za or www.wearcheck.co.za.

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Chemical Technology • November 2015