The core of the annual inspection of the three-time oil and gas recovery equipment at gas stations is to verify whether the oil and gas treatment device can operate normally under the tank breathing condition and whether the emissions meet the standards. The inspection is generally conducted by competent institutions according to procedures. The station manager needs to complete three preparations in advance: equipment self-inspection, data compilation, and on-site cooperation. If the inspection is not compliant, rectification will be ordered, affecting normal operations.
1. Why is the third vapor recovery the key point of inspection
Primary and secondary oil vapor recovery address the sealing issues in the unloading and refueling processes, while tertiary oil vapor recovery equipment serves as the final gatekeeper for normal emissions from storage tanks. Regulations on the control of tank breathing emissions have been tightened year by year, and the operational status and treatment effectiveness of tertiary recovery devices are mandatory inspection items during annual inspections. Stations with equipment that has been out of service for a long time or is operating with defects are prone to issues in this regard.
II. Complete process of annual inspection
Based on practical experience from numerous sites, the annual inspection can be organized according to the following six steps:
1. Data preparation: Organize equipment ledgers, previous inspection reports, and maintenance records;
2. Equipment self-inspection: Inspect the operational status of the compressor, condensing unit, and membrane module, as well as the tightness of the pipelines;
3. Pre-inspection rectification: Conduct self-testing on basic items such as liquid resistance and liquid tightness, and address any abnormalities found as soon as possible;
4. On-site coordination and testing: After the agency enters the site, they shall conduct tests item by item according to the procedures, and the station master shall arrange specially-assigned personnel for coordination;
5. Report verification: Check the test data item by item, and confirm any abnormal data on the spot;
6. Archiving for future reference: The report and rectification records should be archived as a basis for comparison in the next year.
III. Common Non-conformities and Rectification Directions
From the perspective of the industry, most of the unqualified inspections are concentrated in the following types of issues, and early comparison and troubleshooting can save rework:
| Common non-conformities | main reason | Rectification Direction |
|---|---|---|
| The device is not operating normally | Long-term disuse, linkage failure | Resume linkage debugging and establish a routine inspection system |
| Poor pipeline tightness | Interface aging, flange leakage | Replace the sealing components and conduct an overall airtightness test |
| The emission concentration is relatively high | Frosting of condensation unit and attenuation of membrane module | Clean and maintain, and replace the membrane core if necessary |
IV. How to perform routine maintenance
To ensure a smooth annual inspection, efforts should be made daily: check monthly whether the equipment operation records and pressure linkage are normal; conduct a visual and airtight inspection of the condensing unit and pipelines every quarter; promptly contact the equipment manufacturer for handling if an alarm is detected, and do not operate the equipment with defects. If the equipment manufacturer can provide regular follow-up visits and maintenance services, the inspection pass rate will be much more stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to shut down the equipment before the inspection?
Answer: No, the detection is conducted under actual operating conditions, and it is sufficient to maintain the normal linkage status.
Q: Is a re-inspection required after rectification?
Answer: Depending on local regulatory requirements, institutions generally conduct retesting and confirmation of non-conformities after the rectification is completed.
Q: What should I do if the performance of the equipment decreases after several years of use?
Answer: Arrange for the manufacturer to conduct an overall assessment, and conduct testing after the core components have been maintained or replaced. Most of them can be restored to their original state.
Luoyang Wohong Petrochemical Equipment Co., Ltd. provides pre-inspection, rectification, and maintenance services for three-time oil and gas recovery equipment. Stations in need are welcome to contact us.