The Problem: Every Breath Costs You Fuel
Every time a storage tank breathes — as temperatures rise, or as fuel is delivered — vapor escapes. That vapor is lost product, pure and simple. It also carries volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, drawing regulatory attention in markets worldwide.
For fuel retailers and terminal operators, the question is no longer whether to control vapor emissions, but how to do it effectively and economically. A well-designed Stage III vapor recovery unit (VRU) answers both concerns at once.
How a Stage III VRU Works
Stage III vapor recovery addresses the final source of emissions: storage tank breathing and loading losses. The system maintains a slight vacuum on the tank vapor space, drawing vapors into the recovery unit before they can escape to atmosphere.
Inside the unit, a two-stage process takes over. First, an air-cooled membrane module separates a large portion of the hydrocarbon vapor from the air stream. The separated liquid returns to the storage tank as recovered fuel. The remaining low-concentration vapor then passes through an activated carbon adsorption bed, which captures the residual hydrocarbons before the cleaned air is released.
Air-Cooled Membrane: No Chemicals, No Water Needed
Our Stage III VRU uses an air-cooled membrane process — a key design decision for real-world operations. There is no need for chilled water, cooling towers or chemical absorbents. The unit runs on electricity alone, making it simple to install and maintain in almost any location.
The absence of chemicals also simplifies safety management and reduces operating costs. Routine maintenance focuses on the membrane modules and carbon beds, both of which are replaceable components with predictable service intervals.
Performance You Can Measure
Recovery efficiency is the number that matters most. The system achieves a recovery rate above 99%, meaning nearly all captured vapor is returned as liquid fuel. Overall treatment efficiency remains above 95% across normal operating conditions, with inlet capacities from 4 to 20 m³/h to match stations of different sizes.
Every unit is delivered as a complete skid-mounted package: explosion-proof compressor, air-cooled condenser, membrane module, vacuum pump, PLC control cabinet and pressure sensors — all pre-piped, pre-wired and factory-tested.
Automatic Operation, Minimal Supervision
The system runs itself. PLC control monitors tank pressure continuously and starts or stops the unit automatically as needed. When tank pressure rises, the unit powers up and recovers vapor; when pressure normalizes, it returns to standby. No operator intervention required.
Remote monitoring interfaces allow fleet operators to track multiple units from a single dashboard, receiving alerts when maintenance is due or anomalies are detected. This makes the VRU practical for both single stations and multi-site networks.
Built for Your Market’s Conditions
Skid-mounted construction means quick installation and easy relocation. The compact footprint fits into tight station layouts, and the design handles a wide range of ambient temperatures, making it suitable for markets from tropical coastal cities to cold inland regions.
Whether you are upgrading an existing station, developing a new retail network, or equipping a fuel terminal, our team can help you size and configure the right vapor recovery solution. Contact us to discuss your project and request technical documentation.