Problem
A major oil company was looking for a way to stay ahead of EPA
regulations for soil vapor extraction of BTEX and the
subsequent treatment of these gases. They were looking for one
company that could offer competitive pricing, local support
service, and the application expertise to provide 50 remediation
units throughout the United States.
Solution
Global Technologies built a Model 7 Integrated Vapor Treatment
Module (VTM) Remedi-CatTM. This modular system processes
a maximum of 750 SCFM of VOC-laden air and provides 99% destruction
efficiency. This unit was designed around the numerous needs of the
petroleum company.
First, the customer needed the unit to be mobile. This led Global
to design a unit that is, in fact, 3 integrated systems. The Model
7 Integrated Remedi-Cat is housed in a portable, box-like enclosure
that is weather-tight and designed to be aesthetically pleasing.
The unit contains an oxidizer, Vapor Liquid Separator
(knockout-pot), and a vacuum extraction blower. The unit had to be
adaptable to various vacuums and air flow conditions. Global met
this by using a 20-hp Lamson Turbotron Regenerative Blower that is
extremely flexible. It can achieve both high and low vacuums (2-8
inches Hg) at an air flow of 150-750 SCFM. The adjustable belt and
sheave blower combination allows the vacuum blower to be resheaved
to exact vacuum and air flow requirements.
Next, these units would be used at gasoline stations located in
residential areas. Regulations in these areas are very stringent
and some dictate that equipment cannot operate at more than 65
decibels, beyond a three foot perimeter. In order to meet this
design requirement, Global installed dual-density sound deadening
foam and sound louvers, which allowed air in, but prevented sound
from getting out.
Additionally, Global, understanding that quick, reliable,
cost-efficient service is paramount, did two things. First, a
service office in Southern California was opened, where a majority
of the initial units were located. Second, the unit was designed to
simplify service and to maximize equipment up-time. Global built
the Model 7 Integrated Remedi-CatTM with a Programmable
Logic Controller (PLC). The PLC utilizes an operator message
display feature which walks the user through start-up and, in the
event of malfunction, supplies the user with a visual display
indicating the problem. This feature reduced the need for on-site
service calls. This design feature greatly increases the equipment
up-time
In an attempt to expedite this project, Global Technologies
obtained General Mechanical and General Electrical permits from Los
Angeles County as well as a various location permit from the South
Coast Air Quality Management District. This enabled the petroleum
company to be proactive in responding to EPA regulations and
allowed equipment to be placed on the site and begin operating
immediately. This demonstrated Global's ability to work
hand-in-hand with regulatory agencies.
Global Technologies' ability to understand a customer's unique
needs coupled with the engineering know-how necessary to fulfill
them, resulted in another satisfied Global customer.