GEO FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently updating our FAQ. Below are some frequently asked questions, but if you don't see your question listed below, please contact us!

C3

Q: How do varying VOC concentrations effect system performance?

A: The C3 system can operate at low or extremely high VOC influent concentration without issue and regardless of composition or mixtures (i.e. petroleum hydrocarbons +/- chlorinated solvents +/- alcohols, etc.). A dilution valve is present at the front end of the system to allow for clean air startups and calibration only. Dilution of vapor stream under normal operation is not required.

Q: Can C3 be used for multi-phase extraction (MPE) applications?

A: Yes. Systems specifically designed for MPE can be available or can be placed in front of the blower skid already included in the complete package. Replacement of equipment is not desired as these systems are integrated and managed by a central management system with safety controls that may be jeopardized by unauthorized changes from manufacturer's specifications. There are no hydraulic or other issues when an already present or additional MPE package is included in front of the standard equipped C3 system.

Q: Does ignition of petroleum hydrocarbons or high BTU vapors present a problem?

A: No. Auto-ignition concerns are always present at all sites and applications where petroleum hydrocarbons and other flammable VOCs are present in the vapor stream. However, due to the use of a completely enclosed loop system and the use of a flame arrestor after the compressor, the likelihood of a spark or ignition to sustain or propagate beyond the point of ignition is highly unlikely. Furthermore, strategically located temperature and pressure sensors at the compressor and throughout the system are designed to monitor the performance for efficiency and optimization of operation in addition to safety controls such as automatically shutting down the entire system in the unlikely event that temperatures increase and auto-ignition occurs.

Q: Is the entire system pressurized?

A: Yes. The system is under approximately 150 pounds per square inch (psi) from the compressor through the multiple stage refrigeration unit to the regenerative adsorption polisher. Thus all the cooling and condensation occurs under pressure. The collection of the condensed VOCs is also performed under pressure which is discharged to the above ground storage located directly adjacent to the system.

Q: Why are there multiple stages of cooling?

A: There are many good reasons for this that build from decades of experience in distillation of chemicals at petrochemical and other chemical manufacturing facilities and draws directly from the thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of chemicals. Specifically, all chemicals condense or distill at different combinations of temperature and pressure. This is a real benefit for condensation and distillation because if the system is designed to stabilize pressure (i.e. 150psi) and lower temperature in stages (with refrigerated heat exchangers), then the different types of chemicals can be condensed and removed from the vapor stream in stages. This is managed by having separate condensation collection lines placed at different cooling stages in the process to collect and remove the chemical and deliver it to a central collection system (i.e. above ground storage tank). Step wise cooling allows for step-wise VOC removal from the vapor stream and all condenation and discharge of chemicals is performed under pressure at 150 psi.