Enhancing Efficiency: The Role of Blackmer Compressors in Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs)
Presented by Industrial Air Services – Providing Blackmer compressor sales, service, and support throughout Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Call (615) 641-3100 for a custom vapor recovery solution that works.
In today’s industrial landscape, regulatory pressure and economic incentives are pushing companies to reduce emissions and recover valuable vapors that were once flared or vented. This is especially true in sectors like oil and gas, chemical processing, and bulk storage, where hydrocarbon vapors are both a pollutant and a potential profit source.
Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) have become the go-to technology for capturing these emissions. At the heart of the most effective VRUs is a rugged, efficient gas compressor—like those from Blackmer.
In this blog, we’ll explore the critical role Blackmer reciprocating compressors play in vapor recovery, the reasons they outperform other technologies, and how Industrial Air Services can help you design and implement a high-performance VRU that complies with regulations and boosts your bottom line.
What Is a Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU)?
A Vapor Recovery Unit is a system that captures and compresses low-pressure gas vapors—often hydrocarbons—so they can be reused, flared in a controlled manner, or sold. VRUs are widely used at:
Oil tank batteries
Truck and railcar loading terminals
Gas plants and compressor stations
Petrochemical storage sites
Landfills and biogas facilities
The VRU typically includes sensors, a compressor, separator vessels, and control systems that activate when tank or pipeline pressure reaches a certain threshold. These units are crucial for meeting EPA regulations (like Quad Oa) and reducing VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.
Why Blackmer Compressors for VRUs?
While several compressor types can be used in vapor recovery, Blackmer reciprocating gas compressors are particularly well-suited for the job due to their ability to handle:
Low suction pressures
Vapor-phase hydrocarbons
Wet or sour gas streams
Intermittent operation
Key Advantages:
1. Gas-Tight Design:
Blackmer’s oil-free, dual-seal reciprocating compressors (like the NG Series) are engineered to minimize leakage, making them ideal for VOC containment and emission reduction.
2. Oil-Free Operation:
With zero oil carryover, these compressors are safe for product recovery where contamination could reduce resale value or affect downstream processes.
3. Flexible Capacity:
Available in a wide range of bore and stroke configurations, Blackmer compressors can handle flow rates from a few CFM to hundreds—ensuring a good fit whether you’re recovering vapors from one tank or fifty.
4. Rugged Construction:
Blackmer units are built from ductile iron and stainless-steel components, offering resistance to corrosive gases and long service intervals.
5. Easy Integration:
Compressors can be installed in stand-alone VRU skids, modular systems, or retrofitted into existing sites. They integrate easily with PLC/SCADA for automated operation.
How Vapor Recovery Works with a Blackmer Compressor
Detection
A pressure sensor detects increased pressure inside a tank due to vapor buildup.Activation
Once the threshold is reached, the VRU starts up. The Blackmer compressor draws vapor into its inlet.Compression
The vapor is compressed to a usable pressure—typically between 50 and 250 PSI.Processing
Compressed vapor is routed to a separator or scrubber. Liquids are removed, and clean gas is routed to a storage vessel or pipeline.Monitoring
Sensors and control logic keep the system running safely and efficiently, shutting down the unit when pressure returns to safe levels.
This cyclical, demand-driven process makes Blackmer compressors ideal due to their ability to handle on/off duty cycles and variable gas conditions without damage.
Real-World Case Study: VRU Retrofit in Middle Tennessee
An oil tank battery in Middle Tennessee was flaring off thousands of dollars in product each month due to outdated vapor recovery equipment.
They installed a turnkey VRU using a Blackmer NGH2 compressor, which featured:
A dual-distance piece design for sour gas compatibility
Custom-mounted explosion-proof motor
Integration with existing tank pressure sensors and SCADA
Results after 6 months:
78% reduction in VOC emissions
Over $52,000 in recovered product
Full system payback in under 9 months
EPA compliance with Quad Oa standards
Need a similar solution? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today.
Meeting Environmental Regulations
Environmental mandates such as EPA NSPS Quad Oa and local/state VOC limits have made vapor recovery mandatory for many facilities. Fines for noncompliance can exceed $90,000 per day. A properly designed VRU with a Blackmer compressor not only ensures compliance—it creates a new revenue stream.
Blackmer compressors are compliant-ready with:
Explosion-proof options
Gas-tight seals and oil-free operation
Custom skids with NFPA 70/NEC certifications
SCADA/telemetry integration for recordkeeping
Cost-Saving Benefits of a VRU with Blackmer
Product Recovery: Turn waste vapor into sellable product
Fewer Emissions: Reduce flaring, venting, and regulatory exposure
Reduced Maintenance: Blackmer units require fewer rebuilds
Fast Payback: Many systems recoup costs in under 12 months
System Flexibility: One unit can service multiple tanks or vapor points
Why Work With Industrial Air Services?
We’re more than just a parts distributor—we’re your trusted VRU partner. Our team brings decades of expertise in vapor recovery, pump/compressor selection, and system integration.
With offices in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, we provide:
On-site system evaluations
Custom skid design and compressor sizing
OEM parts and Blackmer-certified service
Control system integration
Emergency support and rentals
📞 Call (615) 641-3100 to schedule a consultation or quote.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to stay compliant with EPA rules or reclaim valuable product lost to venting, vapor recovery is a smart business decision. And when it comes to choosing the right compressor for your VRU, Blackmer’s reciprocating models—especially the NG Series—deliver unmatched reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Industrial Air Services is proud to provide complete VRU solutions powered by Blackmer across Tennessee and the Southeast. From initial system design to 24/7 support, we’re here to help you build a cleaner, more profitable operation.
📞 Call us at (615) 641-3100 or email us today to get started with your custom vapor recovery system.
