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Stage I Vapor Recovery for Underground Storage Tanks

Stage I vapor recovery refers to a method of controlling volatile emissions during gasoline delivery and storage. Typically, Stage I recovery refers to gasoline vapors that are released during transfer from a gasoline tanker to an underground or above-ground storage tank. The vapor recovery techniques used must meet federal gasoline emission regulations. The most common method of vapor recovery is called a dual-point recovery where displaced gasoline vapor is pushed out of the underground storage tank and collected in a spill bucket.

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the underground storage tank fill port and attach the feed line from the tanker truck to the fill port.
- 2
  Locate the recovery elbow on the underground storage tank. This is typically a 3-inch pipe that comes up from the underground tank and makes a 180-degree bend or gooseneck. The recovery elbow is typically at a different point from the fill port.
- 3
  Install a spill bucket on the end of the recovery elbow. There is typically a hook from which to hang the spill bucket from the end of the gooseneck. The spill bucket will have a vapor adapter and a dust cap that will keep the vapors from expanding into the atmosphere and assist with vapor condensation. The recovered condensate can be poured back into the storage tank.

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