Equalizer Systems

The R. A. Nichols Engineering Equalizer tank is utilized by our Vapor Burner System to ensure flammability and to remove high concentration spikes.  Equalizer tanks can also be used in front of carbon recovery units to smooth loading, which will extend capacity and improve efficiency.  R. A. Nichols has retrofit many competitors Vapor Combustors with our Vapor Holder in conjunction with our Equalizer System, and have been able to meet 10mg/l efficiency without assist gas.

     The Equalizer’s expanded vapor volume will slow incoming vapor, and its fuel spray, density and heat capacity will quench, any incoming vapor flame front.   Together with the Equalizer outlet flame arrestor / demister, they act as a detonation arrestor isolating the loading rack from storage and process units.     

      If the Equalizer is properly located, the tank can be used as a drain tank for the rack and vapor holder.  With controls this Equalizer fuel can be recovered as product and returned to tankage.

The Equalizer is typically a horizontal fuel tank, with a pump, a spray nozzle, and piping which recirculates fuel from within the tank through the vent space as fuel spray.  Vapor from the truck rack is cycled through the Equalizer vapor space and fuel spray. Entrained mist is allowed to settle out behind the spray nozzle and remaining fog is practically eliminated in the Equalizer exhaust flame arrestor. 

     The re-circulated Equalizer fuel acts as a saturator/absorber, averaging return vapor and sprayed fuel vapor concentrations, over a time period dependent on the size of the fuel heel in the Equalizer. The fuel spray falls into the bulk saturator fuel modifying its vapor saturation level toward the average return vapor saturation level.  This vapor concentration averaging allows us to burn vapor directly from the vapor holder without gas assist. If due to unusual circumstances the vapor concentration becomes to low or high, gasoline or distillate may be added or taken away from the fuel heel.