Owner/Operator’s Guide to Operation and Maintenance of Vapor Recovery Systems at Gasoline Dispensing Facilities

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1639 FIRST EDITION, JULY 2003

REAFFIRMED, MAY 2020

Owner/Operator’s Guide to Operation and Maintenance of Vapor Recovery Systems at Gasoline Dispensing Facilities

Downstream Segment

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1639 FIRST EDITION, JULY 2003

REAFFIRMED, MAY 2020

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Copyright © 2003 American Petroleum Institute

FOREWORD

This recommended practice provides guidance for owners and operators of gasoline dis- pensing facilities and regulatory officials regarding the operation and maintenance of gaso- line vapor recovery systems and components. Proper operation and maintenance of vapor recovery equipment can improve compliance with vapor recovery regulations and provide substantial emission reductions.

In preparing this recommended practice, careful consideration was given to the following:

1. Promoting safety.

2. Protecting human health and the environment.

3. Preventing release of vapors from service stations.

4. Detecting petroleum vapor releases.

5. Minimizing the cost of effective maintenance.

   Every effort has been made to ensure the consistency of the recommendations with the applicable sections of NFPA 30 Flammable Liquid Code and NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages. In addition, consideration was given to local, state and federal laws and regulations.

   API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, the Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, local, or municipal regulation with which this publication may conflict.

   Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the standardization manager, American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

   
   

   iii

   
   

   CONTENTS

   
   

   Page

   1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1

   2. REFERENCES 1

   3. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 1

   4. VAPOR RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS 1

      1. Vapor Recovery Systems 1

   5. EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS 3

      1. General 3

      2. Stage I Equipment 4

      3. Stage II Equipment 6

      4. Inspection Checklists 13

   6. RECORD-KEEPING AND PERMITTING 13

      1. General 13

      2. Record Retention 13

      3. Recommended Records Retention 14

   7. STATE VAPOR RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS 14

APPENDIX A INSPECTION CHECKLISTS 15

APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 21

Figures

1. Stage I Vapor Recovery Two-Point (Dual) System 1

2. Stage I Vapor Recovery Coaxial System 2

3. Stage II Vapor Recovery System 3

4. Tank Fill Cap and Gasket 4

5. Fill Adapter 4

6. Typical Detail of Fill Pipe with Overfill Prevention Valve and Drop Tube

(Dual System) 5

7A Coaxial Drop Tube and Gasket 5

7B Gasket Between Adapter and Drop Tube 5

8 Dry Break Adapter 5

9A Pressure/Vacuum Valve (Example 1) 6

9B Pressure/Vacuum Valve (Example 2) 6

10 Typical Detail: Hanging Hardware 7

11B Nozzle Swivel (Configuration 2) 8

11A Nozzle Swivel 8

1. Vapor Assist Nozzle 8

2. Typical Detail: Balance Nozzle 9

3. Typical Detail: Vacuum Assist Nozzle with Mini-boot 10

4. Balance Nozzle 11

16A Vapor Assist Nozzle 11

16B Vapor Assist Nozzle with Mini-Boot 11

1. Breakaway Valve 12

2. Balance System with Non-venturi Hose 13

v

Owner/Operator’s Guide to Operation and Maintenance of Vapor Recovery Systems at Gasoline Dispensing Facilities

1. Purpose and Scope

   This Recommended Practice (RP) is designed to provide guidance to owners and operators of gasoline dispensing facilities (GDF) to effectively operate and maintain Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems. This guide does not address the maintenance required by qualified service techni- cians to perform periodic testing and major system repairs. Federal and/or State regulatory agency certified or approved vapor recovery systems/equipment must be used to maintain the efficiency of the vapor recovery system. The appropriate state and/or locality should be contacted individually for site- specific requirements.

   This RP recommends the need for periodic inspections of Stage I and Stage II equipment. The equipment and the crite- ria for inspection are identified in highlighted text with a cor- responding letter that indicates the frequency of the inspection. That is, a (D) represents a recommendation for a daily inspection; (W) recommends a weekly inspection; (M) recommends a monthly inspection; and (A) recommends an annual inspection. Appendix A is a suggested inspection checklist for the equipment and criteria identified in the text.

   
   

2. References

   API

   RP 1007 Loading and Unloading of MC 306/DOT 406 Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles

   NFPA1

   30 Flammable Liquid Code

   
   

   30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages

   
   

3. Definitions and Acronyms

   Appendix B lists definitions and acronyms that may be helpful in understanding vapor recovery systems.

   
   

4. Vapor Recovery Requirements

4.1 VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEMS

4.1.1 Stage I vapor recovery involves the return of vapors stored in the underground storage tank (UST) back to the tank truck during product delivery. Vapors in the underground tank headspace, i.e., the area in the tank above the liquid level, are displaced by the gasoline entering the tank during delivery. Headspace is also known as ullage. A flexible hose, provided by the transport company, connects the storage tanks providing a path for the vapors to return to the truck. Vapors in the truck are then returned to the distribution terminal for processing.

Stage I vapor recovery is required by state and local regula- tions in most of the United States. Stage II vapor recovery is required in certain air quality nonattainment areas by federal regulations, and is administered by the states. Stage II regula- tions include some requirements for Stage I equipment.

1National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.

P/V Valve

Vapor in

Vapor out

Liquid out

Liquid in

Vapor riser

Tight fill

Submersible pump

Headspace (also called ullage)

Vapor out

Overfill prevention

Liquid in

Figure 1—Stage I Vapor Recovery Two-Point (Dual) System

1