Reduce VOCs With Oil and Gas Storage Cover Made of DuPont(TM) Zytel® LCPA
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Use in Floating Cover Helps Trap Harmful Emissions
WILMINGTON, Del.  – From the sky, Greatario Covers Inc.'s new oil and gas tank covers look just like any tank cover. In reality, the Crude Oil Vapour Emission Reduction System (COVERS) is a series of hexagonal shapes with symmetric ribs on both sides that allow the floating structures to form an interconnecting blanket barrier at the surface of the heavy oil.
The unique floating cover system – targeted at hot, heavy-duty oil and gas storage applications – reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water vapor that acts as a carrier of VOCs and harmful carcinogenic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, according to Greatario. Â
To make those lightweight shapes, Greatario Covers used DuPont™ Zytel® LCPA long chain polyamide resin for its superior chemical resistance and low moisture absorption, compared to competing thermoplastics like polyolefin.
"The high-performance capabilities of Zytel® LCPA resin has enabled us to penetrate highly aggressive oil and gas applications that were beyond the reach of previous materials," said Terry Frank, vice president of sales for Canadian-based Greatario Covers. "An added benefit was DuPont's previous success in oil and gas along with their collaborative approach to solving problems."
Zytel® LCPA resin is chemically compatible with heavy oil components up to temperatures of 100°C (212°F). It also is resistant to thermal shock with testing completed at -40°C (-40°F) to 100°C (212°F) for sudden rapid temperature exposure.
The low water absorption of Zytel® LCPA resin avoids weight gain that would affect the flotation of the Hexa-Cover® Floating Cover and its capability to trap vapors. The thermoplastic floating cover, measuring 21.59 cm by 18.79 cm by 8.38 cm (8.5-in by 7.4-in by 3.3-in), maintains its hexagonal shape to ensure the tiles will interlock uniformly on the oil's surface. The reduction in absorption minimizes the need for ventilation and reduces odor release and product evaporation, thus offering environmental benefits and reduced cost.
"Throughout the development process, DuPont provided extensive technical support in terms of materials selection and long-term testing," said Clive Robertson, DuPont Performance Polymers global marketing manager, Energy. "This is another great example of how the unique property profile of Zytel® LCPA resin satisfies the stringent requirements of the oil and gas industry."
Along with its exceptional chemical resistance, low moisture absorption and excellent thermal stability, Zytel® LCPA resin delivers anti-static capabilities and corrosion resistance.
The injection molded Hexa-Cover® Floating Covers have proven to be an effective option for over 2,100 installations in Western Canada including applications such as Dilbit sales oil tanks, diluent storage, heated heavy oil process tanks, and bitumen storage. New commercial opportunities in the rest of the Americas are currently being explored.
DuPont Performance Polymers works with customers throughout the world to help improve the performance, sustainability and cost of components used in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, health care, medical and other diversified industries. DuPont supports product development efforts with more than 40 manufacturing, development and research centers and technical teams to help ensure ideas can go to market quickly and cost effectively.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Zytel® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Hexa-Cover® is the registered trademark of Hexa-Cover A/S Denmark. Authorized use under license by Greatario Covers Inc.
Contact:
Carole Davies
248-583-8112
carole.a.davies@dupont.com
