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Vapour Loss Calculator

Work out vapour loss instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Vapour Loss Calculator

Tank vapour loss splits into working loss, which occurs when product is pumped in and displaces vapour, and standing loss, which is the daily breathing caused by temperature and pressure cycling. Working loss scales with throughput; standing loss scales with roof area and is what floating roofs and vapour recovery target.

Formula

Vapour loss

Working loss = throughput x working loss factor; standing loss = roof area x standing loss factor

Worked example

With the default values below, Vapour Loss Calculator returns Total Vapour Loss of 122.800. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Annual Throughputminimum 0 m3
200,000 m3
Working Loss Factorminimum 0 kg per m3 throughput
0.6 kg per m3 throughput
Tank Roof Areaminimum 0 m2
700 m2
Standing Loss Factorminimum 0 kg/m2/year
4 kg/m2/year

Results

Total Vapour Loss
122.800
Working Loss
120.000
Standing Loss
2.800
Loss As % Of Throughput
0.08187%

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Vapour loss
  3. 3Total Vapour Loss= 122.800
  4. 4Working Loss= 120.000
  5. 5Standing Loss= 2.800
  6. 6Loss As % Of Throughput= 0.08187

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or fees or charges into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 5 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Volatile organic compound emissions from storage tanks are regulated. Use the estimation method prescribed by your air quality authority for any compliance reporting.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Volatile organic compound emissions from storage tanks are regulated. Use the estimation method prescribed by your air quality authority for any compliance reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are losses reduced?

Internal or external floating roofs cut standing loss by 90% or more, and vapour recovery units capture displaced vapour during filling. Both also reduce fire risk and odour complaints.

Are these losses reportable?

Yes in most jurisdictions. Volatile organic compound emissions from storage are inventoried under air quality regulation, usually using a published estimation method such as the AP-42 tank equations.

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