When storage tanks are emptied, gas vapor that remains in the tank has to be captured and destroyed before the storage tank can be cleaned and reused.

The potentially-toxic residual vapor is produced by the previously contained Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can consist of chemicals, solvents and/or petrochemicals. 

If degassing is not properly conducted, the harmful vapor can be expelled into the atmosphere during turnover operations, causing health concerns and compliance issues.

Storage tank owners must adhere to certain regulations and correctly degas storage tanks to avoid non-compliance penalties and a halt in operations