During the NISTM 2025 event, Randall Jaymes, Regional Sales Engineer for PROTEGO® USA, explained how the company is responding to the current challenges of the storage industry with an essential solution: ZTOP technology. This approach focuses on ensuring zero emissions in normal tank operations, in line with U.S. EPA regulatory requirements.
Founded in Germany in 1954, PROTEGO® is globally recognized for designing and manufacturing safety equipment for industry. The company specializes in explosion protection, pressure monitoring and high-precision technical solutions for
From its subsidiary in the United States, PROTEGO® offers technical-commercial support, customized engineering and direct assistance to industrial plants seeking to control risks and comply with environmental regulations.
Randall Jaymes explained that PROTEGO® develops devices such as conservation valves and flame arresters designed to protect storage tanks from flammable or toxic substances. These devices prevent the release of vapors into the atmosphere, which is essential to comply with current environmental control standards.
ZTOP technology ("Zero emissions at Tank Operating Pressure") is designed to completely eliminate emissions during normal tank operation. That is, while the tank is at operating pressure, no vapor is released into the environment.
This allows facilities to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations without altering their industrial processes.
ZTOP devices function as direct acting valves; in low pressure scenarios, they operate by means of a counterweight that lifts when the internal pressure of the tank exceeds the weight. For pressures greater than 1 psi, a spring is used. In case of vacuum, the mechanism acts in reverse to allow air to enter.
This mechanical simplicity facilitates its maintenance, but its design is what really makes the difference, since it allows the system to remain completely closed under normal working conditions, something that traditional systems such as goosenecks cannot guarantee.
During the presentation, Jaymes showed how the valve features two internal vanes: one to release pressure and the other to admit air when the tank goes into vacuum. For pressures above
One of the most critical issues facing storage plants is compliance with the EPA, in particular with the Hahn Rule, which regulates six specific highly volatile compounds. This rule requires constant monitoring and emission limits close to zero.
ZTOP technology allows companies to comply with these regulations without having to modify their tank infrastructure. It also complies with EPA Rule 21, which requires accurate measurement of emissions.
Implementing ZTOP technology reduces regulatory risk and minimizes environmental impact, two growing concerns in the industry. It also represents operational savings by avoiding penalties, reducing the need for flaring systems and limiting product loss through evaporation.
From a technical point of view, the valves are robust, easy to install and adaptable to various types of tanks, making them an efficient option for both new installations and retrofits.
PROTEGO® maintains its focus on applied innovation and technical support. As a family-owned company with more than 70 years in the market, it combines experience, research and global presence to offer concrete solutions to the real problems of the sector.
Participation in NISTM 2025 reinforces its commitment to the North American market and allows it to directly demonstrate the operation of its devices to engineers, operators and maintenance managers.
For more content about NISTM 2025, please visit our LinkedIn profile.
Source: Inspenet.
