TCEQ degassing rules in plain language, and the chemistry that shortens the job · Call 832-655-7763
Regulation · 30 TAC 115

TCEQ Tank Degassing: What the Rule Requires, and How to Get There Faster.

If your tank sits in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria or Beaumont-Port Arthur area, or the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and held a volatile organic compound, TCEQ regulates how you degas it. This page states the rule in plain language, then explains how a water-based vapor-suppressing chemical reduces the vapor you have to control. Hasten supplies the chemical; your vapor-control contractor and your permit still run the job.

The rule in one line. Route vapors to a control device until the tank is under the threshold, then you may vent. The numbers are below.
Less vapor to control. Suppressing generation at the source shortens oxidizer hours and time to threshold.
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The Rule, Plainly

ItemWhat 30 TAC 115, Subchapter F, Division 3 says
Where it appliesHouston-Galveston-Brazoria counties (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Waller), Beaumont-Port Arthur (Hardin, Jefferson, Orange), and Dallas-Fort Worth; El Paso on contingency
Which tanksStorage tanks, transport vessels, and marine vessels that held VOC with a true vapor pressure above 0.5 psia
Control requirementRoute all vapors to a control device of at least 90 percent efficiency until the vapor space is below 34,000 ppmv as methane or 50 percent of the lower explosive limit
ThenVapors may be vented uncontrolled, and the tank must reach below 6,800 ppmv or 10 percent LEL
Who enforcesTCEQ; the rule text is at 30 TAC 115.541 to 115.549

This is a plain-language summary for planning. The rule text and your permit govern. Read the section before you rely on it.

Where the Chemistry Fits

Flammable vapor comes off the liquid hydrocarbon left in a tank. Ventilation dilutes the vapor. Hasten Cleanse goes after the source.

1

Bonds to the hydrocarbon

Surfactants and fatty acids attach to the residue and the free product on walls, floor, and in sludge.

2

Raises the flash point

Bound hydrocarbon vaporizes more slowly. Less vapor is generated in the first place, so LEL and VOC readings fall rather than being blown out.

3

Lifts the residue

The same wash that suppresses vapor lifts the residue into a water suspension for the vac truck. Cleaning and degassing happen together.

4

Adds nothing flammable

Water-based, no flash point. Nothing in the tank got more dangerous because of the product.

Working With Your Vapor-Control Contractor

Hasten Cleanse is not a control device and does not replace one. It lowers the vapor the device has to handle.

During control

Less vapor generated means fewer hours to reach 50 percent LEL with the oxidizer or scrubber running.

After control

Reaching 10 percent LEL for entry comes sooner because the residue is bonded and being removed, not sitting there off-gassing.

Documentation

Your meter readings and your contractor's logs are the record. We add nothing to the paperwork.

What it does not do

It will not strip bonded solids, and it will not satisfy the rule by itself. It is a chemical, not a compliance program.

No added bacteriaNothing in the pail is alive. Hasten Cleanse feeds the microbes you already have, in a treatment plant, a separator, or the soil, instead of competing with them.
Full concentrateSold as concentrate and diluted on site, 1:10 for heavy residue to 1:50 for light. Compare products by working gallons per drum, not by the drum.
No flash point, no placardsWater-based and non-flammable. Ships as standard freight in 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, 275-gallon totes, and bulk. Gulf Coast delivery in one to two days.

Serving the TCEQ Degassing Counties

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Beaumont-Port Arthur, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

HoustonPasadenaDeer ParkBaytownTexas CityFreeportConroeBeaumontPort ArthurOrangeDallasFort Worth

TCEQ Degassing Questions, Answered Straight

Does using Hasten Cleanse satisfy the TCEQ rule?

No. The rule requires vapor control until the threshold. The product reduces vapor generation so control finishes sooner.

What are the thresholds?

Control until below 34,000 ppmv as methane or 50 percent LEL; the tank must reach below 6,800 ppmv or 10 percent LEL. Read 30 TAC 115.542.

Which counties?

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Beaumont-Port Arthur, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, with El Paso on contingency.

Do marine vessels count?

Yes, marine and transport vessels are included in the division.

Is the product flammable?

No. Water-based, no flash point.

Degassing a Tank in a TCEQ County?

County, tank, and date. A quote and a demo with your meter, back today.

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