Condensing the vapors turns them into a liquid state wherein they return to the liquid asphalt cement instead of escaping into the atmosphere through the tank vent.

Condensers used on asphalt storage tanks usually have a number of tubes with external fins. The tubes are cooled by ambient air circulating through the fins. Thus, gases exiting the tank are cooled as they flow through the tubes. The cooling causes vapors to condense and drain back into the tank. this greatly minimizes the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Condensers can be configured in a variety of ways. Some plants use one condenser per asphalt tank. Others allow multiple tanks to share one condenser. Follow the link below to see photos of condensers in various configurations.