Abstract: Separation of hydrocarbon vapors from an admixture of hydrocarbon gases and hydrocarbon liquid is achieved by passing the admixture into the upper portion of a vapor rfecovery zone comprising a vertical, elongated separation zone, withdrawing hydrocarbon gases from an upper portion of the separation zone, the admixture being introduced into the vapor separation zone below the point at which the hydrocarbon gases are withdrawn from said separation zone.The liquid introduced into the separation zone flows in a generally downward, vertical direction to a point in the lower portion of the vapor recovery zone, changing direction and flowing in an upward, substantially vertical direction forming a column of liquid. The is passed from the vertical liquid column to an oil retaining zone having an upper, gaseous zone and a lower liquid zone. The vertical liquid column maintains a seal between the gaseous zone of the oil retaining zone and the gas-containing upper portion of the separation zone.