LDAR and SMART LDAR programs for fugitive emissions

Our LDAR program starts with a preliminary analysis of industrial processes, PFD, P&ID and fluid safety card, in collaboration with plant technicians. After this study, all product lines are identified, characterized and marked on every P&ID. The study provides all the useful information to identify the problem and sets out a tailored solution: device name, diameter, line code, fluid nature, fluid composition, and H350 classification. Then, we create an archive for every source, with all recorded data.

If other societies have previously realized the census and monitoring, GFE offers a data re-codifying service, in which the passage of all the data on a GFE platform is guaranteed. The archive protects all the recorded data and monitoring activities.

All the sources included in LDAR program for fugitive emissions monitoring and containment can be grouped into the following categories:
• Mixers ( ring seal)
• Compressors (ring seal)
• Connectors ( thread type)
• End line (samples, bleeding)
• Flanges
• Pumps (ring seal)
• Valves
• Safety valves.

For every identified line, we realize a photographic census to organize every single source, associating them with a numeric tag on the picture, and with a device reference. The pictures are linked with all recorded sources data ( diameter, fluids composition and characterization, stage, etc..) to create a complete sources archive.

After monitoring, identifying, characterizing and organizing all the sources, our specialized technicians realize the fugitive emissions measurement using portable devices. Then, they identify divergent sources, which are out of range.

Accessible sources

Inorganic gases monitoring such as H2, SO2: portable TCD (Micro Thermal Conductivity Detector) with 0-800.000 ppmv measure range.

HAP monitoring (High Hazardous Pollution) such as NH3, H2S, HF: portable PID (Photo Ionization Detector), with 0-20.000 ppmv standard range.

VOC monitoring ( volatile organic compound): portable FID (Flame Ionization Detector), with 0-100.000 ppmv measure range.

Non accessible sources

If some sources can’t be reached with mobile devices, or in the case of SMART LDAR program, it is possible to use GF320 gas finder (optical gas imaging).

During the monitoring phase, out of range sources are identified. These sources present higher emissions than the leak definition (usually 10.000 ppmv).
The monitoring operator realizes an onsite labeling using signs tags.

Monitoring frequencies, intervention times and recording

The law dictates to intervene on out of range sources, with a precise timing:

• Within five days for non-cancerous sources
• Immediately for cancerous sources

Maintenance activities must be recorded, followed by these data:

• Maintenance start date
• Maintenance end date
• Work shift
• Maintenance type
• Post-maintenance monitoring

Divergent sources signal

Respecting law timing (ISPRA DOCUMENT N. 18712 OF 01.06.2011- ATTACHED H_ TAB 2), our technicians immediately send a photographic report with all the out of range sources information found.

Current norms and regulations

Our programs agree with the following law ruling:
• EPA 453/R-95-017 “Protocol for Equipment Leak Emission Estimates.”
• EPA METHOD 21
• UNI EN 15446 “Measurement of fugitive emission of vapors generating from equipment and piping leaks.”
• DOCUMENTO ISPRA N° 18712 e ALLEGATO H
• EPA 6560-50P “Alternative work practice to detect leaks from equipment.”
• CONCAWE Report n. 6-2015 “ Techniques for identifying and quantifying fugitive emissions – results of comparative field studies.”
• EPA – A Best Practices Guide “ Leak Detection and Repair ”
• NTA 8399_2015 “Air quality – Guidelines for detection of diffuse VOC emissions with optical gas imaging.”

Our LDAR and Smart LDAR program has been developed thanks to more than 40 years of on field experience.

Simultaneous Inspection, micro repairing, programmed operations and re-monitoring

According to the timing established by the current norms, GFE offers an inspection service and, in case it’s possible to operate with a start-up plant, the FIRST OPERATION (micro repairs) and simultaneous re-monitoring. These two types of intervention allow to remove the 80% of losses during the monitoring campaigns.
If this isn’t possible, or if micro-repairs produce a negative result, an operation with a start- up or stop plant is provided.

Advantages

Quality control on maintenance activities: loss monitoring and concurrent maintenance operation guarantee a high success level (loss repair).