Featured Stories

Optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras are a versatile tool, promoting efficient facility operations and responsible corporate citizenship by quickly identifying gas leaks, confirming vented emissions, and accurately quantifying both. We look at the dynamics of a low-carbon economy and discuss how producers can implement OGI.

EPA Method 21 has been used in Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR) programs for the past 40 years to detect fugitive emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from industrial components such as valves, flanges, connectors, pumps, and compressors. It is important that these leaks be identified and repaired quickly since once released to atmosphere, VOCs affect human health and environmental air quality.

Storage tanks are used as reservoirs in oil processing to temporarily hold oil during different phases of processing, to separate various types, and/or to hold until consumed. The materials and structure of industrial storage tanks are dictated by the application, and the safety, environmental and legal obligations of the storage region. It is important to understand the types, uses, tools, and updates to the existing standard for volatile organic liquid (VOL) storage tanks.

After four decades of experience in design and production of valves, Zwick excels at the creation of state-of-the-art flow control products for the global oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, energy, offshore, district heating and steel industries. Its in-house design enables the company to offer its customers customized low-e product solutions.

As the world grows and economies develop, future demand for energy will continue to grow dramatically. The International Energy Agency and many others predict that the world’s total energy demand will grow by 35% in 2030 higher than it is today, and oil/natural gas are expected to account for nearly 60% of total energy through 2030. This implies that fugitive emissions must be minimized.

Fugitive emission testing for valves in refining and upstream is mandatory, and stringently regulated. However, in the midstream processes the role fugitive emission standards play is vague for end users and manufacturers alike. Without clear regulation on midstream valves, operators are forced to make their own logical decisions regarding emission control and abatement, loosely based on standards like ISO 15848-1 and API 624. What is the difference?

The United Nations Environment Program’s Emissions Gap Report 2020 states that the world is still heading for a temperature rise of more than 3°C this century which is far beyond the Paris Agreement goal. The role of countries and political decision-making has importance in achieving the goal, but the acts of individual companies has equal importance.

In a world that patiently awaits a full return to life as we previously knew it, a potential regulatory blockbuster that could forever change the LDAR industry is getting ready to come out. This coming attraction, like last year’s slate of movies, may not be released as early as first hoped, but it is still expected to have a significant impact on the fugitive emissions monitoring industry. By Deever Bradley, P.E. – Senior Principal, SLR International Corporation.

A drone, in a technological context is an unmanned aircraft. In a more formal context, drones are known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). Today’s industrial sectors have also utilized drones; having them carry LDAR devices and sensors over and throughout plants and refineries, as well as measure emissions.

Dynamic seals for high-speed centrifugal compressors have been evolving/migrating from oil-based seals to aerodynamic gas bearing type seals over the last 50 years. Drew Devitt of New Way Air Bearings has demonstrated aerostatic bearing technology that improves compressor reliability and avoids having to vent or flare fugitive emissions.