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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.

Faced by global climate change, countries and industries around the world are looking to decarbonize their energy sources. Hydrogen – the smallest chemical element on our planet – is seen by many as holding the key to a sustainable future.

Complete pipeline integrity is essential for modern industrial practices to maximize safety, productivity, and efficiency. Pipeotech furthers the sealing industry’s strides toward a safer and more sustainable future with the world’s tightest, most durable flange gasket for industrial applications.

A fundamental aspect of air quality compliance is quantifying emissions, which can be achieved with an emissions inventory. Whether for actual emissions or potential emissions, short-term emissions or annual emissions, historic emissions or future emissions, emissions inventories can come in many shapes and sizes. But while conceptually straightforward, emissions inventories require strategic thinking to be representative and accurate. By Lindsey Kroos, ALL4.

Flares are combustion devices used to burn off associated, unwanted or excess combustible gases during many industrial processes, such as oil and gas extraction, refineries, chemical plants, coal mines, bioreactors, and landfills. Flares are used both as safety (pressure relief) devices and as emissions control devices.