Standards Certification Education & Training Publishing Conferences & Exhibits Expanding LDAR Technology to Tank Vents and Compressor Seals Michael Webb, STAR Environmental

EPA is beginning to require measurement of hydrocarbon emissions from tanks, vents, and other large sources. An LDAR screening instrument can be used to measure total hydrocarbon emissions from these sources when coupled with a High Volume Sampler. OVERVIEW

Emission Sources: § (k) Transmission storage tanks § (o) Centrifugal compressor venting § (p) Reciprocating compressor venting Approved Methods: IR camera Flow meter High Volume Sampler Calibrated bag Acoustic device GHG EXAMPLES

Emission Sources: § (k) Transmission storage tanks § (o) Centrifugal compressor venting § (p) Reciprocating compressor venting Approved Methods: IR camera Flow meter High Volume Sampler Calibrated bag Acoustic device GHG EXAMPLES

Original High Volume Sampler October 1993 Field Test Induced Flow (scf/hr) x ppmv HC = scf/hr HC 360 scf/hr x 10,000/1,000,000 HC = 3.60 scf/hr HC scf/hr HC x 24 hr/day x 1lb-mole/385 scf x M.W. HC (lb/lb-mole) = lb/day HC 3.60 scf/hr Methane x 24 hr/day x 1/385 x 16 lb/lb-mole = 3.59 lb/day Methane 1 2

Original High Volume Sampler October 1993 Field Test

Original High Volume Sampler October 1993 Field Test

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA

EPA CONCLUSIONS... the HVCS is capable of accurately quantifying fugitive leaks over a wide range of leak sizes, and component types and sizes. EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA EPA CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results are within acceptable limits for field emissions measurements. With some physical and procedural enhancements, the HVCS should offer an acceptable alternative to the EPA protocol bagging method with GC analysis. EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA EPA CONCLUSIONS The HVCS may have a very significant role to play in applications where rapid, cost effective, on-site leak quantifications are important. EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA EPA CONCLUSIONS The HVCS could be very useful in evaluating the effectiveness of different inspection and maintenance programs... EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA EPA CONCLUSIONS The HVCS would also be useful for emissions inventory and compliance testing activities related to Federal and State air permit requirements. EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Original High Volume Sampler 1995 Evaluation by EPA EPA CONCLUSIONS... the HVCS may be valuable in evaluating the performance of optical sensing based techniques... EPA-600/R , November 1995, pp

Small High Volume Sampler lbs/day to 4.0 lbs/day Incorporating technology developed by Gas Technology Institute, NFP (GTI)

Large High Volume Sampler Type 1 – With Shepherd’s Hook Draws emissions to ground level for measurement with LDAR screening instrument 0.05 lbs/day (0.001 tpy) to 600 lbs/day (110 tpy)

Large High Volume Sampler Type 1 – With Shepherd’s Hook Before Collection During Collection

Large High Volume Sampler Type 2 – With Elevated Dilution Most of hydrocarbon stays elevated Small sample is drawn to ground for measurement with LDAR screening instrument 0.08 lbs/day (.01 tpy) to 2,500 lbs/day (450 tpy) Incorporating technology developed by Gas Technology Institute, NFP (GTI)

An LDAR monitor can measure emissions from tanks and vents when coupled with a High Volume Sampler. Total hydrocarbon mass emissions are calculated from volumetric flow rate of the High Volume Sampler and ppmv readings from LDAR screening instrument. Measurement range is from 0.08 lbs/day (0.01 ton/yr) to 2500 lbs/day (450 tons per year) per vent. SUMMARY

Standards Certification Education & Training Publishing Conferences & Exhibits Expanding LDAR Technology to Tank Vents and Compressor Seals Michael Webb, STAR Environmental