The experience in using LDAR for monitoring fugitive emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds with special reference to RasGas' experience

摘要

Controlling fugitive volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions through the implementation of a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program has been in practice at RasGas Company Limited (RasGas), Qatar, since 2007. An LDAR program is designed to identify pieces of equipment that are emitting sufficient amounts of material to warrant reduction of the emissions through repair. The program was initiated by RasGas, on a voluntary basis, on the basis of acceptable environmental practices in other countries susceptible to ozone formation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that VOCs contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is a major component of smog, and causes or aggravates respiratory disease, particularly in children, asthmatics and healthy adults who participate in moderate exercise~2. The Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC) Environmental Regulations (2005) implemented fugitive monitoring and reporting requirements for petroleum plant processing equipment', including valves, pump and compressor seals, pressure relief valves, open-ended lines and sampling connection systems. In addition, the State of Qatar Ministry of Environment has included LDAR monitoring requirements in the operating permits for RasGas' facilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that leaking equipment, such as valves, pumps and connectors, are the largest source of emissions of VOCs and volatile hazardous air pollutants from petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities~2. The LDAR program at RasGas incorporates the requirements of USEPA Method 214, while using emerging technologies for leak detection. To measure the success of RasGas' LDAR program, RasGas determines the 'Control Effectiveness', which is based on the relationship between the percentage of equipment pieces that are leaking and the corresponding average leak rate for all of the equipment. The LDAR program at RasGas has to date resulted in the successful detection and repair of leaking equipment, thus reducing product losses and decreasing exposure to hydrocarbon vapors for workers, the facility and surrounding receptors.