Chemical Engineering July 2023 - 30

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neglect other components in an
assembly, potentially missing the
leaks you aren't looking for. Below
are industry good practices that
can address additional common
sources of emissions increases
following commissioning.
Plug placement program. One
common source of leaks is the
failure to replace valve plugs following
turnaround, as well as the
inadequate or improper placement
of plugs that are replaced.
Implementing a plug placement
program, in which trained individuals
examine equipment to ensure
that all plugs have been replaced
and
tightened correctly, can
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greatly reduce emissions sources.
It is also important to ensure that
vent and drain valves are sufficiently
closed. Isolations that are
not fully closed are another common
source of emissions, adding
time to maintenance and planning
when these issues appear in
regulatory campaigns.
Pre-screens. A second important
practice to implement following
every turnaround is a pre-screen
of components to identify any new
sources of emissions that may
have creeped up from non-focused
repair efforts during outage
periods. Conducting critical leak
checks during the initial stages of
startup - specifically after turnaround
but before reintroducing
feed - can significantly increase
positive regulatory-compliance inspection
outcomes (Figure 2). This
is especially important on equipment
that experiences frequent
thermal cycling, such as compressors,
compression fittings, pump
seals, gaskets and plugs.
Seeking outside help
For ongoing leak detection during
operations, it can be helpful to find
a service provider that can identify
leaks during commissioning and
startup, keeping operations safe
and the environmental impact well
within emission regulatory compliance.
Such service providers likely
have more experience detecting
and preventing leaks than general
plant personnel, and can streamline
the process with specialized
skills and technologies to find small
leaks, in any service medium, before
they become big problems.
They can also aid in identifying the
repairs that will most support emission
reduction and help to design
plans to prevent such leaks through
engineering analysis and specialized
mechanical services.
Another very important preventive
measure involves increasing
the trade competencies of a site's
workers. To assist with this, training
measures, such as the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers'
(ASME; New York, N.Y.; www.asme.
org) Bolting Specialist Qualification
Program, are advised. This program
is designed to train and evaluate a
bolter's ability to inspect, assemble,
disassemble and tighten bolted
joints in accordance with PCC1
standards governing bolted flangejoint
assemblies. Such practices will
significantly reduce leaks caused by
improper assembly of components
(Figure 3).
For ongoing leak detection during
operations, it can be helpful to partner
with a provider of leak-detection
and repair (LDAR) equipment and
services. Ideally, the technicians you
hire should be trained to utilize EPA
Method 21 (focused on leaks of volatile
organic compounds) and optical
gas imaging (OGI) to find leaks
quickly and accurately, getting plants
back to production more quickly
and safely.
■
Edited by Mary Page Bailey
Authors
Lynnae Psimas is a technical
writer in Georgia working on behalf
of INTEGRA Technologies. Psimas
holds a B.S. in psychology (2004),
as well as a Masters of Education
degree (2007) and a Ph.D. in
school
psychology
(2012)
Georgia State University.
Shalayne Martens is the LDAR
division manager at Integra Technologies
in Edmonton, Canada
(Environmental Services 3444-78
Ave, Edmonton, AB T6B 2X9;
Phone:
from
780-670-3994; Email:
info@integratechnologies.com).
She has worked with Integra for
over 26 years to provide leak detection
services.
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