Fugitive Emission Tracking Fundamentals
Many of the industrialized countries are turning their attention to fugitive emission tracking, as they try and understand the scale of the challenge posed by greenhouse gas emission. Government officials hope to gain a better understanding of the threat posed by these commissions in respect to global warming.
When an unexpected leak of a hazardous substance occurs, and is not contained in a stack, vent, or duct, this is classified as a fugitive emission. Such an occurrence could occur as a result of an equipment leak, a breakdown in the processing procedure, or a problem with maintenance. Leakage can cause harmful gases to enter the environment. Some compounds prove resilient and when transferred to the stratosphere, damaging our protective ozone layer.
In the United States alone, fugitive emission totals for a year are over 300,000 tons. Other countries have similar or worse outputs. In order to reduce the harmful effects to the ozone from the accidental discharge of these substances, strict laws have been implemented to reduce their usage and eventually eliminate them over time. The goal is to reduce the potential for global warming in the near future and to improve air quality.
The EPA has established a set of rules to address the fugitive emission problem. The rules apply to a number of different industries including existing and newly constructed facilities with operations which utilize refrigerant gas in their heating and cooling systems. Industries affected include those involved with chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper mills, electrical services and petroleum.
Facilities that use or produce known harmful substances are required to keep track of the fugitive emission problem. The EPA defines a variety of dangerous compounds, including hydrofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, halons and carbon tetrachloride.
Fugitive emission is of particular concern as it relates to refrigerant gas. This gas contains chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons which are two primary contributors to the weakening of the ozone layer. Numerous industries use refrigerant gas in air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, ventilation and refrigeration and cooling units.
When a fugitive emission occurs, businesses are required to track the leakage rate and report it to the EPA. It is important that the severity of the leak and the repair process is documented. In addition, regulations require regular inspections of equipment or processes that involve volatile chemicals.
Whilst the US Clean Air Act established certain thresholds, the new fugitive emission regulations provide a more standard approach. The regulations contain details covering monitoring, tracking and reporting, leak repair and containment and the first reports are due by early 2011. Savvy companies are turning to automated tracking programs and web-based applications to help them conform, and reduce the risk of noncompliance
