API LDAR : 2004

SMART LEAK DETECTION AND REPAIR (LDAR) FOR CONTROL OF FUGITIVE EMISSIONS

American Petroleum Institute

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Executive Summary
ES-1.0 The Basis of Smart LDAR
ES-2.0 Optical Imagers for Locating Leaking Components
ES-2.1 Backscatter Absorption Gas Imaging (BAGI)
ES-3.0 Variability in Method 21
ES-4.0 Testing and Demonstrating Applicability of Optical Imaging
ES 4-2 Laboratory Testing of Fiber Laser
1.0 Introduction
2.0 A Study of Refinery LDAR Data
2.1 Technical Approach
2.2 Study Results
2.3 Study Conclusions
3.0 Optical Imaging Technologies
3.1 Backscatter Absorption Gas Imaging (BAGI)
3.2 Description and Operations of the CO[2] and Fiber Lasers
4.0 Determining Equivalent Leak Definitions for Alternative Work
     Practices to Method 21
4.1 Technical Approach to Monte Carlo Simulations
4.2 Results and Conclusions
5.0 Alternative Work Practice and Smart LDAR overcome Variability
     in Method 21
6.0 Refinery Demonstration of a Van-Mounted Fiber Laser
6.1 Methodology
6.2 Findings & Conclusions
7.0 Laboratory Testing of Primary Components of an Operator-Portable
     Fiber Laser
7.1 Test Methodology
7.3 Test Results and Analysis
8.0 Laboratory Tests of SNL's Portable Fiber Laser
8.1 Test Methodology
8.2 Laboratory Test Results
8.3 Statistical Analyses of Test Data
9.0 Refinery Test of Portable Fiber Laser
9.1 Study Methodology
9.2 Study Conclusions, Data Analysis and Results
10.0 Testing the CO[2] Laser for Ethylene Monitoring
10.1 Study Methodology
10.2 Study Findings

Abstract

The aim of the present document is to develop more efficient procedures and technologies for the control of fugitive emissions from process piping components (e.g. valves, pumps, connectors, etc.). A large refinery in the U S. can spend over $1 MM annually in monitoring, control measures, record keeping and reporting. Most of this effort appears to be wasted, since the vast majority of piping components (generally over 98%) do not leak. A recent API study showed that over 90% of controllable emissions come from about 0.13% of the components. A Smart LDAR program would focus efforts on these high leaking components.