Posts
The United States and a host of other foreign countries are focusing on fugitive emission tracking for certain industries. The goal is to identify the amount of substances that are emitted into the atmosphere when a hazardous leak occurs. This will give government officials a better understanding of the amount of greenhouse gases harming the environment each year and contributing 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.
Fugitive emission tracking of known harmful substances is required by facilities that use or produce them. The EPA has identified a number of dangerous compounds, among them chloroflurocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.
Refrigerant gases contain two primary contributors to the weakening of the ozone layer, namely chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. Refrigerant gas is used in many industries in refrigeration and cooling units, ventilation, air conditioning systems and fire protection systems and is thus of particular concern when it comes to fugitive emission.
If a fugitive emission takes place, businesses need to track leakage rate and report to the EPA. Full details are required, including the severity of the leak and the repair process completed. New regulations require regular inspections, wherever volatile chemicals are involved.
The US Clean Air Act established thresholds, which are now clarified and standardized by the new fugitive emission regulations. For example, these include continuous monitoring, leak tracking and reporting requirements for repair and containment. The first reports are due in early 2011. Many companies would choose automated rather than manual processes, including tracking software programs and web-based applications. Such automated systems reduce the likelihood of noncompliance.
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.
Fugitive emission tracking of known harmful substances is required by facilities that use or produce them. The EPA has identified a number of dangerous compounds, among them chloroflurocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.
Refrigerant gases contain two primary contributors to the weakening of the ozone layer, namely chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. Refrigerant gas is used in many industries in refrigeration and cooling units, ventilation, air conditioning systems and fire protection systems and is thus of particular concern when it comes to fugitive emission.
If a fugitive emission takes place, businesses need to track leakage rate and report to the EPA. Full details are required, including the severity of the leak and the repair process completed. New regulations require regular inspections, wherever volatile chemicals are involved.
The US Clean Air Act established thresholds, which are now clarified and standardized by the new fugitive emission regulations. For example, these include continuous monitoring, leak tracking and reporting requirements for repair and containment. The first reports are due in early 2011. Many companies would choose automated rather than manual processes, including tracking software programs and web-based applications. Such automated systems reduce the likelihood of noncompliance.
About the Author:
Daniel Stouffer has detailed information on the need for effective refrigerant gas management and more data concerning the fugitive emission issue..
No comments:
Post a Comment