Fugitive Emission Tracking Fundamentals
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 68 | Word Count: 469
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 finalized its rules pertaining to any fugitive emission occurrence, whether through evaporation or a leak. The regulations apply to several industries, including existing and newly constructed facilities with systems using refrigerant gas in their workplace heating and cooling systems. Other industries are industrial chemical manufacturing, electric services, pulp and paper mills, and petroleum refinancing.
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.
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.
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 new fugitive emission regulations provide a more standardized approach to thresholds identified by the U.S. Clean Air Act. These include continuous monitoring, tracking of leaks, and reporting of leak repair and containment. The deadline for the first report submission is early 2011. To prepare for this requirement, many companies are using automated, rather than manual, processes, in particular tracking software programs and web-based applications created by companies who specialize in the area. They ensure compliance and reduce the likelihood of substantial fines.
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Daniel Stouffer has detailed data on the need for good refrigerant gas management and more data concerning the fugitive emission issue..
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