Thursday 9 November 2017

A Comprehensively Understanding On Importance Of Fugitive Emission Management

By Margaret Russell


Having a properly integrated pipeline is one of the most crucial aspects that management of every industry with hazardous products transmitted using pipes would be proud of. This is because there are possible hazards that can be eliminated therefore protecting the company from incurring compensation losses to victims. It also means that the organization has complied with the safety standards and that it cannot be charged with breaking state and local laws. Every organization is supposed to have fugitive emission management plans and equipment in place so that in case of an occurrence, the situation can be contained within the shortest time possible.

Fugitive emissions refer to vapors and gases among other particles that occur from equipment and tools with components with high pressure in the case of leakage development. These leakages are responsible for causing irregular and unintended particles and materials release. When these materials or particles get into the atmosphere, they cause pollution and or climate change. Other particles such as aerosols, dust, fine particles and compressor, flanges, pump and valve leaks are also referred to as emissions.

When the particles are given room to circulate into the atmosphere, there may be possibilities of developing global warming, greenhouse effect, accidents, or life-threatening conditions like respiratory organ cancers, and asthma when inhaled over an extended duration. Working in places where such leaks of reactive organic compounds are experienced in chemicals industries and refineries can be life-threatening.

The reason is that apart from emissions causing ill-health conditions, they can cause fire outbreaks and explosions that may not be easily contained and can cause death if the leaking gasses and particles are highly flammable. In additions, the leaks may be minor or small but the particles emitted may be strong and potential of causing serious negative impacts on the health of individuals and the surrounding environment.

In many occasions, leaks generated by pressurized equipment, processes, and systems usually occur inside valves, sealing, pipe connections, or other parts of the piping which require personal or manual fixing. The activities may as well happen in places where evaporative activities take place for instance tanks, reservoirs, and storage points. Therefore, it is imperative that systems are initiated that allow the detection and correction of the leakages as soon as they occur to prevent the various negative effects.

Having detection, correction and overall leakage management systems are therefore important in curbing any occurrence. Detection and track keeping can be done through aerial inspection of the entire pipeline system. Energy-based industries mostly employ of these techniques as a way of ascertaining proper system functioning.

Corrosion monitoring is another method of making sure that the system does not develop leakages. This technique gives the operator an account of the status of the pipes which make him decide whether they are going to be replaced or not. GIS mapping, on the other hand, makes sure that the system proximities are identified and emergency response unit has been put in place. These proximities may include urban areas or densely populated areas.

The main reason is that it indicates the system proximity to areas with large human populations such as towns and urban centers as well as other areas that need proper emergency planning. Other methods include the pressure equipment integrity management, internal video inspection, and data management among others.




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