Use of Open Path UV-DOAS as an Alternative Method to Meet Fenceline Monitoring Provisions for Federal Benzene Monitoring Rule - Case Study
Description
On December 1, 2015 the EPA finalized the Risk and Technology Review for petroleum refineries. Among other things, the finalized rule requires petroleum refineries to conduct fence-line monitoring on a continuous basis. Benzene is the target compound, and an annual average, action level of 9 µg/m3 is established, triggering a refinery lead root cause analysis and corrective action. The fence-line monitoring provisions found in 40 CFR 63.658 describe the use of a network of passive diffusive tube samplers placed along the refinery’s boundary as the primary method for detecting fugitive emissions of benzene. The fence-line monitoring provisions allow a refinery owner or operator to submit a request for an alternative test method, such as open-path instrumentation. The use of this type of technology presents the opportunity to meet the requirements of the rule in a way that is more simplified and cost effective, while offering advantages in terms of potentially identifying and eliminating data points corresponding to outside emission sources. A field validation study has been conducted using latest generation, open-path UV-DOAS technology manufactured by Argos Scientific Inc., to detect benzene at a refinery fence-line on a continuous basis. The study includes a case study on the lessons learned in developing this program.
New Applications in Fenceline Monitoring
Description
Fenceline Monitoring via passive samplers is a robust, highly sensitive and accurate monitoring technique. While Fenceline Monitoring is best known for Method 325 (Refinery Fenceline Monitoring), this technology is now used in a wide variety of new monitoring applications. We will discuss the history, equipment used (Thermal Desorption, Sampling or Sorbent Tubes) as well as current real-world scenarios, other than refineries, utilizing Fenceline Monitoring.
Avoiding Under-Reporting and Over-Reporting of Fenceline Plant Emissions
Description
Using a point measurement wind sensor for fenceline applications will result in under or over-estimating large body wind movement from your plant. OSI’s Long-baseline Optical Anemometer provides path-averaged wind data to give you an honest and accurate picture of plant emissions and can be a valuable tool in the case of an accidental release.