Equivalent Leak Definitions for Smart LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) When Using Optical Imaging Technology

Abstract

Controlling fugitive emissions from leaks in petrochemical industry process equipment now requires periodic monitoring of valves, flanges, pumps etc., typically on a quarterly basis. Previous studies have shown that over

Aerial and ground-based optical gas imaging survey of Uinta Basin oil and gas wells

“…Basin-scale (Foster et al, 2017;Robertson et al, 2017;Schwietzke et al, 2017) and nation-scale (Bruhwiler et al, 2017;Miller et al, 2013;Omara et al, 2018) studies have improved understanding of the importance of oil and gas-related emissions. Millions of components at oil and gas sites are potential leak sources (Epperson et al, 2007;Schwietzke et al, 2018). Optical gas imaging cameras have emerged as a valuable tool to fill this need (Safitri et al, 2011).…”

Procedure LIAM (LDAR, IR Camera, Analyzing & Modeling) to determine the contribution of ambient emissions and combustion of hydrocarbon

“…The utilization of infrared imaging systems potentially simplifies the EPA LDAR program and therefore is already known in the industry as a smart LDAR method (Zhou and Zeng 2007;Epperson et al 2007). Due to the impossibility of measuring and monitoring air pollutants in all parts of an industrial complex, using standard models is considered as an efficient tool in management and evaluation of air quality (Ozkurt et al 2013).…”

“…This study was conducted in experimental conditions, and the result showed that parameters such as observation distance, type of gas, blow of wind and shape of the camera affect the leak detection of these compounds (Sauger et al 2013). In another study conducted by Epperson et al (2007), the Monte Carlo simulation approach of United States Environmental Protection Agency was used that showed that optical imaging capable of detecting major leaks could provide better control of volatile pollutants (Epperson et al 2007).…”

Dispersion modeling approach for quantification of methane emission rates from natural gas fugitive leaks detected by infrared imaging technique

“…Optical imaging techniques must meet several requirements to qualify as a smart approach equivalent to the traditional DLAR approach including (Epperson, Lev-On, Tabback, Siegell, & Ritter, 2007):…”