Benzene Fence-line Monitoring at Refineries
Petroleum refineries in the United States are working continuously on reducing their emissions and improving the ambient air quality. Many refineries are already monitoring the air quality in and around their facilities. Now, a new EPA regulation has been introduced which compels petroleum refineries in the United States to measure the concentration of benzene along the fence-line and, in the event of limit values being exceeded, demands that further actions should be taken.
Many refineries still lack a system for fence-line monitoring of benzene emissions, therefore it is high time to make a start. According to the new regulation, the monitoring system needs to be installed and operating by January 30th, 2018, at the very latest.
Use a System Recommended by U.S. EPA
In order to save both time and money, it is imperative to proceed correctly from the outset. It is essential to have a reliable system for carrying out the measurement process in the correct way. EPA has evaluated a range of measuring methods, and concluded that there are only two that work in this application, Method 325 and UV-DOAS. UV-DOAS has proven to be the perfect technology for fence-line monitoring of benzene. With UV-DOAS, it is possible to make advanced analyses for finding the sources of fugitive emissions. This provides the basis for action if a limit value is exceeded.
The UV-DOAS Method
UV-DOAS is a well-proven monitoring technology, that allows the measurement of gaseous concentrations by the use of a beam of light to detect gases across an open path, and subsequently analyse the result. The analyser measures, calculates and forwards the results to designated recipients. By incorporating several emitters and receivers, the entire fence-line can be monitored, regardless of the size of the refinery. The measurements are continuous and in real time. Should there be a release of benzene, it is registered instantly.
OPSIS is world-leading in UV-DOAS monitoring technology, and has thousands of systems in operation, in the United States and the rest of the world. OPSIS UV-DOAS monitoring systems are installed at refineries, that now, as a result, have much better control of their fugitive emissions.
Read more about OPSIS solutions for benzene monitoring on refineries >>
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