Detect fugitive emissions with lasers

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Hydrocarbon Processing

OSTI ID:231172

Frish, M B; Melnyk, J M ^[1]

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1. Spectrum Diagnostix, Andover, MA (United States)

Environmental and safety considerations are compelling refineries to monitor fugitive emissions of several listed compounds. Fugitive emissions often indicate a non-optimized process, equipment failure (pumps, valves, flanges, etc.) or potential health hazards. To improve safety, emission monitors must be capable of notifying the plant operator of an emission and its concentration. These units should have a response time and sufficient sensitivity to alert repair crews or to automatically initiate emergency mitigation procedures. Important refinery applications include worker safety and process optimization in and around: HF alkylation units; HF storage areas; sulfur recovery plants; and sour gas processing plants. Using open path monitors (OPMs), refiners can detect hazardous components` concentrations in process areas or at the fenceline. Incorporating near infrared, tunable diode laser spectroscopy, OPMs continuously measure and report trace concentrations of selected gas species such as H{sub 2}S, HF, HCl, CO, CO{sub 2}, HCN, H{sub 2}O, NH{sub 3} and CH{sub 4}. The laser`s wavelength identifies the specific gas monitored. Changing the laser to a different output wavelength allows other gases to be monitored.

• OSTI ID: 231172
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing, Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 75; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AMMONIA
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE
HYDROCHLORIC ACID
HYDROCYANIC ACID
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
METHANE
NEAR INFRARED RADIATION
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
WATER VAPOR