Retrofit methods reduce valves' fugitive emissions

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States)

OSTI ID:6426529

Gallupe, W ^[1]

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1. Neles-Jamesbury Inc., Worcester, MA (United States)

Retrofitting in-service valves is a practical alternative that reduces plant fugitive emissions and meets the federal and state environmental provisions. Plant operators must find cost-effective technologies that control and restrain valve emissions. Unfortunately, valves are dynamic devices and must move to perform their functions. Surveying all options, total replacement is not viable due to cost and scale of magnitude. However, retrofit technologies are practical measures that concentrate on correcting the problem points on a valve--the stem, the valve body and piping connections. Retrofits examine if the proper valve type is being used. Retrofit methods can meet the emission standards and reduce capital costs for environmental compliance. Leaks from nearly all types of process equipment fall under the provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments, but valves are the most serious challenge for the process industries, and consequently, the most costly to control. The paper discusses the following: valves as dynamic devices; compliance with environmental regulations; what makes valves leak; enhanced stem sealing; modular stem sealing devices; custom design solutions; special valves; and bellows seals.

• OSTI ID: 6426529
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States) Vol. 72:6; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020800* -- Petroleum-- Waste Management
03 NATURAL GAS
030700 -- Natural Gas-- Waste Management
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
AMENDMENTS
COMPLIANCE
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
COST
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
INDUSTRY
LEAKS
MACHINE PARTS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
RETROFITTING
SEALS
US CLEAN AIR ACT
VALVES