The Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI) seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) from leaks and equipment emissions from all parts of the hydrocarbon transport and storage infrastructure. Specifically, there is a need to identify and compare cost-effective technologies that can detect and quantify leaks or emissions from compressor rod packing and seals, scrubber dumps, and blowdown valves. Furthermore, regulations are increasingly prescriptive and are moving from conventional leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs to direct quantification and/or period/continuous monitoring of...
The Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI) seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) from leaks and equipment emissions from all parts of the hydrocarbon transport and storage infrastructure. Specifically, there is a need to identify and compare cost-effective technologies that can detect and quantify leaks or emissions from compressor rod packing and seals, scrubber dumps, and blowdown valves. Furthermore, regulations are increasingly prescriptive and are moving from conventional leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs to direct quantification and/or period/continuous monitoring of volume or mass flow rates as opposed to concentration-only measurements. This report summarizes recent literature, regulations, and survey results on emissions from each of the measurement categories. Data and technical literature were gathered and reviewed to enable numerical ranking of commercially available technologies or approaches that could be developed for these applications. Rubrics were developed for ranking technologies or approaches as below average (1), average (2), or above average (3) for the following categories: accuracy, flow rate range, cost, installation and maintenance, and reliability/acceptability. Based on rankings, the report then provides general guidelines and points for industry to consider along with recommendations for future research and development.