Fugitive emissions reduction

Situation

• Thermal imaging surveys estimated that the TOT vent stack emitted 0.5 tonnes CH4 per day (42 tonnes of CO2e per day).
• The source of the emission was unclear as the pipework leading to the TOT vent stack is intricate and contains over 100 valves.
• The customer engaged Score to identify, quantify and eliminate the source of the leak.

‍

Action

• Score surveyed the 29 valves thought to be the most likely source of emissions Score utilised its Emissions Elimination equipment inclusive of optical gas imaging gas detection,ultrasonics and the Ml DAS® Meter.
• The survey showed that none of the 29 valves were passing.
• A review of all TOT vent tie-in points was completed, 89 additional valves were identified.
• The 89 valves were surveyed and the emission source was identified - it was a 10" 600# normally closed valve that was passing.

‍

Result

• Pressure build-up testing confirmed that the valve was leaking significantly. A DIAL* survey validated the MIDAS® Meter's leak quantification.
• In consultation with Score, the client decided to isolate the valve completely, resulting in the elimination of 15kt CO2e emissions annually and an annual production savings of approx $1 m USD.