Bend Your Emissions Curve with Swagelok Low-E Valves (New Video, Free PDF)

Many Canadian plants are bending their emissions curve downward, scoring substantial savings and other benefits. Addressing leaking valves is probably the single quickest way to improve,  research suggests. A new video shows how to cut fugitive emissions, and a free PDF has details.

Depending on the size of your facility, there may be anywhere from 100 to over 40,000 valves installed, according to a widely referenced US EPA report*. The average is somewhere around 7,400 valves. There may be another 600 to 60,000 fittings and other types of connectors installed. The average is around 12,000 connectors. In addition, industrial facilities have an average of 100 pumps, 500+ open-ended lines, 80 sampling connections, and 90 pressure relief valves.

The same research points to seals at valves as the top cause of fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- the ones most critical to mitigate. Here is the breakdown:

*Data and chart from US EPA's publication Leak Detection and Repair: A Guide to Best Practices. Download Swagelok Edmonton's collection of free resources on valves here →

A new Swagelok video highlights how implementing a formal Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program is the best way to monitor and fix leaks that lead to fugitive emissions. Click below to watch "How to Reduce Fugitive Emissions":

Watch to learn about minimizing fugitive emissions and their associated costs by addressing leaks and choosing low-E certified valves.

A robust LDAR program involves:

• Identifying and defining leaks per an industry standard
• Repairing components within a specific time frame
• Monitoring components
  
• Keeping records

With the right program in place, you can

• Take control: see the leaks occurring, see their cost, and prioritize
• Measure progress: as you fix each issue, see the dollar savings grow
• Stay in control: be sure there is ongoing monitoring that will catch new leaks

Many LDAR programs focus on valves, and the chart at the top of this article shows why. Valves account for 62 percent of fugitive emissions. These emissions can be prevented by replacing leaking valves with certified low-E valves.

Swagelok Edmonton can help in a number of ways if you'd like to learn more. We offer a Compressed Gas Leak Detection program; plus we can answer technical questions, provide quotes, help with product selection, and build custom fluid system assemblies. Please get in touch to exchange information with our knowledgeable representatives:

Also see:

• Finding the True Cost of Compressed Gas Leaks in Dollars
• Reducing Human Error in Industrial Sampling Systems: 2023 Training Options
• What to Expect When a Swagelok Field Advisor Visits