Measurement of BTEX Emissions from Glycol Dehys
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| Most of the authors discussed the significant difficulties associated with direct measurement of BTEX emissions from glycol dehydrators and present as some of the major issues the following [1, 4]:
Since the vent flow rate is essential for an accurate emissions estimate, the preferred test method for accurate estimation was determined to be total capture via condensation and further chromatographic analysis of liquids and gas fractions. This method however is not practical as a routine approach for emissions control since it is usually expensive to perform and it could only handle smaller units. Facing this challenge, the next options for emissions estimation include simulation (GLYCalc or HYSYS) and the Atmospheric Rich/Lean method that is based on a mass balance around the glycol stream. The ARL method has its own challenges given that the sampling protocols must be followed carefully:
There are some authors that question the validity of the ARL method, particularly with respect to the dilution required for the samples [3] and the option of pressurized vs atmospheric samples [1]. There is evidence presented from both fields to justify their positions; however a general conclusion that may be drawn from these reports is that simulation remains the most economical option for estimating emissions and that a logical sequence of actions may involve the use of ARL only for units that appear close or around the emissions limits (identified from simulation studies) and that a final confirmation would require total capture (if feasible). Clearly there is significant room for improvement on all these tools and further work should continue in order to further validate the simulation models. Written by Alberto Alva, Process Ecology References [1] S. Cowen and F. Nunnery (1995) “Regulation and Permitting Requirements for Glycol Dehydrators in Ventura County, California”. Paper presented at the 1995 Gas Research Institute Glycol Dehydrator/ Gas Processing Air Toxics Conference. November 5-8, 1995 [2] D. L. Reif, C.O. Reuter and D. B. Myers (1996) “Atmospheric Rich/Lean (ARL) Method for Determining Glycol Dehydrator Emissions”. Topical Report prepared for the Gas Research Institute [3] P.L Grizzle (1992) “A Multi-Task Approach to Addressing the Emissions from Glycol Dehydration Units” Paper presented at the 1992 Gas Research Institute Glycol Dehydrator/ Gas Processing Air Toxics Conference. [4] Texaco Corporation (1992) “Texaco’s Dehydrator Air Emissions” Paper presented at the 1992 Gas Research Institute Glycol Dehydrator/ Gas Processing Air Toxics Conference |
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A significant amount of work was performed by both researchers
and industry in the early 1990s regarding the measurement and
estimation of BTEX emissions from glycol dehydration units.
Many of the results reported from these efforts were captured
during the 1992 and 1995 Gas Research Institute Air Toxic
Conferences as well as a number of reports for the USEPA.
Since then, little published information is available on this topic;
however, the conclusions from this research are important in
understanding the challenges associated with directly measuring
BTEX emissions.
and industry in the early 1990s regarding the measurement and
estimation of BTEX emissions from glycol dehydration units.
Many of the results reported from these efforts were captured
during the 1992 and 1995 Gas Research Institute Air Toxic
Conferences as well as a number of reports for the USEPA.
Since then, little published information is available on this topic;
however, the conclusions from this research are important in
understanding the challenges associated with directly measuring
BTEX emissions.
