Monitoring of Fugitive Emissions in Petrochemical Plant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a third of the emissions into the atmosphere in some industrial plants is due to Fugitive Emissions. It defines Fugitive Emissions as the diffuse release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) or hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, through pumps, valves, connections, open-ended lines, compressors, etc., establishing emission patterns and monitoring frequency. COPENE Petroquimica do Nordeste S/A has been implanting a program of fugitive emissions adapted to the reality, trying to promote a continuous improvement in its employees' working conditions and in environmental protection. This paper presents the methodology for the elaboration of this program and the conclusions of some surveys which were already completed.