Use of Fenceline Monitoring for Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action

During 2010-2011, continuous emissions data was collected and analyzed for a delayed coker at a petroleum refinery in the Houston, Texas, area.  The measurement system utilized multiple open-path Fourier Transform Infrared instruments and retro-reflector mirror arrays along four measurement planes.  Emissions were calculated using the Vertical Radial Plume Mapping, or VRPM, method as detailed in EPA Other Test Method 10.  While providing detailed information on long-term, speciated hydrocarbon emissions, lag times between data collection, analysis and availability limited usefulness for root cause analysis and corrective action.  Since that time, improvements in data analysis algorithms now allow for fully-validated data, free of false positives that are presented in near-real time (approximately 2 second delay between measurement and availability).  This presentation will provide an overview of state-of-the art fence-line air quality monitoring systems and how this data is being used for a variety of purposes including air emission reductions, improved community relations, and improved operations.