Leak detection in industrial environments

Testing for fugitive VOC emissions: LDAR AND SMART LDAR

Fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) are leaks appearing at sealed junctions for equipment such as valves, pumps, compressors, flanges, unions, etc.

Their inspection is a significant issue in terms of health, safety, and the environment. It enables us to reduce the occurrence of explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones), lower CMR gas emissions, and improve plant productivity.
It is also an economic issue. Regular inspections reduce the impact of emissions on the ageing process of industrial facilities.

Leak Detection And Repair programme for fugitive emissions - LDAR

The interests of testing for fugitive VOC emissions are multiple:

• Prevent health, safety and environment risks
• Reduce product losses and therefore costs incurred
• Optimise maintenance
• Deliver assistance in preparing facility shutdown
• Deliver assistance in facility restart
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Improve the image of an industrial site

Bureau Veritas proposes an optimised method assisted by its leading software GEF VOC. It can be used to carry out LDAR programmes to reduce fugitive emissions.

Measuring surface emissions

In the Oil & Gas sector, wastewater treatment plants generate airborne VOC emissions.
These emissions cause air pollution and are harmful to our health. They also generate major olfactory issues.
In this backdrop, the aim is to control and reduce these surface emissions. Firstly, we need to quantify them.
Bureau Veritas uses a variety of methods of in-field measurement and also uses calculated estimations. We make full use of our expertise in measurement techniques and calculations.
Bureau Veritas proposes the following services for surface emissions:

• flow measurement chambers or wind tunnel measurements
• estimating air emissions using Water 9 software.

Leak detection on underground networks

Underground pipelines are subject to potential damage due to soil movements, excavation works, oxidation, wear, cathodic protection faults and more. Such failures can have disastrous consequences on the environment as well as the health and safety of people nearby.
Bureau Veritas has developed a range of testing methodologies to detect leaks on underground pipelines, for preventive and curative maintenance.

If a fault is suspected, this type of inspection serves to accurately locate the leak point and avoids costly excavation work for the operator.

Whether for preventive or curative needs, leak detection on underground pipelines is THE rapid and inexpensive solution for identifying issues, removing doubts and precisely locating leaks.