Packing Solutions for Fugitive Emissions

Reduction of fugitive emissions is a critical concern for chemical plant and refinery operators to comply with environmental regulations. Despite a 57% fall in total fugitive emissions across the European Community in the twenty years between 1990 and 2010, European refineries alone released over 10,000 tonnes of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.

Almost three quarters of these emissions came from valves and relief valves. With environmental and legislative pressures, along with significant cost-saving implications, sourcing the optimal sealing solution for industrial valves is crucial to safe and reliable operations.

Controlling Fugitive Emissions
Material scientists and research and development teams are always on the hunt for the next breakthrough technology to reduce fugitive emissions to lower levels. However current technology can be engineered successfully to deal with the rigorous demands placed on industrial valves. The technological skill lies in identifying the correct sealing solution to be employed in a specific operating environment.

A fugitive emission control (FEC) sealing set, which is a engineered combination of sealing elements, is one successful way of maintaining low fugitive emissions for any operational conditions – for valve OEMs as well as MRO within gas, oil and general industry.

Fugitive Emission Control – Sealing Sets
FEC sealing sets combine the extrusion resistance of mechanically-bonded nonwoven packing with the resilience of custom engineered elastomer seals. FEC sealing sets have been the solution of choice for many operators looking to reinforce both new valves and retrofits. Valve sealing sets have proven especially useful when combined with an application specific liveloading system, resulting in leakage rates which are consistently lower than those demanded under emissions legislation – with key regulatory approvals including ISO 15848 and TA-Luft. These FEC sets should also achieve similar results against both helium and methane, depending on the eventual destination of the valve. Whatever the operation, with an effective FEC sealing set, it is possible to meet safety obligations and operate in a more environmentally considerate way, while improving reliability.

Finding The Right Seal
Taking the advice of a technical sealing expert is important when identifying the optimal packing material and the best elastomer grade for an FEC sealing set. By understanding the particular demands of the industry in which a valve will be used, a technical sealing expert can identify where any future weaknesses in the seal might materialize over time. Through this knowledge, every valve in your setup can be customized to perform reliably and to a high standard.

Tel: +44(0)845 120 7415
Email: dlthomas@idexcorp.com
Web: www.prepol.com/valves


Published: 6th September 2016

BVAA Strengthens Board with New Members

Rachel Wormald, Managing Director at YPS Valves Ltd and Elizabeth Waterman, ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

BVAA Valve & Actuator Training News

Are you looking for industry-leading, brand independent valve and actuator ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Comment by BVAA CEO Rob Bartlett

As can be seen from the photograph, clearly the resident birds at Bartlett ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Howco Group Invests £1 Million in Vertical CNC Turning Centres

Howco Group has unveiled its latest £1million investment, with the ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Allvalves: Fuelling Growth Through Customer Connectivity

In 2024, Allvalves is poised for an exciting year of growth and expansion, ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

GMM Pfaudler - Introducing the Normag Brand to the BVAA Community

GMM Pfaudler Engineered Plastics & Gaskets are delighted to bring the ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Building Industry Connections: A GMM Pfaudler Success Story

In the ever-evolving valve industry, GMM Pfaudler stands out for its ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

SAMSON Controls Participates in the UK CCUS and Hydrogen Decarbonisation Summit

SAMSON Controls Ltd – part of the SAMSON group - a renowned leader in ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article