Monitoring and maintenance of equipment

(1) All equipment used in the petroleum industry shall be monitored on a regular basis in accordance with the Thirteenth Schedule so as to detect and repair leaks. (2) The following minimum national standards shall apply to the monitoring, detection and repair of leaks referred to in subregulation (1) aboveEnvironmental Protection 133 (a) the percentage leaking components shall not be more than 2% for any group of components monitored excluding pumps/compressors. In case of pumps/compressors it shall be less than 10% of the total number of pumps/compressors, or three pumps and compressors, whichever is greater; (b) refineries shall prepare an inventory of equipment components in the plant. After the instrumental measurement of leaks, emission from the components shall be calculated using stratified emission factors (USEPA) or any other superior factors. The total fugitive emission shall be established; (c) the following types of monitoring methods may be judiciously employed for detection of leaks– (i) instrumental method of measurement of leaks; (ii) audio, visual and olfactory measurement of leaks; (iii) (AVO) leak detection system; and (iv) soap bubble method of measurement of leaks. (3) The data on the time of measurement of the leak, the concentration value for leak detection, the time of repair of the leak, and the time of measurement and concentration value after the repair of the leak shall be documented and maintained by the petroleum refineries in respect of all components. (4) The following additional standards shall also apply in respect of equipment referred to in subregulation (1) above134 Environmental Protection (a) pressure relief and blow down systems shall discharge to a vapour collection and recovery system or to flare; (b) open-ended lines shall be closed by a blind flange or plugged; (c) totally closed-loop shall be used in all routine samples; (d) low emission packing shall be used for valves; and (e) high integrity sealing materials shall be used for flanges.