A Guide to Determining and Reducing Fugitive Emissions

Fugitive emissions are accidental or unintended releases of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment like HVAC, refrigeration systems, valves, or pipelines.

These emissions can cause environmental damage, health hazards, and financial losses, making it crucial for organizations to determine and reduce fugitive emissions.

Further, with environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent, fugitive emissions are becoming a more significant concern for many industries and turning to technology like Facilio's Connected Buildings to achieve their operational efficiency and decarbonization goals.

This article explores the importance of understanding and reducing fugitive emissions, and discusses:

• Examples of fugitive emissions in commercial facilities
• Methods to determine fugitive emissions
• The most effective ways to reduce emissions
• A step-by-step guide to determining fugitive emissions in your building

Suggested read: Overcoming Barriers to Net Zero: How EMS Frameworks Can Help Your Business Achieve Sustainability

The increasing concern about fugitive emissions in the US and UK

Reducing fugitive emissions is more than just an environmental and regulatory concern - it's a strategic imperative for businesses that want to stay competitive in 2023 and beyond.

• Regulatory Compliance: Governments in the US and UK have set stringent regulations on emissions, and non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, and damage to a company's reputation.
  In 2022, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined a petroleum refinery $1.6 million for violating Clean Air Act regulations on emissions.
• Cost Savings: Leaks or inefficiencies in equipment that lead to fugitive emissions can increase energy consumption and operating costs. For instance, a US Department of Energy study found that fugitive emissions from natural gas systems can account for up to 2.7% of the gas produced, resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue.
• Sustainability and Brand Image: Companies that demonstrate a commitment to reducing emissions and minimizing their environmental impact are more likely to attract and retain customers and investors and build a positive brand image.
  In 2022, a survey found that over 80% of US consumers prefer to buy from companies that are environmentally responsible.
• Health and Safety: Fugitive emissions harm human health, and identifying and reducing them can help prevent illness and disease inside the workplace and outside, contributing to a greener, healthier, safer earth.  

What are some examples of fugitive emissions?

From leaky HVAC systems and refrigeration units to boilers and furnaces, organizations need to be vigilant in monitoring and controlling the release of harmful emissions.

Let's take a closer look at some of the potential sources of fugitive emissions in commercial buildings.

1. HVAC systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a common source of fugitive emissions in commercial buildings. Leaks can occur in ductwork, pipes, and other HVAC system components, leading to refrigerants and other gases being released.
2. Refrigeration systems: Refrigeration systems are another potential source of fugitive emissions in commercial buildings, particularly in grocery stores and other businesses that rely on refrigeration. Leaks can occur in refrigeration units, pipes, and valves, leading to the release of refrigerants.
3. Boilers and furnaces: Boilers and furnaces are used in many commercial buildings to provide heat and hot water. Leaks can occur in the equipment itself or in the pipes and valves that transport fuel to the equipment, leading to the release of natural gas, propane, or other gases.
4. Laboratories: Laboratories in hospitals, universities, and other settings often use a variety of chemicals and gases that can contribute to fugitive emissions. Equipment such as fume hoods, gas cylinders, and vacuum pumps can all be sources of emissions if not properly maintained.

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How to identify fugitive emissions?

Determining fugitive emissions involves identifying the sources of unintended gas or vapor releases from industrial equipment or pipelines.

Some of the methods that can be used to determine fugitive emissions include:

1. Visual inspections: This involves inspecting equipment and pipelines for signs of leaks, such as stains or corrosion. An inspector may use a flashlight to examine valves, flanges, or seals for any visible signs of leakage.
2. Thermal imaging: Infrared cameras can be used to detect temperature changes that may indicate leaks. For example, if a valve is leaking, the gas or vapor that is being released will cool the surrounding area, causing a temperature change that a thermal camera can detect.
3. Gas detection technologies: These methods involve the use of sensors to detect the presence of gases or vapors that may be escaping from equipment or pipelines. A portable gas detector may be used to test for the presence of methane, a common gas emitted from oil and gas operations.
4. Ultrasonic leak detection: This method uses ultrasonic sound to detect the sound of escaping gas or vapor. For instance, a technician may use a handheld device to scan for leaks along a pipeline, and the device will emit an audible alarm when it detects a leak.

Once the sources of fugitive emissions have been identified, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate them.

Some effective methods for reducing fugitive emissions include tightening seals and fittings, repairing or replacing equipment, implementing preventative maintenance, and implementing leak detection and repair programs.

Suggested read: Exploring the Relationship Between Maintenance & Reliability

Most effective ways to reduce fugitive emissions

Reducing fugitive emissions is critical for protecting the environment, complying with regulations, and saving operational costs.

Here are some ways to reduce fugitive emissions:

Implement a preventive maintenance program

Preventative maintenance involves conducting regular inspections and maintenance on equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and to catch potential issues before they become major problems.

For example, a company may have a preventative maintenance program in place that involves inspecting valves, fittings, and other equipment on a regular basis. During these inspections, any worn or damaged parts can be identified and replaced, and any leaks or other issues can be addressed promptly.

This way, you can ensure that equipment is operating at peak efficiency, which can help reduce fugitive emissions. Regular maintenance also helps extend the lifespan of equipment, saving companies unnecessary replacement costs.

In addition to reducing fugitive emissions, preventative maintenance also improves worker safety and reduces downtime due to equipment failures.

Implement a Leak Detection and Repair Program

A leak detection and repair program is a systematic approach to identifying and repairing leaks. This program involves regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and systems.

For example, Dow Chemical Company implemented a leak detection and repair program and reduced their fugitive emissions by 70%.

Upgrade Equipment and Systems

Newer equipment and systems are often designed to be more efficient and less prone to leaks. Companies can also retrofit older equipment with newer technology.

Use Low-Emission Technologies

Vapor recovery units and flare gas recovery systems capture and reuse fugitive emissions, significantly reducing emissions and saving companies money.

A step-by-step guide to determining fugitive emissions in your building

Different equipment may require different approaches, tools, and corrective actions to reduce fugitive emissions. Let's take a look at one example.

If you want to determine fugitive emissions from equipment in a commercial building, such as HVAC systems, follow these steps:

1. Create an inventory of all equipment and infrastructure related to the system, and estimate the emissions from each source using data on equipment usage, fuel consumption, and other factors.
2. Set up a regular inspection program to identify and repair any leaks in the system. Inspect ductwork and fittings visually, and use ultrasonic testing or infrared cameras to detect leaks that aren't visible to the naked eye.
3. Use a gas analyzer to measure the emissions from the system directly. Take measurements at various points in the system, such as at the air intake and exhaust points.
4. Use specialized software to model the flow of air and emissions through the system and estimate the amount of emissions based on data on equipment usage, weather patterns, and other factors.

This information will help you develop strategies for reducing emissions, such as upgrading equipment, improving maintenance practices, or implementing energy efficiency measures.

Remember, regular and proactive inspections and maintenance are key to preventing fugitive emissions.

Take the right step towards decarbonizing

The first step toward reducing fugitive emissions is to identify and prevent them proactively, using a cloud-based facilities management software like Facilio.

Facilio tracks and monitors equipment performance and health in real-time via IoT devices, enabling businesses to detect and address potential issues before they become major problems.

This helps you perform proactive maintenance tasks to reduce the risk of fugitive emissions, equipment failures, operational downtime, and workplace safety hazards.

In the event of a potential failure/fault, Facilio automatically raises alarms to initiate self-set-point corrections or the creation and assigning of work orders based on calendars with all necessary information for technicians.

It can track key performance metrics like energy consumption, pressure, temperature, and flow rates and sends real-time alerts when equipment is not performing optimally.

This way, you can protect your equipment from damage and your organization from the cost of equipment downtime, production stoppages, stock damage due to refrigeration issues, and costly equipment replacements.

Further, it features powerful analytics and reporting capabilities that help identify areas of energy waste and inefficiency, enabling you to take targeted action to reduce energy usage and improve efficiency.

Want to learn more about how you can reduce fugitive emissions proactively, automate compliance and achieve operational efficiency at a portfolio scale with Facilio?

Schedule a demo with our product experts today!