Fugitive Emissions
The FE Node (Fugitive Emissions Sensor Network) revolutionizes the fugitive emissions monitoring and detection process. The FE Node is a wireless networking solution and the system’s unique feature is the ability to locate sensors in the most remote areas, capitalizing on the FE Node’s power management and communication solution.
Fugitive emissions are emissions of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment due to leaks and various other unintended or irregular releases of gases, mostly from industrial activities. As well as the economic cost of lost commodities, fugitive emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change. A detailed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from upstream oil and gas activities in Canada for the year 2000 estimated that fugitive equipment leaks had a global warming potential equivalent to the release of 17 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, or 12 per cent of all greenhouse gases emitted by the sector.[1] Venting of natural gas, flaring, accidental releases and storage losses accounted for an additional 38 per cent.
Leaks from pressurized process equipment generally occur through valves, pipe connections, mechanical seals, or related equipment. Fugitive emissions also occur at evaporative sources such as waste water treatment ponds and storage tanks. Because of the large number of potential leak sources at large facilities and the difficulties in detecting and repairing some leaks, fugitive emissions can be a significant proportion of total emissions. Even though the quantities of leaked gases may be small, leaks of gases that have serious health or environmental impacts can cause a significant problem.
To minimize and control leaks at process facilities operators carry out regular leak detection and repair activities. Routine inspections of process equipment with gas detectors can be used to identify leaks and estimate the leak rate in order to decide on appropriate corrective action.
Key features of the FE Node include:
•A Real Time sensor network for Monitoring Fugitive Emissions.
•Wireless Mesh Network.
•Self Contained Solar Power Solution.
•Low Power Consumption.
•12V or 5V Managed Sensor Power.
•Interface with Industry Standard Sensors.
•Intrinsically Safe Class 1 Zone 1
