Method 21 is one of the main test methods , created by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency .
Fugitive emissions
Method 21 : How something so easy can be so complicated
Although Method 21 is typically thought of as the backbone to almost all of USEPA regulations , individuals continue to have difficulty following the test method . Method 21 is a document that consists of roughly 17 sections and currently drives the reduction in fugitive emissions . It has been adopted in many countries around the world , with the goal of achieving the same reduction results that are being seen in the USA . While each of the 17 sections are vital to the overall impact the implemented processes can have on the reduction of emissions , this article will focus on section and subsection 8.3.1 . This section outlines how to actually perform Method 21 , while in the field .
Overview of Section 8.3.1
Section 8.3.1 Type I – Leak Definition Based on Concentration
8.3.1 Type I - Leak Definition Based on Concentration Place the probe inlet at the surface of the component interface where leakage could occur . Move the probe along the interface periphery while observing the instrument readout . If an increased meter
reading is observed , slowly sample the interface where leakage is indicated until the maximum meter reading is obtained . Leave the probe inlet at this maximum reading location for approximately two times the instrument response time . If the maximum observed meter reading is greater than the leak definition in the applicable regulation , record and report the results as specified in the regulation reporting requirements . In plain ‘ English ,’ section 8.3.1 begins by detailing the process that should be followed to test a component interface . The first step is to place the monitoring probe tip at the surface of the potentially leaking interface . This means that the monitoring personnel should place the testing instrument so that it is metal to metal ; if rotating shaft equipment is being used , a different process , which is detailed below , is required . The second step is to move the probe tip along the leak interface while observing the instrument readout for an increased reading . The final step , once all of the potential leaking interfaces for the specific component have been traced , is to return the probe tip to the point where the highest reading was observed . This reading should be recorded for roughly twice the instrument response time . The maximum reading that is observed is the one that the operator should save and report .
By Bronson Pate , Client Relationships Manager , Tricord
Consulting
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Figure 1 . Figure 3 . π www . valve-world . net Valve World August 2022
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