Storage Tank Emissions Control : Reduce emissions from aged plant

In a time where industries are driven to improve safety, reduce emissions and to maximise on key assets, we are constantly surprised to learn that preventative maintenance isn’t always prioritised as a key focus.

Managing pollution is a complex task and any responsible Site Manager will know the importance of maintaining aged assets as the first step towards successful adherence of ISO 14001, ISO 28300 and EEMUA231.     According to current industry guidance, assets with critical safety implications such as breather vents, require regular and documented service inspections and checks to ensure on-going performance. EEMUA231 and SAFed IMG-1 is a co-branded document detailing the management of ageing plant.

You will also satisfy the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency who are becoming increasingly focused on how tank storage assets are maintained and programmes scheduled.   You not only guarantee peace of mind, you also satisfy the regulatory bodies.

How about a quick test? Walk your plant and cast your eye over the piping infrastructure and tank furniture and take a moment to consider what each component does. There aren’t many parts that don’t have a function that contributes to the overall safety of our working environment.

You can identify your exposure by understanding what maintenance measures your Company has currently in place.  Ask yourself what any routine investigation by a regulatory body might discover and what weaknesses would be identified.   A fully competent and compliant site would have full maintenance records in place to prove that site safety and environmental impact are known and addressed.  Adherent companies routinely check suitability of installed equipment against changing process conditions.

In the course of our work we test all brands of conservation vents with varying designs of quality.   In many cases the operator is unaware of the performance of their equipment but most vents would benefit from tighter sealing.

 

Keep it Clean … Reduce emissions from aged plant

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin

 

 

The benefits of an optimised breather vent are as follows:

Breather vents are all built and tested according to API2000 and ISO28300. It is logical to check performance of breather vents against the manufacturers’ standard. It is not possible to check vent performance by simple pop testing as an ASME valve would be measured. This is because PVRV’s have a modulated action so the point at which it opens cannot be determined by simply pressurising the vent.

Our first step in reviewing the service requirements of breather vents is to look at the whole application. This includes a review of the tank design pressure and vacuum, fill and empty rates and current vent size and set points.  It is often assumed that a plant is planned, designed then built.  However, plants evolve over time with annexes added or removed and processes upgraded or modified in some way. The importance of a full technical review at the beginning of a preventative maintenance programme is recognised in the new guidance from SAFed IMG-1 and EEMUA231 in relation to management of ageing plant.

The HSE does not accept reduction in performance of safety equipment as it ages.  Therefore, all breather vents must be benchmarked against API2000 or ISO28300. It is this level of performance monitoring that the HSE is going to be looking for going forward. If an incident occurs resulting in damage to a storage vessel, or loss of containment, the first thing the HSE will look at are the maintenance records of all venting equipment.  In the eyes of the HSE you are guilty until proven innocent!!

EEMUA 231 and SAFed IMG-1 recommend the appointment of an independent, competent person in response to the Pressure Safety Systems Regulations (PSSR). This person has to be independent from the influences of the company management structure.

Assentech provides both professional and practical support for customers who recognise the need to maintain and assess the performance of their storage tank vents. From initial technical review, through advice on legislative compliance, through refurbishment, comprehensive calibration and leakage testing, to full documentary follow up. We will cover every aspect of keeping breather vents in as new condition and will provide all the relevant supporting certification.

We are actively tailoring full maintenance packages which may include full certified calibration and leakage checks at 3-4 years, with documented interim annual inspections. We can also train your staff to conduct the interim inspections if required. Breather vents are relatively simple devices but there are many potential hazards when they are maintained by inexperienced fitters.

Assentech supply, install and service full range of storage tank and fluid transfer equipment in the UK and Europe.

After conducting a Third Party Witness Inspection, I was most impressed with Ewart and his team, their professionalism, and product knowledge I found to be excellent.

Ian Johnston

Director, RAK Inspection

Emergency-Relief-Valve-Pilot-Operated-2500a  Assentech- Geodesic Dome Installation

Assentech were subcontracted to assemble and install a 25m geodesic dome for Shaft G on the Lee Tunnel project. My experience with Assentech from pre-contract through to assembly has been very positive. Unlike other subcontractors I have experienced on this project, Assentech had a very positive attitude to producing the level of documentation required for a project of this scale. Leading to a high quality pre construction packaged approved in a timely manner. The communication regarding the manufacturing process was first class allowing us to easily plan our works and prepare the site. Dome assembly was carried out very efficiently and completed to programme. The task was correctly resourced and well supervised. The work force had a positive attitude and carried out the task safely. In summary from my perspective it has been a very easy subcontract to manage with a high quality finished product.
Robert Colthorpe

Site Agent – Lee Tunnel Project, Morgan Sindall

Emergency-Relief-Valve-Pilot-Operated-2500a  Assentech wins supplier excellence award from Eastman Chemicals

We were extremely pleased with the level of service and professionalism demonstrated by Assentech, right from our initial enquiry, through delivery and post installation. As a recipient of only two of these awards made by Eastman Chemical Company in the UK, based on performance in 2014, Assentech are rightly proud of their achievements.
Robert Dodgson

TH3 Project Procurement Lead, Eastman Chemical Company

Emergency-Relief-Valve-Pilot-Operated-2500a  AssentechIFR Installations at Vopak, Teesside

As you said “you delivered what it said on the tin”. On time and on budget.  Your up front engineering to determine the suitability of your product for our application was second to none, i have not seen anyone else in the industry pay as much attention to detail before you get the purchase order number as Assentech.

Garry Lee

Project Manager, Vopak Limited

Emergency-Relief-Valve-Pilot-Operated-2500a  AssentechIFR Installations at Vopak, Teesside

Assentech have supported our Navigator Terminal (formerly known as Vopak Teesside) on two important ~
projects by providing technical assistance and supplying and fitting a total of 11 Internal floating roofs. Both projects have been completed on schedule and on budget. Assentech have provided an excellent level of experience and front end engineering support with high quality drawings and documentation. Their specialist on site labour have worked collaboratively with us and Assentech have proven to be open, honest and flexible partners.
We have experience of both their Heavy Duty Pontoon type and Full Contact IFR’s and we continually monitor operation and performance of all lFR units Installed on site and consider the Assentech supplied Matrix brand to be the best in the market with exceptional build quality and rigidity. Our clients have inspected the installations and have always remarked upon the build quality and have been impressed with their strength in fully supporting up to four people without noticeable deformation. The design and construction of their stainless steel shoe seals continue to prove to operate excellently with no noticeable reduction in performance or flotation ability over the time since Installation.
Assentsch have proven to be extremely competitive on price and their installation and inspection activities have always been thorough. Navigator therefore have no hesitation in recommending Assentech to other companies considering their services.

Brian Beddow

Project Manager, Navigator Terminals Seal Sands