EPA Rule Targets Compressor Emissions
Friday, April 13, 2012
The American Petroleum Institute has urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to give the industry more time to comply with a rule that would, among other things, require dry seals for centrifugal compressors and periodic replacement of packings for reciprocating compressors.
EPA is facing a court-mandated deadline of April 17 to update its Source Performance Standards for emissions from oil and natural gas development. The rule focuses on volatile organic compounds emitted during drilling and production operations.
API said, “EPA needs to adjust the timeframe for implementation because enough equipment will simply not be available in time to comply with the proposed rule schedule. It will take between two and three years to manufacture enough specialized equipment and adequately train operators in its safe use.”
The proposed EPA rule would allow operators of centrifugal compressors to use wet seals where emissions from the seal liquid could be routed through a closed vent system. Operators of recips would replace piston rod packings every 26,000 hour (three years) to reduce fugitive emissions.
For more information: www.API.org
