ESG Report - Report - Page 22
Managing Air Emissions
We have air monitoring programs deployed at our
refineries as required by regulations and/or air permits,
and we also have advanced monitoring systems that
go beyond permit compliance to identify and reduce
air emissions. Real-time ambient air readouts allow
our refineries to monitor the surrounding communities
and take early response and mitigation actions even on
small emissions sources. As part of our commitment
to managing air emissions, we have the following air
monitoring programs:
Valero’s Duvas DV3000, a real-time mobile air
1
quality monitoring system, provides instant air
quality screenings. The vehicle-mounted DV3000 is
a gas analyzer that uses ultraviolet spectroscopy to
identify and qualify up to 14 different gases, including
benzene, SO2 and NOX , at low part-per-billion levels.
With an analyzer response time as short as one second,
the DV3000 combines measurements with geographic
mapping of gas concentrations, and enables rapid
detection and source location of air emissions during
monitoring. Currently, 10 Valero refineries have deployed
the Duvas DV3000 system in neighboring communities
as part of a community air monitoring program.
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems
2 (CEMS) are placed in the outlet stacks of certain
fired equipment (boilers and heaters) as well as
process vents like the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
(FCCU). CEMS continuously measure the concentration
of compounds, such as NOX and SO2 , exiting the stack to
confirm operations are within permitted limits.
Continuous Flare Monitoring Systems are
installed on flares to measure the amount of
process gases routed to the flare for destruction and
track operational parameters to confirm the flare is
operating properly.
3
Stack Testing is conducted periodically on
equipment that does not require continuous
emissions monitoring to confirm it is operating properly
and within permitted limits.
4
Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs
ensure all of our operating sites comply with
the EPA Air Quality regulations for reducing fugitive
emissions. Inspections are conducted on a routine
basis. Leaks identified are fixed and re-monitored to
confirm repairs were effective.
5
Routine Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Inspections
of storage tanks, wastewater treatment
operations and other equipment are performed using
OGI cameras equipped with infrared technology
capable of detecting VOC leaks that are not visible to
the naked eye.
6
Unit Battery Limits Monitors placed around the
perimeter of refinery process units continuously
measure for target compounds. These stationary air
monitors serve as an early warning system if elevated
concentrations are detected.
7
Personal H 2S Monitors are required to be worn by
refinery personnel while in and around process
units, continuously measuring for H2S and sounding
an alarm and recording in the event elevated H2S is
detected.
8
Five-Gas Monitors are routinely used by
personnel within the refinery for measuring H2S,
SO2 , CO, oxygen and lower explosive limit (LEL) levels for
safety purposes and also as early detection to identify
and correct issues that could impact ambient air
quality.
9
8
Optical gas
imaging
cameras detect
leaks and reduce
emissions.
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The Duvas DV3000's
real-time readouts tour
fenceline communities and
allow for early response and
mitigation actions even on
small emissions sources.
Fenceline Benzene Monitors are located
around a number of our refineries at designated
intervals to collect composite samples. Additionally,
stationary analyzers that detect total VOCs or specific
compounds, such as benzene, are deployed at certain
sites in areas at or inside the fenceline to allow for
advanced notification of elevated concentrations.
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