We are all very well aware about the pollution status of the world and the causes and impacts the pollution is having on our health and the environment.
But, are we aware of the type of pollution which escapes undetectably and has a major contribution to serious environmental problems like Climate Change and Global Warming?
Well, yes there is such type of pollution and these which escape undetectably are called as Fugitive emissions or Fugitive gases.
What is Fugitive Emissions?
Emissions of gases or vapours from pressurized equipment due to leaks & other unintended or irregular releases of gases, mostly from industrial activities are known as fugitive emissions.
Why is it called as Fugitive emissions instead of leaks?
The term fugitive is used because the emission are neither calculated in the system design, captured by the emission control equipment/systems nor are they detected through normal equipment monitoring process.
In simpler words, the meaning of Fugitive is the one who escapes without getting detected.
The words fugitive emissions and leaks can be used interchangeably, but not always. This is because, fugitive emission is a type of leakage which is not detected through normal monitoring process.
All Fugitive emissions are leaks, but not all leaks are fugitive emissions
Need for Fugitive emission monitoring?
Fugitive emissions can be a real threat to human health, safety and environment. The following consequences could result from Fugitive emissions if they are not monitored and regulated.
- Immediate threat to human health – Breathing of toxic gases like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) could lead to headaches, fatigue, visual disorders, memory impairment, etc.
- Increased risks of accidents and explosion
- Global warming, climate change and other environmental problems
- Economic loss through lost commodities
Imagine how treacherous it would be
working in such workplace/industries/plants where pollutants like fugitive
emissions are released into the environment.
An example to this case is Bhopal Gas
Tragedy
I hope you can now get a clear idea why it is necessary to monitor and curb Fugitive Emissions.
Monitoring Fugitive Emissions
Before monitoring and detection it is always better to know the sources and pollutants released. This always counts as your first step.
| Type | Process | Fugitive emissions released |
| Solid fuels | Storage of coal in coal piles | Particulate matter (PM) |
| Refineries | Refining | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) |
| Oil | Extraction of oil & gas, loading of ships offshore and onshore, storage of oil, loading of tanker trucks, refuelling of cars at service station | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| Natural gas | Transmission, storage, treatment & distribution of natural gas | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| Venting & Flaring | Flaring in extraction industry, flaring in gas storage & treatment plants in the refineries, venting of gas in gas storage plants | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Particulate matter (PM), Nitrogen oxides (NOX), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Dioxin, Nitrous Oxides (N2O), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) |
These are few processes and fugitive emissions which are released in the environment. These are released into environment basically due to leaks and major components which contribute to leakage are;
- Flanges
- Connectors
- Valves
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Pressure relief devices
- Agitators
The best way to reduce fugitive emissions is through regular monitoring, testing and maintenance. This process is also known as LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair).
To monitor and control the emissions which once escaped undetected has become easy due to advancing technology. Monitoring and control of fugitive emissions gives us a chance to live and breathe in clean, safe, healthy and protected environment.
Difference between Point Source and Fugitive Emissions
The difference between Point Source and Fugitive Emissions is that point source has one emission point which is identifiable whereas Fugitive emission or non-point source emission is collection of multiple pollutants with different sources and not all of them are readily identifiable.
Fugitive Emission Monitoring and Testing Services
Perfect Pollucon Services offers Fugitive Emission Monitoring and Testing Services in Industrial Facilities In case of harmful gases or vapors exposed in premises due to leaks and cracks. Our Experienced Technicians will be able to help you. Please feel free to contact us in case of any queries.