The application of Live Loading technology at Duna Refinery, and its impact on VOC-emissions

The technological developments of the refineries were motivated primarily by the environmental legalisation in the last 10 years. Fugitive emissions from process equipments such as valves, connectors, pumps, etc. can account for 30% of a petroleum refinery’s total air emission. The European directives and recommendations, and the compliance with Best Available Techniques BATs inspire the refineries to implement a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program to find VOC leaks and repair them.

MOL has been participating both directly and indirectly in VOC Emission Reduction Programs. It is necessary to identify the emission sources, to measure and evaluate the emission values and to apply appropriate techniques in order to reduce those emissions. To address these issues, manufacturers have produced specific packing designs which provide proper packing loads and reduce the amount of maintenance required in comparison with the graphite packing systems.
Live Loading system is a “live” packing, in other words it is capable of adapting to changing operational circumstances and parameters, in this way preventing from the emissions and minimizing the losses and the load of the environment.

László Kovács