La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § V-1721

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section V-1721 - Standards: Compressors

A. Equipment. Each compressor shall be equipped with a seal system that includes a barrier fluid system and that prevents leakage of total organic emissions to the atmosphere, except as provided in LAC 33:V.1721.H and I.

B. Seal System. Each compressor seal system as required in LAC 33:V.1721.A shall be:

1. operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the compressor stuffing box pressure; or

2. equipped with a barrier fluid system that is connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of LAC 33:V.1735; or

3. equipped with a system that purges the barrier fluid into a hazardous waste stream with no detectable emissions to atmosphere.

C. Barrier Fluid System. The barrier fluid must not be a hazardous waste with organic concentrations 10 percent or greater by weight.

D. Barrier Fluid System Sensor. Each barrier fluid system as described in LAC 33:V.1721.A-C shall be equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, barrier fluid system, or both.

E. Seal System and Sensor Function

1. Each sensor as required in LAC 33:V.1721.D shall be checked daily or shall be equipped with an audible alarm that must be checked monthly to ensure that it is functioning properly unless the compressor is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site, in which case the sensor must be checked daily.

2. The owner or operator shall determine, on the basis of design considerations and operating experience, a criterion that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

F. Leak Detection. If the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both on the basis of the criterion determined under LAC 33:V.1721.E.2, a leak is detected.

G. Leak Repair

1. When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in LAC 33:V.1733.

2. A first attempt at repair (e.g., tightening the packing gland) shall be made no later than five calendar days after each leak is detected.

H. Closed-Vent System Exemption. A compressor is exempt from the requirements of LAC 33:V.1721.A and B if it is equipped with a closed-vent system capable of capturing and transporting any leakage from the seal to a control device that complies with the requirements of LAC 33:V.1735, except as provided in LAC 33:V.1721.I.

I. No Detectable Emission Exemption. Any compressor that is designated, as described in LAC 33:V.1743.G.2, for no detectable emissions as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background is exempt from the requirements of LAC 33:V.1721.A-H if the compressor:

1. is determined to be operating with no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, as measured by the method specified in LAC 33:V.1741.C; and

2. is tested for compliance with LAC 33:V. 1721.I.1 initially upon designation, annually, and at other times as required by the administrative authority.

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § V-1721

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Solid and Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Waste Division, LR 17:658 (July 1991).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2180 et seq.