In 2022, a new revision of EN17628 reached publication. This standard aims to reduce atmospheric emissions, including methane, ammonia and other harmful gases. As a result, Silsoe Odours is currently supporting several clients with thermal imaging projects to detect gas leakage.

DOES EN17628:2022 AFFECT ME?

Biogas plants are most heavily affected by this new legislation, but you must act if you operate a site which emits emissions into the atmosphere.

As part of the new requirements of EN17628:2022, sites should conduct two Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) surveys annually.

Some biogas plants are already required to do so as part of their environmental operating permits. However, it is best practice to do so for all sites which produce atmospheric emissions.

OPTICAL GAS IMAGING

At Silsoe Odours, we can provide LDAR surveys using Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), otherwise known as thermal or thermographic imaging.

Using this process, we can identify atmospheric emissions which are invisible to the naked eye. All our thermal imaging work is conducted using specialist camera equipment. The camera filters give us a clear picture of emissions leakage at the time of the survey.

Optical Gas Imaging can identify atmospheric emissions which are invisible to the naked eye, such as this methane plume

For example, in this image from a recent survey for one of our biogas clients, you can clearly see the methane plume.

You should conduct two surveys each year to comply with the requirements of EN17628:2022.

OTHER METHODS TO MEASURE ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS

EN17628:2022 outlines a framework to determine the level of atmospheric emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The framework outlines several methods you may wish to consider, including;

• Thermal or Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)
• Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL)
• Solar Occultation Flux (SOF)
• Tracer Correlation (TC)
• Reverse Dispersion Modelling (RDM)

WHY IS METHANE A PROBLEM?

Methane is a greenhouse gas and the second biggest cause of climate change after carbon dioxide. In fact, methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide during its first 20 years in the atmosphere. Methane can enter the atmosphere through industrial gas leaks, livestock raising and natural sources. However, it is almost impossible to trace its origin once in the atmosphere. As a result, monitoring and control at the point of emission are critical.

While methane is odourless, fugitive methane emissions are accompanied by many nuisance odorants. With this in mind, you will receive fewer odour complaints if you can effectively measure and manage your methane emissions. This will help you comply with the terms of your environmental operating permit.

HELP WITH REDUCING ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS

Finally, if you need an LDAR survey or are interested in finding out more about optical gas imaging, please call us to find out more. We will work with you to support your efforts in reducing your atmospheric emissions and complying with the requirements of EN17628:2022.

In the first instance, you can speak to our team on 01525 860222. Alternatively, you can click the button below or email us at info@silsoeodours.co.uk. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date.