We are thrilled to announce there are more than 1,385 phx42 FID analyzers* worldwide.

This significant milestone fills us with immense pride, and we are eager to share this momentous achievement with you. Checkout the image below to see where in the world we have sold our portable FIDs.

*Also commonly known as Toxic Vapor Analyzer or TVA. This is a misnomer, but also a term the industry has accepted to describe portable FIDs.

We at LDARtools are thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for Chateau, LDARtools’ powerful cloud-based monitoring software!

With more than 5 million components, 1,106 users, 166 databases, and 95 Gift Cards given to our customers*, Chateau has grown into a dynamic and robust solution for businesses and innovators worldwide.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust of our amazing users. Every component, every database, and every user contributes to making Chateau a smarter, more efficient, and more scalable platform. As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge features, seamless integrations, and the best cloud experience possible. Here’s to more growth, more innovation, and more success!

Thank you for being part of our journey!

 

*This represents the 95 times we have presented a $50 gift card to a Chateau user who contributed a question, suggestion, or idea that contributed to making Chateau or our Knowledge Base better.

Note: This article will outline the options available to LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) programs regarding pegged emission rates and analyzers, focusing on valves in light liquid/gas vapor service. The information is prepared solely for your consideration. LDARtools does not provide regulatory advice or guidance.

Originally published by Fugitive Emissions Journal 10/02/2024.

Definitions and Background

Pegged Emission Rate – The specified emission rate used for any leak with a “pegged” screening value (i.e., any PPM reading exceeding the Analyzer Peg Value).

 

Analyzer Peg Value – The highest PPM reading an analyzer is designed to detect.

 

When a PPM reading is higher than the Analyzer Peg – “The instrument measurement may exceed the scale of the instrument, referred to as a ‘pegged’ readout. For several instruments, the highest readout on the scale is 10,000 ppmv. For generating an emissions estimate, a dilution probe should be employed to measure concentrations greater than the instrument’s normal range unless average emission factors for greater than or equal to the ‘pegged’ readout are applied. Extending the measurement range necessitates calibrating the instrument to the higher concentrations.” (From section 2.3.3 of the 1995 Protocol for Equipment Leak Emission Estimates).

 

Calculation of Emissions Using Correlation Equation

To estimate emissions using the EPA Correlation Approach, measured concentrations (screening values in PPM) for each component are individually calculated by applying the PPM reading to a specific Correlation Equation, specified for that component type and physical state.

 

How it works: There are three possible scenarios in calculating emission for a specific component.

  1. If there is no actual inspection available (represented in PPM), then you must use the Average Emission Factors provided by the EPA for the component type and physical state.
  2. If there is an inspection available (represented in PPM), and the PPM reading is lower than the Analyzer Peg Value, you must use the specific Correlation Equation provided by the EPA for that component type and physical state.
  3. If there is an inspection available (represented in PPM) and the PPM reading is equal to or greater than the Analyzer Peg Value, then you must use the Pegged Emission Rate for that component type and physical state. This Pegged Emission Rate inevitably results in a significantly higher emission rate than would the Correlation Equation calculation (#2, above).

For an analyzer with an Analyzer Peg Value of 10,000 PPM, any reading above 10,000 ppm can be easily calculated using the 10k PPM Pegged Emission Rate. Similarly, for an analyzer that pegs at 100k, use the 100k Pegged Emission Rate (potentially subject to the calibration requirements below).

Considerations for Different Analyzer Peg Values

If you have an analyzer with an Analyzer Peg Value of 30k or 50k, it would be prudent to use the correlation equation up until that pegged value, and then use the 100k pegged value above it. However, this approach may result in an increase in reported emissions.

Example: Using an analyzer with a 30k pegged emission rate:

  • PPM value is 30,001 (a pegged reading).
  • 100k emissions factor converted back to ppm is 2.6 million ppm.
  • If using a 10k ppm analyzer peg, emissions reported would be about 912,000 ppm.

Converting mass back to ppm is not considered best practice, but is used here for illustration purposes.

Increased accuracy of reporting for components leaking between 10k and the analyzer peg value is a benefit of using a 30k or 50k analyzer peg, but pegged values could significantly increase reported emissions.

 

Questions

Do you need to calibrate to the Analyzer Pegged Value?

Maybe. The 1995 Protocol states: “The instrument measurement may exceed the scale of the instrument, referred to as a ‘pegged’ readout. A dilution probe should be employed for concentrations beyond the instrument’s normal range unless average emission factors for greater than or equal to the ‘pegged’ readout are applied. Extending the measurement range necessitates calibrating the instrument to higher concentrations.”

Since “higher concentrations” are not defined, one interpretation is to use the highest available concentration for calibration, which for methane is ~25k ppm in air (above which it becomes explosive).

Another option is to have a factory calibration done annually at 100,000 ppm. This calibration would persist during routine daily calibration.

 

What is my Analyzer Peg Value?

The 1995 protocol was developed with analog analyzers that could not exceed the meter dial’s printing. Modern analyzers use dynamic ranging to extend the upper limit significantly, but accuracy and linearity above 10,000 ppm (except for phx42) are uncertain, especially without higher value calibration.

The 2011 & 2015 protocols state: “If the monitoring instrument measures concentrations only up to 10,000 ppmv or 100,000 ppmv, the applicable values for pegged emission rates in Table 2-2 (below) are used to estimate emissions.”

 

Factors Determining Max Reliable PPM

  1. Hardware on the Circuit Board: This chip reads minimal current from the detector. Better accuracy at low ppms generally means a lower max reading before saturation. Analyzers impacted: All.
  2. Software Controlled Max PPM Value: Possible for phx42 but not implemented.
  3. Lack of O2 to Maintain Flame: For sample pumps providing combustion air (assuming methane), the limit is ~50k ppm. Linearity is impacted below this, and calibration to a higher value like 25k ppm can somewhat correct for this for values below the calibration point. Analyzers impacted: phx21, TVA1000b, and TVA2020.
  4. Detector Temperature Max: Prevents Teflon inside the detector from overheating; this only applies to phx42. The limit will not initiate shutdown until well over 100k ppm for some time.

 

Specifications from Common Manufacturers (as of 07/29/24)

TVA1000b:

  • Dynamic Range: 5-2,000 ppm (PID) isobutylene; 0.5-50,000 ppm (FID) methane
  • Linear Range: 5-500 ppm (PID) isobutylene; 0.5-10,000 ppm (FID) methane

TVA2020:

  • FID Instrument: ±10% of reading or ±1.0 ppm, from 1.0 to 10,000 ppm
  • Dynamic Range: 5-2,000 ppm (PID) isobutylene; 0.5-50,000 ppm (FID) methane
  • PID Instrument: ±20% of reading or ±0.5 ppm, from 0.5 to 500 ppm
  • Concentration: FID: 0-30,000 ppm (methane); PID: 0-2,000 ppm (isobutylene)

PHX21:

  • Range: 0-50,000 ppm Methane

phx42:

  • Range: 0-100,000+ ppm Methane
  • When calibrated to Zero and 25,000ppm Methane, 15% accuracy is maintained at 100,000ppm.
  • Annual Factory Calibration is available for 100,000ppm. A factory calibration will not be overwritten by daily calibrations in the lower spans.
  • Higher linear performance due to combustion air scrubber and second pump preventing oxygen displacement in combustion air.

Conclusion

End Users must determine the digital equivalent to “off scale,” “measures,” and the necessary calibration requirements. These decisions will determine what to select for your Analyzer Peg Value.

Due to winter weather in the Houston area, our home office in Dickinson will be closed Wednesday morning (1/22) until 12:00 PM.

Support responses might also be delayed.

Please call 877-788-1110 x 6 before coming to the office to pick up or drop off.

Due to winter weather in the Houston area, our home office in Dickinson will be closed Tuesday 1/21 and may also be closed Wednesday 1/22.

Support responses might also be delayed.

Please call 877-788-1110 x 6 before coming to the office to pick up or drop off.

Effective January 1, 2025, we will no longer repair phx21s, or make them available for rent. If you have a phx21 requiring repairs, please request an RMA by 12/31/24, and we will repair it if the required parts are available.

For now, we will continue to support phx21 troubleshooting through hardware issues, and supply the following parts for level 1 repairs while supplies last:

LPN Part Name
766 Glow Plug
1016 Probe Quick Connect
1157 Thermocouple
1163 Pump Assembly
1541 Batt. Connection Harness

Since the phx21 made its debut in 2008, LDARtools has worked to produce high-quality products and services for our customers. With 1,219 phx21s and 17 Brownie Celebrations (no machines in for repair) later, we say a fond farewell as the era of the phx21 draws to a close.

We look forward to our continued support of your LDAR programs with the phx42 and Chateau.

Please contact sales@ldartools.com if you need assistance with a quote.

The achievement of 1,000 users is not just a number; it’s a reflection of the trust and satisfaction of our community.

Our users come from various industries, each utilizing Chateau to streamline processes, boost productivity, and achieve their goals. It is this diversity and the success stories of our users that drive us to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards.

Chateau’s growth is not merely about numbers; it’s about the stories and the successes of our users. With a focus on delivering the best possible service, our platform has evolved significantly over time. Each update and feature has been carefully crafted to enhance user experience, ensuring that Chateau remains at the forefront of the industry. We’ve listened to user feedback and made continuous improvements, resulting in a platform that is both user-friendly and highly functional.

Click here to receive celebration stickers!

You can also email sales@ldartools.com with the following information:

  1. City, State  ZIP
  2. Street Address Line 1
  3. Street Address Line 2
  4. Complete shipping address (cannot be a PO Box)
  5. Email address
  6. First and Last Name
  7. Site ID or Company Name
  8. Number of stickers requested at your site

Thank you for being part of the Chateau community. Here’s to your continued success—and to reaching new milestones together!

Exciting News from LDARtools!

 

We are thrilled to announce our new monthly webinar series, Chateau Connect, dedicated to all things Chateau! Through Chateau Connect, we will provide all of you with a quick-dive into various Chateau topics each month. The purpose of this webinar, of course, is to not only improve your experience using Chateau, but to also show Chateau’s full capabilities in the world of LDAR database software. With this being our first webinar in the series, we would love to have you join us!

 

If you are a current Chateau user, you should have received a registration link in your inbox. If you do not see the email, please reach out to sales@ldartools.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

And if you are not a Chateau user but are curious as to what our new monthly webinar series will entail, you can get a sneak peek by booking a no pressure meeting with our Client Success Specialist.

LDARtools will be closed Monday September 2, 2024 in recognition of Labor Day.

We will be conducting normal business operations Friday August 30 and Tuesday September 3.

Price increases are not surprising. In spite of rising prices for virtually everything we need, we have continued to invest in making our products the most innovative and valuable tools for the LDAR industry.
Effective August 13, 2024, all new Chateau quotes will include a Chateau Set-up/Import Fee to cover the cost of basic imports. All existing quotes will be honored with POs received before September 1, 2024, or the quote expiration date.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact sales@ldartools.com.

 

Through it all, we appreciate your business.