YNJ Portable FID South Korea Distributor WOWs at ENVEX

In a world where environmental concerns have taken center stage, innovative solutions are the need of the hour. South Korean distributor YNJ recently stepped into the limelight as a key participant in the 44th International Exhibition on Environmental Technology and Green Energy, popularly known as ENVEX. This prestigious event showcased the power of collaboration, bringing together 250 exhibitors from 20 countries, with an expected influx of 30,000 visitors, including 500 overseas buyers.

**A Global Platform for Environmental Technology and Green Energy**
ENVEX, a longstanding beacon of green innovation, held its 44th annual exhibition, setting the stage for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to converge and discuss pressing environmental challenges. Hosted on an international scale, the event attracted participants from diverse corners of the globe, all committed to presenting solutions that could shape a sustainable future.

**YNJ’s Standout Presence**
At the heart of ENVEX, YNJ stood as a prominent representative of South Korea’s dedication to environmental stewardship. As a leading distributor for LDARtools, YNJ showcased an array of cutting-edge solutions with a special focus on the phx42 and enhanced ZOM features. YNJ’s booth radiated innovation and ingenuity.

**A Sustainable Future Beckons**
As the curtains fell on the 44th ENVEX exhibition, it left behind a trail of inspiration and hope. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling global environmental challenges. YNJ’s notable presence served as a testament to the power of businesses driving change by offering sustainable solutions. As technology advances and global connectivity grows, the potential to create a greener future becomes increasingly tangible. In the end, the 44th International Exhibition on Environmental Technology and Green Energy was not just an event; it was a rallying cry for a world that demands sustainable solutions. It showcased that when businesses, visionaries, and innovators unite, the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future becomes clearer than ever before.

 

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Chateau LDAR Database Update

Chateau Features Fixed or Improved:

Attempts:

  • Switched order of Inspection and Attempts processing in Chateau Mobile to automatically resolve closed Leaks with Attempt and passing Inspection not working when performed in the same session.

Porches:

  • MOC Porch processing improved to allow Users to approve multiple edits to a single Component simultaneously.

Leaks:

  • New option for frequency of Leak Alerts: ‘Immediately upon Check-in.’ Select this option to immediately send an email when a Leak has been opened in Chateau, either from a manually added failing Inspection or a Leak processed in from Chateau Mobile.
  • Reporting emissions on DORs is now supported. When a DOR is opened, there is now an option to select the Emission Model that should be used for this DOR. On the DOR details and DOR grids, a Total Emissions and a Projected Emissions column has been added to report this. Projected emissions will be calculated using the Estimated Repair date from each DOR.
  • Reporting projected emissions for Shutdowns is now supported. For each shutdown, the projected emissions for all DORs assigned to that Shutdown will be reported to the Shutdowns grid. Projected emissions will be calculated using the Estimated Repair date from each DOR.
  • First Attempt, First Retest, and Final Resolution due dates are now converted to the facility time zone on the leaks grid.

Tours:

  • Tour Details screen now supports Spanish language.
  • The “Move to Another Tour” prompt is now correctly sized to display the buttons without scrolling.

Field Events:

  • Added new Component Prompts module to display tailored messages to the Technician in Chateau Mobile based on component properties. Use the query builder to specify which Components you want a message to be displayed in Chateau Mobile to the technician when they first open that Component in the handheld, then type out the message you want them to see.

Reports:

  • Type was added as a parameter for the Simplified Leak History, Inspection History, DOR Summary Agency, DRO Summary, and Periodic Inspection Summary reports.

Help:

  • When submitting a support issue from Chateau, the urgency can now be selected.

User Experience:

  • Additional logging was added throughout Chateau to help resolve issues and crashes.
  • Added better support for multiple API instances for faster checkouts.

Component:

  • Previously if a Rule did not have an M21 or AVO Frequency for a Component, that Rule did not show in the Tag View/Rules tab. This has been resolved, and now all Rules that are or have been assigned to the Component appear in the Tag View Rules Tab.
  • When saving a Component edit or new Component, the ‘Run Rules after Saving’ prompt is now unchecked by default for faster save times. If you would like the rules to run on your changes immediately, then just check the box before clicking save.

Chateau Mobile Features Added or Improved:

Components:

  • Resolved an error when adding a component from scratch back-to-back using the Add component from scratch option in the Main Menu.
  • Shortened dialog prompt on the Archer 3 for when saving TUx Profile changes so the Android navigational buttons do not prevent the Technician from tapping save.

User Experience:

  • Additional logging was added to help troubleshoot app crashes and freezes.

Field Events:

  • Added new Component Prompts module to display messages when a component is opened in the tour.

Tours:

  • Resolved an occasional issue of negative numbers showing for the number of completed inspections.

 

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phx21 End of Life- Update

We wanted to update our longtime phx21 users on the status of our phx21 product and our immediate and near-term plans.

 

We announced the End of Life for phx21 in March 2017. At that time, we projected that we would be able to support phx21s until April 1, 2022.

 

We have exceeded that timeline by 15 months.

 

It is becoming more and more difficult to source several of the critical components. Of the ten critical parts, six (6) are beyond our capacity to source, provide or design/certify alternatives. These are the battery, charger, Bluetooth, mainboard, solenoid and high-pressure sensor.

 

We have limited supplies of some of these parts. Others are completely exhausted.

 

If and when one of your units needs one of these parts, and such parts are no longer available, it will be unrepairable.

 

Within these limitations, we will continue to provide the best repair and support services for your ph21 units.

 

Of course, if and when you are prepared to upgrade to the new phx42, we hope you will contact sales@ldartools.com.

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LDARtools will be Closed for Memorial Day

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Resources material moving to Knowledge Base!

Starting today, all documentation accessible via the Resources tab at LDARtools.com will be moved to the LDARtools Knowledge Base.

For those not yet familiar with our Knowledge Base, you can access it via the Support tab at LDARtools.com, as shown below.

Where you would previously navigate to a Box folder, simply navigate to the corresponding product module in the Knowledge Base to access any available documentation.

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The Application of LDAR in Monitoring Fugitive Emissions

The Application of LDAR in Monitoring Fugitive Emissions

Energy executives must understand the application of LDAR in monitoring fugitive emissions to ensure a safe and sustainable refinery. In truth, there are actually multiple ways that LDAR equipment and methods help reduce gas leaks in facilities. Read on to learn the different LDAR techniques for monitoring unwanted emissions.

Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)

Optical gas imaging is by far the most accurate and widely used application of modern LDAR monitoring processes. OGI systems consist of infrared cameras that make volatile organic compounds (VOCs) visible to the human eye, allowing technicians a clear view of potential, typically invisible gas leaks.

OGI technology is non-destructive and incredibly sensitive, allowing for convenient and flexible integration into any refinery. Notably, this LDAR application is useful for identifying hazards in inaccessible or otherwise hard-to-reach areas, eliminating the need for equipment shutdowns or facility inactivity. Most important to your LDAR program, however, is the fast repair times afforded by OGI technology!

Method 21

Method 21 is a set of protocols created by the Environmental Protection Agency and is a common element of refinery LDAR programs. In essence, Method 21 acts as a “sniffing” technique—with the help of a handheld flame ionization detector (FID)—to detect various organic materials in the air. FIDs are calibrated to sense methane and related hydrocarbons found in fugitive emissions and visually alert technicians when concentrated levels exceed the thresholds dictated by Method 21.

Thankfully, FID instruments are quite user-friendly and require minimal training, ensuring faster monitoring processes throughout your facility overall. Additionally, the portable nature of Method 21 monitoring is supremely applicable to any existing LDAR program. The one downside of this LDAR application is the potential for false FID readings caused by atmospheric elements (wind, air pressure, and other environmental factors). For that reason, most technicians utilize Method 21 in conjunction with other applications on this list.

Ultrasonic Testing

OGI and Method 21 are two incredibly effective applications of modern LDAR. However, there are a few other fugitive emissions monitoring processes worth implementing into your existing LDAR program for additional efficacy. Mainly, ultrasonic testing is a helpful monitoring procedure that’s ideal for gas and vapor refinery systems. Utilizing highly sensitive monitoring equipment, ultrasonic testing can illustrate invisible gas leaks through audible signals or visual displays.

Like OGI, ultrasonic testing is non-destructive and suitable for hard-to-reach equipment. However, this method is vulnerable to ambient noise and other atmospheric factors. Furthermore, ultrasonic technology is not as effective when monitoring systems with liquid. Therefore, only facilities with gas and vapor systems rely on ultrasonic testing.

The application of LDAR in monitoring fugitive emissions is complex, wide-reaching, and, most importantly, essential for protecting surrounding communities and the environment. Ensure your refinery features the very best LDAR technology by browsing our selection of fugitive emissions solutions here at LDARtools!

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Chateau Mobile Updates

GENERAL

  • Tapping the hardware back button while on the home page no longer leaves the app on a white screen. If user was on a screen in Chateau Mobile that did not have a back button at the top and they used the hardware back button, the app would just display a white screen. The user would then have to stop the app and relaunch for it to work again.
  • Updated text in various places from Freedom to Chateau Mobile. We missed a few places when we did the name change apparently so just updating them.
  • Resolved issues with the backups not saving to the SD card when present. This has been tested and verified working on the Archer 3, Kyocera DuraForce 2, Samsung tablet running Android OS 6.0, and Samsung tablet OS 12. It may not work on every manufacturers Android devices as each manufacturer can change file saving. To verify your handhelds are saving correctly to the SD card if it is not one of the four devices listed above, please refer to the Retrieving Data from SD Card article.
  • Users will now be prompted to update from Chateau Moible when there is a new version available. When the app is launched it will prompt the user to update, if the Google Playstore is installed on the handheld then it will navigate them to Chateau mobile in the Playstore to update. If Google Playstore is not installed, such as on the Archer 3’s, then it will open the web browser with a download link from LDARtools’ Sharefile to download and install. Users will be forced to update if there is a compatibility issue before they can check out on the Sync screen. Users will be able to check in data without updating.

SMARTFLAGS

  • All required properties that are also Flag properties are now verified they have a value before allowing technician to save a component on the Documenting grid. When a required property was a flag property previously this verification was not being performed which caused issues with saving components when a required property on the flag was overlooked and didn’t get a value.

FIXTAG

  • The FixTag reconciliation dialog will now open.

ANALYZER

  • Technicians can now record that they are using an extension probe with an analyzer and all inspections performed with the analyzer will be marked as having been performed with an extension probe. On the Analyzer details screen when the technician first connects to the analyzer there is now a Probe Type dropdown. Technician can select Extension probe or Standard if needed, it defaults to Standard. Technician can return to the screen to update this value as needed. If extension probe is chosen, all M21 inspections performed with this analyzer will be marked with probe type = extension probe. This option is also available when entering PPM manually.

 

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EPA Regulations on Ethylene Oxide Emissions and Air Quality

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a colorless, flammable gas widely used as a sterilizing agent in various industries, including the medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural sectors. Due to its potential health risks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict regulations to limit EtO emissions and maintain air quality. In this blog, we will discuss the key users of EtO, the impact of these regulations on air quality, the importance of using advanced detection methods like the phx42 FID to find leaks, and the necessity of continuing to monitor and enforce these standards.

1. Who Uses Ethylene Oxide and Its Health Risks

EtO is primarily used by several industries:

a. Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries:

EtO is a highly effective sterilizing agent, making it a popular choice for sterilizing medical equipment and pharmaceutical products that cannot withstand high temperatures or moisture. This includes items such as surgical instruments, sutures, catheters, and implantable medical devices.

b. Chemical Industry:

EtO is used as a precursor to produce ethylene glycol, a critical component in the manufacturing of products like antifreeze, polyester fibers, and plastic bottles. It is also used to manufacture other chemicals, such as surfactants, detergents, and adhesives.

c. Agriculture:

In some cases, EtO is used to fumigate and sterilize agricultural products, like spices and grains, to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and pests.

d. Food Packaging:

While less common, EtO may also be used to sterilize certain types of food packaging materials that are sensitive to heat or moisture.
EtO is classified as a carcinogenic substance, with long-term exposure linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphomas. Additionally, acute exposure can cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms. Given these potential health impacts, it is crucial to regulate EtO emissions to protect both the environment and public health.

2. EPA Regulations on EtO Emissions

In 2008, the EPA revised the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to further limit EtO emissions from industrial sources. The 2008 regulations established stringent control measures for EtO emissions, including requirements for control devices, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting.

In response to growing concerns about the potential health risks of EtO exposure, the EPA has continued to strengthen its regulatory framework. In 2016, the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program updated its risk assessment for EtO, significantly lowering the acceptable exposure level.

3. The Impact of Regulations on Air Quality

Since the implementation of stricter EPA regulations, there has been a significant decrease in EtO emissions. Monitoring data indicates that facilities subject to NESHAP requirements have achieved substantial emission reductions, resulting in improved air quality in surrounding communities.

In addition to federal regulations, some states have adopted even more stringent standards for EtO emissions. This has led to further reductions in emissions and improvements in air quality at the state level.

4. Using phx42 FID to Detect Leaks and Limit Exposure

The phx42 Flame Ionization Detector (FID) is an advanced leak detection technology that helps industries reduce EtO emissions and limit human exposure to this hazardous substance. The device works by detecting organic compounds like EtO in the air and providing accurate, real-time measurements of their concentrations.

By utilizing the phx42 FID to identify and locate leaks in the equipment and processes that handle EtO, industries can quickly address and repair these issues, minimizing the release of EtO into the environment. This, in turn, leads to reduced emissions and improved air quality, thus protecting the health of workers and surrounding communities.

The use of advanced detection technologies like the phx42 FID is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of EPA regulations and meeting emission reduction goals. Moreover, these tools contribute to the ongoing efforts of industries to minimize their environmental impact and protect public health.

Conclusion:

EPA regulations on EtO emissions have had a significant positive impact on air quality and public health. By establishing strict standards and consistently enforcing them, the EPA has been successful in reducing EtO emissions and limiting human exposure to this hazardous substance. The use of advanced leak detection technologies, such as the phx42 FID, plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating EtO emissions, contributing to improved air quality and a safer environment. It is essential to continue monitoring and enforcing these regulations to maintain and enhance the progress achieved in air quality improvement, ensuring a healthier future for all.

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LDARtools Employee Spotlight: Tori Duran

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We hope you will join us in welcoming the newest member of our merry band, Tori Duran.

Tori has joined as our Marketing Associate and Chateau Onboarding Coordinator.  From the very beginning, Tori has already made a tremendous contribution in working with prospects, customers and new Chateau users.  The best part is that she is keeping Rex super busy – which is a good thing for him!

We were all delighted that Tori got to coordinate our 16th Brownie Celebration as soon as she came on board. So she knows how this works: good things happen at LDARtools- and we all celebrate.

When asked what she likes best about her new role, Tori, said….

My favorite part about my new role at LDARtools is working with all of the remarkably intelligent, kind and enthusiastic people that make up the LDARtools team. LDARtools really does have some fascinating products and it’s all made that much better by the people who show up every day to make it work. Everyone has been so welcoming and it’s clear that they all love working here…and now I do too!

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16th Brownie Celebration (Thank You!)

Thank you all for participating in our 16th Brownie Celebration. This was all possible because we had NO phx21s or phx42s in our repair lab, due to our experienced Level 1 Certified Repair Techs, enhanced automated support system, and improved technician training methods.

Nothing makes us happier than to see our customers enjoying their well-earned brownies. Special thanks to everyone who shared pictures with us! We hope you all will participate in our next one!

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