We are thrilled to announce there are more than 2,300 phx21 and phx42 FID analyzers, also commonly known as Toxic Vapor Analyzer or TVA*, 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.
*This is a misnomer, but also a term the industry has accepted to describe portable FIDs.
The hustle and bustle of the modern workplace often leaves us longing for new ways to kickstart our day with energy and focus. At the LDARtools office, a refreshing cold plunge has been the top choice. In the pursuit of workplace wellness, a morning ice bath has been an unexpected yet highly effective solution in jumpstarting the day.
Benefits of Cold Plunges at Work:
1. Enhanced alertness: The shock of cold water triggers your body’s natural response to stress, releasing adrenaline and boosting alertness. This heightened awareness can help you tackle tasks with renewed focus.
2. Improved Circulation: Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, which can improve circulation and help reduce inflammation. Better circulation means your body can efficiently transport nutrients and oxygen to where they’re needed most.
3. Elevated Mood: Cold exposure prompts the release of endorphins – those “feel-good” hormones that can uplift your mood and reduce stress levels. Starting your day positively sets the tone for a productive workday.
4. Stress Reduction: Plunging into cold water triggers the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. What better way to shake off work-related worries(not that we have any:-)?
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.
Chateau Features Fixed or Improved:
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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!
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.
EtO is primarily used by several 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.
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.
In some cases, EtO is used to fumigate and sterilize agricultural products, like spices and grains, to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and pests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
