Implementation of Smart Leak Detection and Repair Program at ADNOC Distribution's Oil Storage Facilities

Abstract Fugitive emissions are hazardous for the health and safety of the site personnel, environment, and contribute to hydrocarbon product loss. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Program is a best industry practice typically deployed to arrest fugitive emissions and develop a maintenance program for leaking components (Jeff Kuo, 2018). This paper discusses execution approach and results of a Smart Leak Detection and Repair (SLDAR) Program implemented by ADNOC Distribution at one of its oil storage terminals. SLDAR Program was implemented in-line with ADNOC's vision of net-zero emissions and contributing to the global clean energy transition with the sole purpose of reducing fugitive emissions and subsequently reducing risks related to health and safety of personnel, environment, and production loss. SLDAR Program began with identifying all the Potential Leaking Sources (PLS) which included piping, valves, flange connections, etc. For the survey, Toxic Vapor Analyzer (TVA) was used for identification and quantification of accessible sources, and Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera was deployed for screening purposes and monitoring of inaccessible leaking sources. Leak definition was set as per US EPA guidelines and the leaks exceeding the threshold limit, as per leak definition, were marked on the field using physical tags. Maintenance was conducted for all major and moderate leaking components, and post• repair survey was carried out to confirm that the leaks have been arrested. All the PLS were recorded and captured in the Leak Register and the Component Integrity Management System (CIMS) to prepare SLDAR database for emission calculation purpose. Subsequently, all PLS were marked on Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) for future reference. Out of 21,318 PLS monitored, 0.1% PLS were found to be leaking of which 40.9% of leaking PLS were in major/moderate leak range and the remaining 59.1% were found to be in minor leak range. 1.31% of total PLS were Difficult-To-Monitor (DTM) due to location constraints and were only screened using OGI camera. All the PLS in major and moderate leak ranges were taken out of service for immediate maintenance and repair. A post-repair survey was carried out to confirm all the leaks have been arrested or brought below the leak threshold. The SLDAR survey and post-repair maintenance activities resulted in overall reduction of fugitive emissions by 24%. This paper describes all the stages of SLDAR Program and its implementation and provides baseline results that can be used as reference for any oil storage terminal. The study covers identification of possible leaking sources, fixing/repairing the leaks, and computing fugitive emissions. Implementing SLDAR Program as described in this study will result in improving the health and safety of the personnel, lowering fugitive emissions, and reducing financial losses.