Federal, state efforts force reexamination of glycol-reboiler emissions

Regulatory pressures by the U.S. government and several individual states are forcing gas processors to examine their operations for sources of toxic emissions. Of specific concern are emissions from the reboiler still vents of glycol dehydration units. These emissions are being analyzed to determine levels of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and the xylene isomers (BTEX) and other volatile organic compounds (VOC). Concern over BTEX/VOC emissions from these units has been surfacing at industry meetings, such as the recent Gas Processors Association 72nd Annual Convention, and prompted a technical conference on the subject last year sponsored by GRI. Its siting-New Orleans-was intentional: Louisiana has led states' efforts to quantify and control toxic emissions from glycol reboiler stacks. This is the first of three articles which derive from that GRI conference. The paper discusses the regulatory push, efforts in Louisiana, two regulations, other states' efforts, company activities, incinerating vapors, condensing vapors, Rocky Mountain conditions, testing, solutions, and Amoco's experience