Boreal Laser Inc. applications

Most sources of fugitive emissions are from multiple points rather than single point sources. So, open path area or perimeter monitoring provides more meaningful fugitive emissions data than an array of point sensors or a program of grab sampling. Point measurements may underestimate emissions because of missing locations with high gas concentrations, or conversely overestimate because they are located in areas of high concentrations. Grab sampling programs typically check only a small percentage of potential leak locations and extrapolate results to an entire facility. Wide margins of uncertainty are associated with such extrapolations. Open path monitoring provides continuously updated, real-time, integrated emissions across a facility boundary.This provides a complete picture of the fugitive emissions across that boundary,enabling identification of specific operations and times that give rise to higher emissions, and so enabling these emissions to be properly managed and controlled.

Primary aluminium smelting generates large amounts of hydrogen fluoride gas (HF). Worker safety and ambient air quality concerns require that HF be monitored at several locations in smelters. Traditionally, a variety of chemical sampling methods have been used for HF monitoring in and around smelters. However, these methods are labour intensive and require ongoing maintenance and consumables. During the past decade, laser based HF analyzers have been replacing the traditional methods. Laser analyzers are compact, robust and reliable and provide accurate HF data. Fast response times that enable easy correlation of high HF emissions with work practices.

Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) is a very useful chemical used in a variety of industries. However, HF is highly toxic with potential fatal consequences with exposure to humans, so facilities that make or use HF should exercise great care. Nevertheless, there is always the risk of leaks from process elements such as valves, pump seals and storage vessels. Tanker loading, transporting and unloading operations also provide opportunity for HF releases. Industrial processes that make or use HF typically have arrays of point sensors distributed throughout the unit. However, these sensors are maintenance intensive and have relatively slow response times. In addition, a point sensor will not detect an HF release unless it is located directly in the area of that release. Electrochemical HF sensors also respond to chlorine, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide, resulting in false alarms.

Natural gas pipeline owners require improved routine monitoring of pipelines for safety, economic and regulatory reasons. Leaking natural gas can cause explosions leading to loss of life and property. Loss of product through undetected leaks dramatically reduces a pipeline operator’s profitability.

The sour (H2S) content of hydrocarbon fields worldwide is increasing, and many natural gas fields have very high H2S – sometimes in excess of 50%. H2S is extremely dangerous because, although people can smell it at low levels (about 5 ppb) it does not smell much worse at the exposure limit value of 10 ppm or at potentially fatal levels in excess of 100 ppm. Therefore smell is an unreliable means of determining dangerous levels. Existing H2S point sensors are maintenance intensive, slow to respond and provide limited coverage. Most H2S sensors do not work reliably in hot or cold weather, or in humid marine environments.

Liquefied natural gas owners require improved routine monitoring of facilities for safety, economic and regulatory reasons. Leaking LNG can cause explosions leading to loss of life and property. Loss of product through undetected leaks dramatically reduces a pipeline operator’s profitability. Traditional gas detectors are slow to reach and require a labour intensive process to keep maintained. IR detectors have been used but with limited success because of cross interference from other atmospheric gases.

There is no one solution for gas detection for the Chemical Manufacture and Use industry. There are a wide variety of gases that need to be measured for personnel safety, environmental, and process control reasons.  Boreal has a number of gas detection solutions tailor made for the Chemical Manufacture and Use industry. Boreal has experience working with most of the largest chemical companies in the world. With installations in over 45 different countries around the world Boreal is the clear choice in open-path, in-situ, and extractive gas detection measurements.

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is a highly toxic compound that is a byproduct of many industrial processes. Existing HCN point sensors are maintenance intensive, slow to respond and provide limited coverage. Many HCN sensors do not work reliably in hot or cold weather, or in humid environments. Our technology can be used for fixed monitoring applications or for temporary protection of workers during construction projects.

Boreal possess an array of products for the power generation industry from emissions stack monitoring, boiler room monitoring, chloride leak detection, and ammonia slip in deNOX. Boreal’s products are tailor made for coal fired power plants, natural gas fired, and waste-to-energy. Whether gas detection is used for safety, process, or environmental reasons, Boreal has you covered.

The carbon fiber manufacturing industry requires a unique process control solution that conventional gas detection technology lacks. Boreal Laser’s line-of-sight laser based gas detection system is the perfect fit for measuring HF in various pan oven applications and stack emissions monitoring . Whether you are looking for gas detection solutions for safety, environmental or process control needs Boreal Laser has you covered.