{"id":8082,"date":"2022-05-18T02:02:50","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T08:02:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/?p=8082"},"modified":"2025-06-09T11:20:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T17:20:10","slug":"ldar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/ldar\/","title":{"rendered":"What is LDAR? staying on top of leak detection and repair regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Among the many <\/span>asset management challenges<\/span><\/a> impacting a business, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of a comprehensive Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program. Yet, failing to implement one exposes your business to regulatory enforcement and financial penalties – especially if your plant handles liquids or gasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

More than 50 federal regulations require businesses to have a formal LDAR program<\/strong> or mandate the use of an LDAR methodology. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has oversight for compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the continuation of this article, we discuss how and why are leaks regulated, the most common causes of leaks you should watch out for, and how to develop a rigorous LDAR program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are leaks regulated?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Governments globally are implementing LDAR regulations to combat the health and environmental impacts of liquid and gas leaks. The primary targets for these regulations are <\/span>volatile organic compounds<\/span><\/a> (VOCs) and <\/span>hazardous air pollutants<\/span><\/a> (HAPs) emitted from petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>EPA estimates that, in the US, approximately 70,367 tons per year of VOCs and 9,357 tons per year of HAPs are emitted from equipment leaks \u2013 with valves, pumps, and connectors being the largest source of fugitive emissions. In addition to protecting the environment and national health, such regulations reduce occupational exposure limits for those working in the facilities and living in the immediate neighborhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Initially aimed at the petrochemical industry, the regulations have expanded to include <\/span>pharmaceuticals, polymer plants, dry cleaning, aerospace, and marine<\/b>. Beyond EPA regulations, it’s not uncommon to find local governments <\/span>including LDAR<\/span><\/a> and emissions reduction into permit requirements to <\/span>prevent groundwater contamination<\/b> and <\/span>reduce property damage<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What constitutes a leak under regulations?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Volatile organic compounds leak identification uses a vapor analyzer or VOC instrument detector calibrated for the substance being stored or transferred. This device will measure gas concentrations in parts per million by volume (ppmv).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LDAR<\/p>\n

VOC environmental meter. Source: <\/span><\/i>PCE Instruments<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Such detectors are sensitive and may identify the presence of VOC emissions, yet these may not constitute a leak under regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s important is knowing the leak definition concentration specified in the regulations. <\/span>It’s at this point that things can get tricky<\/b>. There are numerous organizations that stipulate leak definition concentrations:<\/span><\/p>\n