Emissions tracked for chemical recycling

Viper is an intrinsically safe instrument which uses the principle of photo-ionisation

to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) even in very low concentrations.

The unit typically responds to the presence of gases and vapours in less than

one second.

The company’s initial experience of Viper came when the analyser was hired

for quarterly emissions audits at known exhaust points. Deciding that is usefulness

extended beyond routine checks, Chemical Recoveries bought its own unit to be

called upon whenever needed. The Viper is now used for regular monitoring of

fugitive emissions from vessels and pipework, as well as carrying out COSHH

assessments of hazardous substances which the company has not handled before.

In addition, because the analyser is certified intrinsically safe for Zone O

hazardous areas, enclosed spaces where maintenance work is required can be checked

for gas hazards prior to the entry of personnel.

To simplify the monitoring process, integral datalogging software allows an

identity number for each vessel checked to be entered into the instrument as

readings are taken. Gas data can then be downloaded to a PC for analysis.

Chemical Recoveries recycles contaminated industrial solvents, oils and water-based

wastes to produce oils, solvents and fuels worth over £1.5million each

year. Although the company handles a wide variety of chemicals, the VOCs most

commonly monitored by the Viper are toluene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and ethyl

acetate.