Field Testing Protocol for Characterization of Total Gaseous Nonmethane Organics (TGNMO), Methane
Topics & metadata
This document outlines a protocol for field testing to characterize specific gaseous organic compounds in the air-vapor mixture during crude oil cargo vessel filling.
Copyright & official sources
This page provides educational summaries and key takeaways. For the official, complete paper text and usage rights, we encourage you to purchase or access the original publication through authorized channels. This supports the authors and publishers who make this research possible.
Research summary
Key Insights: Field Testing Protocol for Characterization of Total Gaseous Nonmethane Organics (TGNMO), Methane, and Ethane in Air-Vapor Mixture During Filling of a Cargo Vessel with Crude Oil
This API technical report establishes a standardized field testing protocol for accurately measuring key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during crude oil loading operations, providing critical data for emissions management and regulatory compliance.
Research Focus
The research addresses the need for precise quantification of specific gaseous organic compounds—namely Total Gaseous Nonmethane Organics (TGNMO), methane, and ethane—present in the air-vapor mixture displaced during crude oil cargo vessel filling. This is crucial for environmental impact assessments, accurate emissions reporting, and the design of effective vapor control systems in the oil and gas industry. The protocol details both time-integrated and instantaneous sampling methodologies, adapted from established EPA methods like FRM 25, for field application.
What the Research Found
Finding 1: Standardized Sampling Methodologies Developed
The report provides detailed procedures for both time-integrated and instantaneous field sampling of air-vapor mixtures. This standardization ensures consistency and comparability of emissions data across different loading operations and facilities, improving the reliability of environmental monitoring programs.
Finding 2: Focus on Key VOC Fractions
The protocol specifically targets TGNMO, methane, and ethane. This targeted approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the vapor composition, differentiating between potent greenhouse gases like methane and other volatile organic compounds that contribute to air quality issues.
Finding 3: Integration with Analytical Techniques
The document outlines the necessary sampling apparatus and considerations for subsequent laboratory analysis, particularly referencing gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) as employed in EPA's FRM 25. This linkage ensures that the collected samples are suitable for accurate quantification of the target compounds.
Why It Matters for Practice
This protocol moves beyond general VOC monitoring to provide specific, actionable data on critical components of crude oil loading emissions. For environmental engineers, it offers a reliable method for meeting stringent regulatory requirements and accurately calculating emission factors. Process engineers can use this data to optimize loading procedures and design more effective vapor recovery units, potentially leading to reduced product loss and improved air quality. Safety officers can leverage this information to better assess potential flammability and health hazards associated with vapor releases.
Putting It Into Practice
Based on these findings, professionals should consider:
- • Implementing the described sampling protocols for all crude oil loading operations requiring emissions characterization.
- • Reviewing current vapor control system designs in light of the specific TGNMO, methane, and ethane data generated by this protocol.
- • Updating environmental permits and emissions inventories with data obtained using this standardized method.
- • Ensuring field personnel are adequately trained in the sampling procedures and safety precautions outlined.
Limitations to Note
Practitioners should be aware that this protocol is