[Title 40 CFR 60.18]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - July 1, 2009 Edition]
[Title 40 - PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT]
[Chapter I - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)]
[Subchapter C - AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED)]
[Part 60 - STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES--]
[Subpart A - General Provisions]
[Sec. 60.18 - General control device and work practice requirements.]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]


40PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT62009-07-012009-07-01falseGeneral control device and work practice requirements.60.18Sec. 60.18PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED)STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES--General Provisions
Sec. 60.18  General control device and work practice requirements.

    (a) Introduction. (1) This section contains requirements for control 
devices used to comply with applicable subparts of 40 CFR parts 60 and 
61. The requirements are placed here for administrative convenience and 
apply only to facilities covered by subparts referring to this section.
    (2) This section also contains requirements for an alternative work 
practice used to identify leaking equipment. This alternative work 
practice is placed here for administrative convenience and is available 
to all subparts in 40 CFR parts 60, 61, 63, and 65 that require 
monitoring of equipment with a 40 CFR part 60, Appendix A-7, Method 21 
monitor.
    (b) Flares. Paragraphs (c) through (f) apply to flares.
    (c)(1) Flares shall be designed for and operated with no visible 
emissions as determined by the methods specified in paragraph (f), 
except for periods not to exceed a total of 5 minutes during any 2 
consecutive hours.
    (2) Flares shall be operated with a flame present at all times, as 
determined by the methods specified in paragraph (f).
    (3) An owner/operator has the choice of adhering to either the heat 
content specifications in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section and the 
maximum tip velocity specifications in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, 
or adhering to the requirements in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
    (i)(A) Flares shall be used that have a diameter of 3 inches or 
greater, are nonassisted, have a hydrogen content of 8.0 percent (by 
volume), or greater, and are designed for and operated with an exit 
velocity less than 37.2 m/sec (122 ft/sec) and less than the velocity, 
Vmax, as determined by the following equation:

Vmax=(XH2-K1)* K2

Where:

Vmax=Maximum permitted velocity, m/sec.
K1=Constant, 6.0 volume-percent hydrogen.
K2=Constant, 3.9(m/sec)/volume-percent hydrogen.
XH2=The volume-percent of hydrogen, on a wet basis, as 
calculated by using the American Society for Testing and Materials 
(ASTM) Method D1946-77. (Incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 
60.17).

    (B) The actual exit velocity of a flare shall be determined by the 
method specified in paragraph (f)(4) of this section.

[[Page 103]]

    (ii) Flares shall be used only with the net heating value of the gas 
being combusted being 11.2 MJ/scm (300 Btu/scf) or greater if the flare 
is steam-assisted or air-assisted; or with the net heating value of the 
gas being combusted being 7.45 MJ/scm (200 Btu/scf) or greater if the 
flare is nonassisted. The net heating value of the gas being combusted 
shall be determined by the methods specified in paragraph (f)(3) of this 
section.
    (4)(i) Steam-assisted and nonassisted flares shall be designed for 
and operated with an exit velocity, as determined by the methods 
specified in paragraph (f)(4) of this section, less than 18.3 m/sec (60 
ft/sec), except as provided in paragraphs (c)(4) (ii) and (iii) of this 
section.
    (ii) Steam-assisted and nonassisted flares designed for and operated 
with an exit velocity, as determined by the methods specified in 
paragraph (f)(4), equal to or greater than 18.3 m/sec (60 ft/sec) but 
less than 122 m/sec (400 ft/sec) are allowed if the net heating value of 
the gas being combusted is greater than 37.3 MJ/scm (1,000 Btu/scf).
    (iii) Steam-assisted and nonassisted flares designed for and 
operated with an exit velocity, as determined by the methods specified 
in paragraph (f)(4), less than the velocity, Vmax, as 
determined by the method specified in paragraph (f)(5), and less than 
122 m/sec (400 ft/sec) are allowed.
    (5) Air-assisted flares shall be designed and operated with an exit 
velocity less than the velocity, Vmax, as determined by the 
method specified in paragraph (f)(6).
    (6) Flares used to comply with this section shall be steam-assisted, 
air-assisted, or nonassisted.
    (d) Owners or operators of flares used to comply with the provisions 
of this subpart shall monitor these control devices to ensure that they 
are operated and maintained in conformance with their designs. 
Applicable subparts will provide provisions stating how owners or 
operators of flares shall monitor these control devices.
    (e) Flares used to comply with provisions of this subpart shall be 
operated at all times when emissions may be vented to them.
    (f)(1) Method 22 of appendix A to this part shall be used to 
determine the compliance of flares with the visible emission provisions 
of this subpart. The observation period is 2 hours and shall be used 
according to Method 22.
    (2) The presence of a flare pilot flame shall be monitored using a 
thermocouple or any other equivalent device to detect the presence of a 
flame.
    (3) The net heating value of the gas being combusted in a flare 
shall be calculated using the following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01JN92.008

where:

HT=Net heating value of the sample, MJ/scm; where the net 
enthalpy per mole of offgas is based on combustion at 25 [deg]C and 760 
mm Hg, but the standard temperature for determining the volume 
corresponding to one mole is 20 [deg]C;
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01JN92.009

Ci=Concentration of sample component i in ppm on a wet basis, 
as measured for organics by Reference Method 18 and measured for 
hydrogen and carbon monoxide by ASTM D1946-77 or 90 (Reapproved 1994) 
(Incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 60.17); and
Hi=Net heat of combustion of sample component i, kcal/g mole 
at 25 [deg]C and 760 mm Hg. The heats of combustion may be determined 
using ASTM D2382-76 or 88 or D4809-95 (incorporated by reference as 
specified in Sec. 60.17) if published values are not available or 
cannot be calculated.


[[Page 104]]


    (4) The actual exit velocity of a flare shall be determined by 
dividing the volumetric flowrate (in units of standard temperature and 
pressure), as determined by Reference Methods 2, 2A, 2C, or 2D as 
appropriate; by the unobstructed (free) cross sectional area of the 
flare tip.
    (5) The maximum permitted velocity, Vmax, for flares 
complying with paragraph (c)(4)(iii) shall be determined by the 
following equation.
Log10 (Vmax)=(HT+28.8)/31.7

Vmax=Maximum permitted velocity, M/sec
28.8=Constant
31.7=Constant
HT=The net heating value as determined in paragraph (f)(3).

    (6) The maximum permitted velocity, Vmax, for air-
assisted flares shall be determined by the following equation.
Vmax=8.706+0.7084 (HT)

Vmax=Maximum permitted velocity, m/sec
8.706=Constant
0.7084=Constant
HT=The net heating value as determined in paragraph (f)(3).
    (g) Alternative work practice for monitoring equipment for leaks. 
Paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this section apply to all equipment for 
which the applicable subpart requires monitoring with a 40 CFR part 60, 
Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor, except for closed vent systems, 
equipment designated as leakless, and equipment identified in the 
applicable subpart as having no detectable emissions, as indicated by an 
instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background. An owner or 
operator may use an optical gas imaging instrument instead of a 40 CFR 
part 60, Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor. Requirements in the existing 
subparts that are specific to the Method 21 instrument do not apply 
under this section. All other requirements in the applicable subpart 
that are not addressed in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this section 
apply to this standard. For example, equipment specification 
requirements, and non-Method 21 instrument recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements in the applicable subpart continue to apply. The terms 
defined in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this section have meanings 
that are specific to the alternative work practice standard in 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this section.
    (1) Applicable subpart means the subpart in 40 CFR parts 60, 61, 63, 
or 65 that requires monitoring of equipment with a 40 CFR part 60, 
Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor.
    (2) Equipment means pumps, valves, pressure relief valves, 
compressors, open-ended lines, flanges, connectors, and other equipment 
covered by the applicable subpart that require monitoring with a 40 CFR 
part 60, Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor.
    (3) Imaging means making visible emissions that may otherwise be 
invisible to the naked eye.
    (4) Optical gas imaging instrument means an instrument that makes 
visible emissions that may otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
    (5) Repair means that equipment is adjusted, or otherwise altered, 
in order to eliminate a leak.
    (6) Leak means:
    (i) Any emissions imaged by the optical gas instrument;
    (ii) Indications of liquids dripping;
    (iii) Indications by a sensor that a seal or barrier fluid system 
has failed; or
    (iv) Screening results using a 40 CFR part 60, Appendix A-7, Method 
21 monitor that exceed the leak definition in the applicable subpart to 
which the equipment is subject.
    (h) The alternative work practice standard for monitoring equipment 
for leaks is available to all subparts in 40 CFR parts 60, 61, 63, and 
65 that require monitoring of equipment with a 40 CFR part 60, Appendix 
A-7, Method 21 monitor.
    (1) An owner or operator of an affected source subject to CFR parts 
60, 61, 63, or 65 can choose to comply with the alternative work 
practice requirements in paragraph (i) of this section instead of using 
the 40 CFR part 60, Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor to identify leaking 
equipment. The owner or operator must document the equipment, process 
units, and facilities for which the alternative work practice will be 
used to identify leaks.
    (2) Any leak detected when following the leak survey procedure in 
paragraph (i)(3) of this section must be identified for repair as 
required in the applicable subpart.

[[Page 105]]

    (3) If the alternative work practice is used to identify leaks, re-
screening after an attempted repair of leaking equipment must be 
conducted using either the alternative work practice or the 40 CFR part 
60, Appendix A-7, Method 21 monitor at the leak definition required in 
the applicable subpart to which the equipment is subject.
    (4) The schedule for repair is as required in the applicable 
subpart.
    (5) When this alternative work practice is used for detecting 
leaking equipment, choose one of the monitoring frequencies listed in 
Table 1 to subpart A of this part in lieu of the monitoring frequency 
specified for regulated equipment in the applicable subpart. Reduced 
monitoring frequencies for good performance are not applicable when 
using the alternative work practice.
    (6) When this alternative work practice is used for detecting 
leaking equipment the following are not applicable for the equipment 
being monitored:
    (i) Skip period leak detection and repair;
    (ii) Quality improvement plans; or
    (iii) Complying with standards for allowable percentage of valves 
and pumps to leak.
    (7) When the alternative work practice is used to detect leaking 
equipment, the regulated equipment in paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this 
section must also be monitored annually using a 40 CFR part 60, Appendix 
A-7, Method 21 monitor at the leak definition required in the applicable 
subpart. The owner or operator may choose the specific monitoring period 
(for example, first quarter) to conduct the annual monitoring. 
Subsequent monitoring must be conducted every 12 months from the initial 
period. Owners or operators must keep records of the annual Method 21 
screening results, as specified in paragraph (i)(4)(vii) of this 
section.
    (i) An owner or operator of an affected source who chooses to use 
the alternative work practice must comply with the requirements of 
paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(5) of this section.
    (1) Instrument Specifications. The optical gas imaging instrument 
must comply with the requirements in (i)(1)(i) and (i)(1)(ii) of this 
section.
    (i) Provide the operator with an image of the potential leak points 
for each piece of equipment at both the detection sensitivity level and 
within the distance used in the daily instrument check described in 
paragraph (i)(2) of this section. The detection sensitivity level 
depends upon the frequency at which leak monitoring is to be performed.
    (ii) Provide a date and time stamp for video records of every 
monitoring event.
    (2) Daily Instrument Check. On a daily basis, and prior to beginning 
any leak monitoring work, test the optical gas imaging instrument at the 
mass flow rate determined in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section in 
accordance with the procedure specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(ii) through 
(i)(2)(iv) of this section for each camera configuration used during 
monitoring (for example, different lenses used), unless an alternative 
method to demonstrate daily instrument checks has been approved in 
accordance with paragraph (i)(2)(v) of this section.
    (i) Calculate the mass flow rate to be used in the daily instrument 
check by following the procedures in paragraphs (i)(2)(i)(A) and 
(i)(2)(i)(B) of this section.
    (A) For a specified population of equipment to be imaged by the 
instrument, determine the piece of equipment in contact with the lowest 
mass fraction of chemicals that are detectable, within the distance to 
be used in paragraph (i)(2)(iv)(B) of this section, at or below the 
standard detection sensitivity level.
    (B) Multiply the standard detection sensitivity level, corresponding 
to the selected monitoring frequency in Table 1 of subpart A of this 
part, by the mass fraction of detectable chemicals from the stream 
identified in paragraph (i)(2)(i)(A) of this section to determine the 
mass flow rate to be used in the daily instrument check, using the 
following equation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22DE08.007

Where:

Edic = Mass flow rate for the daily instrument check, grams 
per hour
xi = Mass fraction of detectable chemical(s) i seen by the 
optical gas imaging instrument, within the distance to be used in

[[Page 106]]

paragraph (i)(2)(iv)(B) of this section, at or below the standard 
detection sensitivity level, Esds.
Esds = Standard detection sensitivity level from Table 1 to 
subpart A, grams per hour
k = Total number of detectable chemicals emitted from the leaking 
equipment and seen by the optical gas imaging instrument.

    (ii) Start the optical gas imaging instrument according to the 
manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that all appropriate settings 
conform to the manufacturer's instructions.
    (iii) Use any gas chosen by the user that can be viewed by the 
optical gas imaging instrument and that has a purity of no less than 98 
percent.
    (iv) Establish a mass flow rate by using the following procedures:
    (A) Provide a source of gas where it will be in the field of view of 
the optical gas imaging instrument.
    (B) Set up the optical gas imaging instrument at a recorded distance 
from the outlet or leak orifice of the flow meter that will not be 
exceeded in the actual performance of the leak survey. Do not exceed the 
operating parameters of the flow meter.
    (C) Open the valve on the flow meter to set a flow rate that will 
create a mass emission rate equal to the mass rate specified in 
paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section while observing the gas flow through 
the optical gas imaging instrument viewfinder. When an image of the gas 
emission is seen through the viewfinder at the required emission rate, 
make a record of the reading on the flow meter.
    (v) Repeat the procedures specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(ii) through 
(i)(2)(iv) of this section for each configuration of the optical gas 
imaging instrument used during the leak survey.
    (vi) To use an alternative method to demonstrate daily instrument 
checks, apply to the Administrator for approval of the alternative under 
Sec. 60.13(i).
    (3) Leak Survey Procedure. Operate the optical gas imaging 
instrument to image every regulated piece of equipment selected for this 
work practice in accordance with the instrument manufacturer's operating 
parameters. All emissions imaged by the optical gas imaging instrument 
are considered to be leaks and are subject to repair. All emissions 
visible to the naked eye are also considered to be leaks and are subject 
to repair.
    (4) Recordkeeping. You must keep the records described in paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) through (i)(4)(vii) of this section:
    (i) The equipment, processes, and facilities for which the owner or 
operator chooses to use the alternative work practice.
    (ii) The detection sensitivity level selected from Table 1 to 
subpart A of this part for the optical gas imaging instrument.
    (iii) The analysis to determine the piece of equipment in contact 
with the lowest mass fraction of chemicals that are detectable, as 
specified in paragraph (i)(2)(i)(A) of this section.
    (iv) The technical basis for the mass fraction of detectable 
chemicals used in the equation in paragraph (i)(2)(i)(B) of this 
section.
    (v) The daily instrument check. Record the distance, per paragraph 
(i)(2)(iv)(B) of this section, and the flow meter reading, per paragraph 
(i)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, at which the leak was imaged. Keep a 
video record of the daily instrument check for each configuration of the 
optical gas imaging instrument used during the leak survey (for example, 
the daily instrument check must be conducted for each lens used). The 
video record must include a time and date stamp for each daily 
instrument check. The video record must be kept for 5 years.
    (vi) Recordkeeping requirements in the applicable subpart. A video 
record must be used to document the leak survey results. The video 
record must include a time and date stamp for each monitoring event. A 
video record can be used to meet the recordkeeping requirements of the 
applicable subparts if each piece of regulated equipment selected for 
this work practice can be identified in the video record. The video 
record must be kept for 5 years.
    (vii) The results of the annual Method 21 screening required in 
paragraph (h)(7) of this section. Records must be kept for all regulated 
equipment specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section. Records must 
identify the equipment screened, the screening value measured by Method 
21, the time and date of the

[[Page 107]]

screening, and calibration information required in the existing 
applicable subpart.
    (5) Reporting. Submit the reports required in the applicable 
subpart. Submit the records of the annual Method 21 screening required 
in paragraph (h)(7) of this section to the Administrator via e-mail to 
CCG-AWP@EPA.GOV.

[51 FR 2701, Jan. 21, 1986, as amended at 63 FR 24444, May 4, 1998; 65 
FR 61752, Oct. 17, 2000; 73 FR 78209, Dec. 22, 2008]