Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (OP-FTIR) has been widely used on monitoring fugitive volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from petrochemical processes. In this study, OP-FTIR was employed to measure VOC emissions from a major petrochemical complex located in central Taiwan. The study was carried out in two phases, one was to monitor fugitive VOC emissions from individual petrochemical synthesis process by one OP-FTIR setting up in the process area; the second phase was to monitor VOC emissions from various sources at the complex fenceline. A total of thirteen petrochemical synthesis process areas were investigated, the results indicated more or less degree of fugitive VOC emissions from all process areas. Among these process areas, seven processes demonstrated a higher degree or VOC emissions from their process areas. These processes were asked to take necessary measures to reduce their fugitive VOC emissions. The following check-up monitoring estimated a grand total of 832 metric tons of VOC reduction after an emission reduction meeting between the regulatory and these processes. Further analysis of the monitoring data revealed that leaks from rusted process components emissions and product transferring lines contributed to most of the fugitive VOC emissions. Since the petrochemical complex was located on a manmade island along the coastline, metal corrosion due to strong wind containing high concentration of sea salt was expected. Besides process area and fenceline monitoring, this study also evaluated the feasibility of using computerized tomography OP-FTIR technology and Infrared Gas Imaging technology on LDAR of hard-to-reach process components. The Infrared Gas Imaging technology, also known as Smart LDAR technique has been undergoing an exclusive evaluation by USEPA to assist traditional LDAR program. We have tested this gas imaging technique on one chemical synthesis plant. The result did not significantly support this technology on LDAR at this stage. However, more data are required to provide enough confidence on this technology.

Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared （OP-FTIR）remote sensing techniques, Petrochemical Industrial parks, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ozone Precursor, Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR)，Odor pollutants