§63.173. Standards: Agitators in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service. — Inbound Citations

(x) For agitators in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service, comply with the requirements in § 63.173.

(2) Sections 63.160, 63.161, 63.162, 63.163, 63.167, 63.168, 63.170, 63.173, 63.175, 63.176, 63.181, and 63.182 shall not apply for the purposes of this subpart GGG. The owner or operator shall comply with the provisions specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (viii) of this section.

(i) Sections 63.160 and 63.162 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section;

(ii) Section 63.161 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with § 63.1251;

(iii) Sections 63.163 and 63.173 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (c) of this section;

(iv) Section 63.167 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (d) of this section;

(v) Section 63.168 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (e) of this section;

(vi) Section 63.170 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with § 63.1254;

(vii) Section 63.181 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (g) of this section; and

(viii) Section 63.182 shall not apply; instead, the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (h) of this section.

(1) Sections 63.160, 63.161, 63.162, 63.163, 63.167, 63.168, 63.170, 63.173, 63.175, 63.176, 63.181, and 63.182 of subpart H of this part shall not apply for the purposes of this subpart MMM. The owner or operator shall comply with the provisions specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section.

(i) Sections 63.160 and 63.162 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section;

(ii) Section 63.161 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with § 63.1361;

(iii) Sections 63.163 and 63.173 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (c) of this section;

(iv) Section 63.167 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (d) of this section;

(v) Section 63.168 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (e) of this section;

(vi) Section 63.170 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with § 63.1362(b);

(vii) Section 63.181 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (g) of this section; and

(viii) Section 63.182 of subpart H of this part shall not apply, instead the owner or operator shall comply with paragraph (h) of this section.

(1) An owner or operator may request a determination of alternative means of emission limitation to the requirements of §§ 63.163 through 63.170, and §§ 63.172 through 63.174 of this subpart as provided in § 63.177.

(a) As an alternative to complying with the requirements of §§ 63.163 through 63.171 and §§ 63.173 through 63.176, an owner or operator of a batch process that operates in organic HAP service during the calendar year may comply with one of the standards specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, or the owner or operator may petition for approval of an alternative standard under the provisions of § 63.177 of this subpart. The alternative standards of this section provide the options of pressure testing or monitoring the equipment for leaks. The owner or operator may switch among the alternatives provided the change is documented as specified in § 63.181.

Process units enclosed in such a manner that all emissions from equipment leaks are vented through a closed-vent system to a control device meeting the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart are exempt from the requirements of § 63.163, through 63.171, and §§ 63.173 and 63.174 of this subpart. The enclosure shall be maintained under a negative pressure at all times while the process unit is in operation to ensure that all emissions are routed to a control device.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the following information pertaining to all equipment in each process unit subject to the requirements in §§ 63.162 through 63.174 of this subpart shall be recorded:

(i) A list of identification numbers for equipment (except connectors exempt from monitoring and recordkeeping identified in § 63.174 of this subpart and instrumentation systems) subject to the requirements of this subpart. Connectors need not be individually identified if all connectors in a designated area or length of pipe subject to the provisions of this subpart are identified as a group, and the number of connectors subject is indicated. With respect to connectors, the list shall be complete no later than the completion of the initial survey required by § 63.174 (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this subpart.

(ii) A schedule by process unit for monitoring connectors subject to the provisions of § 63.174(a) of this subpart and valves subject to the provisions of § 63.168(d) of this subpart.

(iii) Equipment subject to the provisions of this subpart may be identified on a plant site plan, in log entries, or by other appropriate methods.

(i) A list of identification numbers for equipment that the owner or operator elects to equip with a closed-vent system and control device, under the provisions of § 63.163(g), § 63.164(h), § 63.165(c) or (e)(4), or § 63.173(f), as applicable.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for compressors that the owner or operator elects to designate as operating with an instrument reading of less than 500 parts per million above background, under the provisions of § 63.164(i) of this subpart.

(iii) Identification of surge control vessels or bottoms receivers subject to the provisions of this subpart that the owner or operator elects to equip with a closed-vent system and control device, under the provisions of § 63.170 of this subpart.

(i) A list of identification numbers for pressure relief devices subject to the provisions in § 63.165(a) or (e)(1), as applicable.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for pressure relief devices equipped with rupture disks, under the provisions of § 63.165(d), (e)(2)(ii), or (e)(2)(iii), as applicable.

(4) Individual components in an instrumentation system need not be identified.

(5) Identification of screwed connectors subject to the requirements of § 63.174(c)(2) of this subpart. Identification can be by area or grouping as long as the total number within each group or area is recorded.

(6) The following information shall be recorded for each dual mechanical seal system:

(i) Design criteria required in §§ 63.163(e)(6)(i), 63.164(e)(2), and 63.173(d)(6)(i) of this subpart and an explanation of the design criteria; and

(7) The following information pertaining to all pumps subject to the provisions of § 63.163(j), valves subject to the provisions of § 63.168(h) and (i) of this subpart, agitators subject to the provisions of § 63.173(h) through (j), and connectors subject to the provisions of § 63.174(f) and (g) of this subpart shall be recorded:

(i) Identification of equipment designated as unsafe to monitor, difficult to monitor, or unsafe to inspect and the plan for monitoring or inspecting this equipment.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for the equipment that is designated as difficult to monitor, an explanation of why the equipment is difficult to monitor, and the planned schedule for monitoring this equipment.

(iii) A list of identification numbers for connectors that are designated as unsafe to repair and an explanation why the connector is unsafe to repair.

(i) A list of valves removed from and added to the process unit, as described in § 63.168(e)(1) of this subpart, if the net credits for removed valves is expected to be used.

(ii) A list of connectors removed from and added to the process unit, as described in § 63.174(i)(1) of this subpart, and documentation of the integrity of the weld for any removed connectors, as required in § 63.174(j) of this subpart. This is not required unless the net credits for removed connectors is expected to be used.

(i) For batch process units that the owner or operator elects to monitor as provided under § 63.178(c) of this subpart, a list of equipment added to batch product process units since the last monitoring period required in § 63.178(c)(3)(ii) and (3)(iii) of this subpart.

(ii) Records demonstrating the proportion of the time during the calendar year the equipment is in use in a batch process that is subject to the provisions of this subpart. Examples of suitable documentation are records of time in use for individual pieces of equipment or average time in use for the process unit. These records are not required if the owner or operator does not adjust monitoring frequency by the time in use, as provided in § 63.178(c)(3)(iii) of this subpart.

(10) For any leaks detected as specified in §§ 63.163 and 63.164; §§ 63.168 and 63.169; and §§ 63.172 through 63.174 of this subpart, a weatherproof and readily visible identification, marked with the equipment identification number, shall be attached to the leaking equipment.

(11) For each pressure relief device subject to the pressure release management work practice standards in § 63.165(e), owners and operators must keep the records specified in paragraphs (b)(11)(i) through (iii) of this section in addition to the records specified in paragraph (f) of this section.

(i) Records of the prevention measures implemented as required in § 63.165(e)(3)(ii).

(ii) Keep these records for the current calendar year and the past 5 calendar years.

(iii) For each release to the atmosphere, owners and operators must keep the records specified in paragraphs (b)(11)(iii)(A) through (D) of this section.

(B) Records of any data, assumptions, and calculations used to estimate of the mass quantity of each organic HAP released during the event.

(C) Records of the root cause analysis and corrective action analysis conducted as required in § 63.165(e)(3)(iii), including an identification of the affected facility, a statement noting whether the event resulted from the same root cause(s) identified in a previous analysis and either a description of the recommended corrective action(s) or an explanation of why corrective action is not necessary under § 63.165(e)(7)(i).

(D) For any corrective action analysis for which implementation of corrective actions are required in § 63.165(e)(7), a description of the corrective action(s) completed within the first 45 days following the discharge and, for action(s) not already completed, a schedule for implementation, including proposed commencement and completion dates.

(12) For equipment in ethylene oxide service, as defined in § 63.101, records of the percent ethylene oxide content of the process fluid and the method used to determine it.

(1) Approval of alternatives to the requirements in §§ 63.160, 63.162 through 63.176, 63.178 through 63.179. Follow the applicable procedures of § 63.177 to request an alternative means of emission limitation for batch processes and enclosed-vented process units. Where these standards reference another subpart, the cited provisions will be delegated according to the delegation provisions of the referenced subpart. Where these standards reference another subpart and modify the requirements, the requirements shall be modified as described in this subpart. Delegation of the modified requirements will also occur according to the delegation provisions of the referenced subpart.

(ii) The owner or operator controls the HAP emitted from equipment leaks in accordance with §§ 63.161 through 63.182 in subpart H of this part—National Emission Standards for Organic Hazardous Air Pollutants from Equipment Leaks, with the differences noted in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section for the purposes of this subpart.

(e) Any agitator that is designed with no externally actuated shaft penetrating the agitator housing is exempt from paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

(vii) The number of agitators for which leaks were detected as described in § 63.173(a) and (b) of this subpart;

(e) Any agitator that is designed with no externally actuated shaft penetrating the agitator housing is exempt from paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

(vii) The number of agitators for which leaks were detected as described in § 63.173(a) and (b) of this subpart;

(e) Any agitator that is designed with no externally actuated shaft penetrating the agitator housing is exempt from paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

(viii) The number of agitators for which leaks were not repaired as required in § 63.173(c) of this subpart;

(h) Any agitator that is difficult-to-monitor is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section if:

(1) The owner or operator determines that the agitator cannot be monitored without elevating the monitoring personnel more than two meters above a support surface or it is not accessible at anytime in a safe manner;

(2) The process unit within which the agitator is located is an existing source or the owner or operator designates less than three percent of the total number of agitators in a new source as difficult-to-monitor; and

(3) The owner or operator follows a written plan that requires monitoring of the agitator at least once per calendar year.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d) Each agitator equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section are met:

(i) Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the agitator stuffing box pressure; or

(ii) Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed-vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 63.172 of this subpart; or

(3) Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4) Each agitator is checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal.

(i) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the agitator shall be monitored as specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart to determine the presence of organic HAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii) If an instrument reading of 10,000 parts per million or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(5) Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is observed daily or is equipped with an alarm unless the agitator is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(i) The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii) If indications of liquids dripping from the agitator seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 63.171 of this subpart.

(iv) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(i) Design criteria required in §§ 63.163(e)(6)(i), 63.164(e)(2), and 63.173(d)(6)(i) of this subpart and an explanation of the design criteria; and

(i) A list of identification numbers for equipment that the owner or operator elects to equip with a closed-vent system and control device, under the provisions of § 63.163(g), § 63.164(h), § 63.165(c) or (e)(4), or § 63.173(f), as applicable.

(7) The following information pertaining to all pumps subject to the provisions of § 63.163(j), valves subject to the provisions of § 63.168(h) and (i) of this subpart, agitators subject to the provisions of § 63.173(h) through (j), and connectors subject to the provisions of § 63.174(f) and (g) of this subpart shall be recorded:

(i) Identification of equipment designated as unsafe to monitor, difficult to monitor, or unsafe to inspect and the plan for monitoring or inspecting this equipment.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for the equipment that is designated as difficult to monitor, an explanation of why the equipment is difficult to monitor, and the planned schedule for monitoring this equipment.

(iii) A list of identification numbers for connectors that are designated as unsafe to repair and an explanation why the connector is unsafe to repair.

(7) The following information pertaining to all pumps subject to the provisions of § 63.163(j), valves subject to the provisions of § 63.168(h) and (i) of this subpart, agitators subject to the provisions of § 63.173(h) through (j), and connectors subject to the provisions of § 63.174(f) and (g) of this subpart shall be recorded:

(i) Identification of equipment designated as unsafe to monitor, difficult to monitor, or unsafe to inspect and the plan for monitoring or inspecting this equipment.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for the equipment that is designated as difficult to monitor, an explanation of why the equipment is difficult to monitor, and the planned schedule for monitoring this equipment.

(iii) A list of identification numbers for connectors that are designated as unsafe to repair and an explanation why the connector is unsafe to repair.

(7) The following information pertaining to all pumps subject to the provisions of § 63.163(j), valves subject to the provisions of § 63.168(h) and (i) of this subpart, agitators subject to the provisions of § 63.173(h) through (j), and connectors subject to the provisions of § 63.174(f) and (g) of this subpart shall be recorded:

(i) Identification of equipment designated as unsafe to monitor, difficult to monitor, or unsafe to inspect and the plan for monitoring or inspecting this equipment.

(ii) A list of identification numbers for the equipment that is designated as difficult to monitor, an explanation of why the equipment is difficult to monitor, and the planned schedule for monitoring this equipment.

(iii) A list of identification numbers for connectors that are designated as unsafe to repair and an explanation why the connector is unsafe to repair.