The pressure on UK and Irish plant operators to meet increasingly stringent regulations and move towards net-zero is intense. While large-scale infrastructure rework is often complex, significant emission reductions can be achieved through focused, cost-effective upgrades, starting with your grab sampling points.

Every sampling point across a refinery or chemical plant is a potential source of fugitive emissions, whether from spills during container release or leaks from sub-optimal system components.

The good news? Fixing these vulnerabilities can be simple and highly effective with the right technology.

What is a Closed-Loop Sampling System?

At NVFCL, we advocate for FITOK Closed-Loop Sampling Systems because they achieve the fundamental goal of emission control: keeping fluids and gases contained.

A closed-loop system is designed to:

1. Draw process fluid.
2. Flow it through the sampling point.
3. Collect a controlled portion in a sealed container (cylinder or bottle).
4. Return the excess fluid directly to the main process line.

Crucially, this entire operation is completed without ever exposing the operator or the atmosphere to the process fluid. By eliminating waste and ensuring full containment, closed-loop systems are the superior method for reducing emissions, enhancing safety, and maintaining a secure working environment compared to open flaring or manual sampling.

Key Features of a FITOK Leak-Tight System

A truly leak-tight closed-loop system relies on exceptional design and construction, backed by high-quality components. When you choose a FITOK system supplied by NVFCL, you benefit from:

1. Certified Leak-Tight FITOK Components

The reliability of a sampling system is only as good as its parts. FITOK systems are constructed using components engineered for maximum containment:

• FITOK Low-E Valves: We can incorporate certified Low Emission (Low-E) valves that meet rigorous API standards. These valves are proven to minimise fugitive emissions at the source, offering a critical layer of leakage prevention throughout the system.

2. Design Optimised to Minimise Leak Paths

Even the highest quality fitting can leak if installed incorrectly or if the design is overly complex. FITOK systems are meticulously engineered to:

• Minimise Connection Points: Reducing the number of potential leak points decreases the overall risk of fugitive emissions.
• Specialist Assembly: NVFCL ensures all FITOK systems are expertly assembled and rigorously tested by trained specialists, eliminating the installation errors that often cause leaks.

3. Optimal Sample Drawing Technology

The connection point where the sample is drawn into the container is a high-risk area. FITOK solutions mitigate this risk with advanced technology:

• For Liquid Sampling (Bottles): We specify bottle samplers with pencil point needles. Unlike lancet points, the pencil point design discharges the sample via a side hole, significantly reducing the chance of cutting or “coring” the rubber septum. This ensures the septum reforms a complete, leak-proof seal when the needle is withdrawn.
• For Gas/Volatile Liquid Sampling (Cylinders): FITOK provides systems featuring highly reliable, easily operable Quick Connects. These allow technicians to efficiently and safely connect and disconnect the sealed sample cylinder from the system, preventing spills and exposure.

Your Next Step to Emission Reduction

By standardising on well-designed FITOK Closed-Loop Sampling Systems, your facility can significantly limit fugitive emissions, reduce waste, and enhance operator safety. NVFCL provides these high-performance, easy-to-use, and easy-to-maintain grab sampling panels in configurable designs that can be rapidly deployed across your sites.