M/514 - Volatile organic compounds
European standard method to determine fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from certain industrial sources to the atmosphere
Mandate M/514 requests the development of a European standard method to determine fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from specific industrial sources into the atmosphere. The mandate aims to establish harmonized measurement and assessment procedures to improve monitoring and control of VOC emissions, supporting environmental protection and regulatory compliance. This standard method will assist industry and authorities in accurately quantifying VOC emission levels to better manage air quality impacts. The decision on the approval of this mandate was recorded under resolution CEN/BT C155/2012.
Purpose
This mandate aims to establish a European standard method for determining fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from certain industrial sources. The objective is to support consistent assessment and control of VOC emissions to the atmosphere across the European Union.
Standardisation request
The European Commission requests the development of a harmonised standard that provides a reliable methodology for measuring fugitive and diffuse emissions of VOCs originating from specified industrial activities. This standard is intended to enable regulators and industry to quantify these emissions accurately.
Expected deliverables
- A European standard outlining the procedures and techniques for detecting and quantifying fugitive and diffuse VOC emissions from designated industrial sources.
- Methodology that supports harmonised monitoring and reporting practices across EU member states.
Context
Volatile organic compounds contribute significantly to air pollution and can impact human health and the environment. While emission limits for point sources are often regulated, fugitive and diffuse emissions are more challenging to detect and control. This mandate supports the EU’s air quality objectives by promoting standardised measurement methods to aid regulatory compliance and environmental protection.
The resolution for this mandate is referenced as CEN/BT C155/2012, indicating formal approval and initiation of standard development within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
The mandate's standardisation work covers the development of a European standard method for determining fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from certain industrial sources released into the atmosphere.
General Information
This document specifies the framework for determining emissions to the atmosphere of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It specifies a system of methods to detect and/or identify and/or quantify VOC emissions from industrial sources. These methods include Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), Solar Occultation Flux (SOF), Tracer Correlation (TC), and Reverse Dispersion Modelling (RDM). It specifies the methodologies for carrying out all the above, and also the performance requirements and capabilities of the direct monitoring methods, the requirements for the results and their measurement uncertainties.
This document specifically addresses, but is not restricted to, the petrochemicals, oil refining, and chemical industries receiving, processing, storing, and/or exporting of VOCs, and includes the emissions of VOCs from the natural gas processing/conditioning industry and the storage of natural gas and similar fuels. The methods specified in this document have been validated at onshore facilities.
This document is applicable to diffuse VOC emissions to atmosphere but not to the emissions of VOCs into water and into solid materials such as soils. It is complementary to EN 15446 [9], the standardized method for the detection, localization of sources (individual leaks from equipment and piping), and quantification of fugitive VOC emissions within the scope of a Leak Detection and Repair Programme (LDAR).
This document has been validated for non-methane VOCs, but the methodology is in principle applicable to methane and other gases.
This document specifies methods to determine (detect, identify and/or quantify) VOC emissions during the periods of monitoring. It does not address the extrapolation of emissions to time periods beyond the monitoring period.
- Standard101 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the framework for determining emissions to the atmosphere of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It specifies a system of methods to detect and/or identify and/or quantify VOC emissions from industrial sources. These methods include Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), Solar Occultation Flux (SOF), Tracer Correlation (TC), and Reverse Dispersion Modelling (RDM). It specifies the methodologies for carrying out all the above, and also the performance requirements and capabilities of the direct monitoring methods, the requirements for the results and their measurement uncertainties.
This document specifically addresses, but is not restricted to, the petrochemicals, oil refining, and chemical industries receiving, processing, storing, and/or exporting of VOCs, and includes the emissions of VOCs from the natural gas processing/conditioning industry and the storage of natural gas and similar fuels. The methods specified in this document have been validated at onshore facilities.
This document is applicable to diffuse VOC emissions to atmosphere but not to the emissions of VOCs into water and into solid materials such as soils. It is complementary to EN 15446 [9], the standardized method for the detection, localization of sources (individual leaks from equipment and piping), and quantification of fugitive VOC emissions within the scope of a Leak Detection and Repair Programme (LDAR).
This document has been validated for non-methane VOCs, but the methodology is in principle applicable to methane and other gases.
This document specifies methods to determine (detect, identify and/or quantify) VOC emissions during the periods of monitoring. It does not address the extrapolation of emissions to time periods beyond the monitoring period.
- Standard101 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/514 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "European standard method to determine fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from certain industrial sources to the atmosphere". European standard method to determine fugitive and diffuse emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from certain industrial sources to the atmosphere There are 2 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.