Activities

One of the key priorities for the ESA is the environmental challenge which is facing users, particularly in the petrochemical, chemical and allied fields, where there is a need to reduce emissions to atmosphere. A large proportion of these emissions are represented by the by-products of combustion (notably the oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur), along with known losses of volatile hydrocarbons and steam. In general, these are all emissions anticipated from the industrial process, under the control of the plant operator, and are not under the influence of sealing technology.

However, a proportion of industrial emissions occurs through unanticipated or spurious leaks in process systems. These equipment leaks are usually referred to as "fugitive emissions", and in this area the sealing industry is playing a vital role, through the development and application of innovative sealing technology appropriate to low or zero emission requirements ..... see Fugitive Emissions Working Group.

In view of this focus, the ESA has organised a range of conferences with the aim of raising the attention of all industry to the crucial role which sealing technology can play in helping to reduce fugitive emissions.

Dependent upon the type of facility, there are obviously variations in the sources of fugitive emissions from one plant to another. Despite these differences, it is accepted generally that the major cause of fugitive emissions in the petrochemical and chemical industries is leaking valves. Consequently, the ESA has initiated a series of work programmes in order to better understand valve leakage and hence work towards a reduction in fugitive emissions from them. The present work programme is supported by the European Commission under the Standards, Measurement and Testing protocol and is aimed at improving valve stem leak tightness measurement ..... see SMT Project.

In order to better appreciate the complexity and variety of legal requirements which face our end users, we have been compiling a series of technical documents on emission legislation for our Members.

In addition, we publish a quarterly newsletter, entitled "ESA-Environmental News", which covers all aspects of environmental topics of interest to our Members.

Specifically for distribution to end user and OEM customers, we have produced a number of important technical guides ... see Publications

Standardisation

We are working with the European Commission and CEN in Brussels, with the objective of influencing future regulations affecting our industry, by assisting in the drafting of effective and practicable legislation and standards. We are recognised as a "European organisation in liaison" with:

• CEN/TC 74 (Flanges and their joints)
• CEN/TC 197 (Pumps)

The ESA is represented in ISO / TC 153 / WG 10, working on the development of the international standard for valves.

Equally, the ESA is a member of the API 610 and API 682 Task Forces, offering a European perspective to the update of these important global standards.

Our work in these international technical committees is conducted in parallel with our contacts with appropriate national authorities.

General Meetings

The ESA organises General Meetings every year, in convenient locations across Europe. Where possible, meetings are organised in conjunction with other relevant events. All Members on encouraged to attend the General Meetings, when the membership is brought up to date with the activities of the ESA. At the same time, Members have the opportunity to question the officers in more detail and to vote on any action required.

Meetings of the Divisions and Working Groups occur independently on a regular basis, usually at least two times every year ...... see Divisions and Working Groups

ESA-Denis Gilley Award

Aimed at exceptional students wishing to work on a project related to sealing technology. The concept has been established not only to investigate aspects of sealing technology, but more importantly, to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to develop his or her own skills. The Award is made to enable a student to conduct a project (or projects) of relevance to the fluid sealing industry in a key university or centre of technical excellence in Europe ...... see ESA-Denis Gilley Award

Collaboration with other organisations

Sealing technology is global in nature, and the challenges faced by our customers are usually mirrored around the world. Consequently, we are keen to collaborate with other, relevant organisations which have similar goals.

In particular, we have close contact with the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) of the USA, and our two organisations collaborate on many activities.

Both the ESA and FSA share technical resources to a great extent and our two organisations work hand in hand on common initiatives, such as working towards the harmonisation of standards and legislation. The two organisations have a number of joint Publications

Although the great majority of ESA and FSA work programmes are conducted in parallel, a small number of challenges are best addressed by alternative approaches tailored to different market conditions, and in these cases the two organisations operate independently of one another.

Achievements

ESA actions are focused on achieving the aims of the Association.

The intention of all the actions undertaken by the ESA is for the benefit of its membership.