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

(a)

(1) Each agitator shall be monitored monthly to detect leaks by the methods specified in § 63.180(b) of this subpart, except as provided in § 63.162(b) of this subpart.

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

(b)

(1) Each agitator shall be checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the agitator.

(2) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the agitator, a leak is detected.

(c)

(1) 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.

(2) 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:

(1) Each dual mechanical seal system is:

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