Mesa ETP has announced its FlexCore Liquid Mounted Seal meets requirements in the new EPA 98% emissions efficiency regulation. On 15 October 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), published its final rule revising 40 CFR 60 subpart Kc. This is the first revision of EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for volatile organic liquid storage vessels (including petroleum liquid storage vessels) since the 1980s. Kc introduces targeted emission control efficiency of 98% compared to 95% in Kb. This more stringent standard requires important changes in certain floating roof seal configuration and deployments.
Mesa ETP’s FlexCore is the latest patent-pending innovation in AST (aboveground storage tank) floating roof primary seals from Mesa ETP. With the breakthrough laminate, Armor Fabric, the FlexCore liquid mounted seal outperforms and outlasts mechanical shoe seals. FlexCore is the most efficient and durable primary seal available in the above ground storage tank market.
Armor Fabric is engineered from a material that’s tougher than Kevlar, so achieves excellent performance durability. Comprehensive abrasion testing demonstrated over 40 times the abrasion resistance of a typical urethane seal and even 15 times more abrasion resistance than carbon steel. FlexCore with Armor Fabric stood up to 15 years of simulated travel in durability and longevity testing that simulated harsh tank conditions. FlexCore also features a patent-pending fabric splicing installation method to ensure seal integrity and durability throughout the life of the seal.
‘Tank owners can confidently rely on FlexCore for lower emissions over the entire maintenance cycle with no vapor barrier failure or reduction in emission control,’ says Adam Vance, general manager of Mesa ETP. ‘Mesa ETP’s FlexCore™ seal is already deployed and operating successfully at terminals and refineries in the United States.’
