Effective climate protection as well as the maintenance and restoration of a clean environment are among the greatest challenges facing today’s global community. In addition to efficient energy management, this primarily means reducing pollutants, or better still, preventing them. This must be implemented in all emission-relevant industries and regions, especially those with intensive energy requirements as well as centres of dense population.
The goal of reducing air pollution to the lowest technically feasible level is primarily achieved with state of the art waste gas purification processes. Emissions must be determined both in terms of quantity and quality as well as minimised in a targeted manner, as far as possible. This can be realised with proactive planning of industrial plants as well as the continuous monitoring of emissions.
Continuous emission measurement is used to determine the emission behaviour of industrial plants. SICK is the only manufacturer worldwide in this area with decades of experience offering a complete range of emission measurement technology. We use proven measurement principles and innovative technologies to ensure future-oriented solutions – even under ever increasing environmental and safety-related requirements.
Requirements of emission measurement systems
The selection of a continuous emission measurement system (CEMS) is not a simple process. General inquiries for the lowest initial investment can work out to be the most expensive solution when viewed over the entire operational lifetime. Unfortunately there is no generally applicable rule, as individual requirements relating to the respective industrial plant can have a major impact on the suitability and all important costs of the CEMS technology under consideration.
10 steps to a suitable emission measurement system
1. What process parameters and gas components are to be monitored in the system and what measuring ranges are required?
The number and type of components to be monitored and recorded in accordance with the requirements of environmental authorities determines the selection of a suitable CEMS system.
* Is a complete list of measuring components and parameters as well as the required measuring ranges and tolerances available?
* Must reference parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture or oxygen content be measured?
* Determination of particle concentrations, opacity or mass flow required?
2. What conformities and regulations apply to emissions monitoring?
Generally, the respective reporting system is derived from national regulations or international specifications such as those from the EU or EPA in the US.
* What national regulations and standards apply?
* Is it necessary to take international standards such as EU directives or US EPA standards into consideration?
* Do additional specifications apply to certain measuring technology due to specific plant requirements?
3. Are new regulations expected, which could influence emissions trading or reporting?
Environmental legislation is forcing the trend towards a sustainable and environmentally aware economy. For this reason, it should be possible to adapt or retrofit the CEMS system for possible future requirements.
* For example, additional monitoring of HCI and mercury in the cement production industry.
4. Have the operating conditions on-site been clarified?
Aggressive gas components can influence the operation and reliability of CEMS systems when using alternative fuels.
* What fuel is currently used or is to be deployed in the near future?
* When using alternative fuels, does the system meet the stringent thermal requirements for monitoring waste treatment processes?
5. What sources exist that can lead to the production of critical gas components?
If critical gas components are produced, such as organic compounds, chlorine or sulphur, the CEMS system must be able to measure these components, even in high concentrations.
6. Are the operating conditions to remain constant for the entire operational lifetime of the CEMS system?
Gas cleaning plants or wet scrubbers significantly reduce the amount of pollutants. However, higher concentrations due to the addition of ammonia or carbamide as well as deviations in temperature and moisture can significantly reduce the availability and operational lifetime of the measuring system.
7. What is the total cost of operation, not merely the cost of acquisition?
The operational lifetime of a CEMS is typically more than 10 years. The actual operating costs can amount to more than triple the cost of acquisition, depending on the selected measuring technology. The following is to be taken into consideration:
* Composition of the CEMS, incl. gas sampling and conditioning.
* Consumables/additives and spare parts.
* Maintenance and service intervals.
8. What are the requirements for operation and maintenance of the CEMS system?
In accordance with European quality standards, the CEMS must exhibit verifiable availability in the field of higher than 95%, including all maintenance and testing cycles. Critical points include:
* Gas conditioning in the event of condensate or acid forming components.
* Downtime caused by filter exchange or gas extraction.
9. What conditions are given at the operating site?
The availability of consumables/spare parts and additives is extremely important for industrial plants which are difficult to access (oil platforms, gas compressor stations, plants in climatically extreme areas).
* Are remote diagnostics and maintenance via GPRS or Internet possible for achieving targeted deployment of specialist personnel?
* What environmental conditions, for example, temperature deviations, etc. are applicable?
10. What performance is the CEMS system supplier able to deliver in relation to requirements?
A supplier of CEMS systems should be able to provide effective decision-making support in finding a suitable solution. The realisation of individual measurement tasks in combination with competent service should be the decisive factor, not the possibly limited range of technical options provided by a specific supplier. SICK is characterised by decades of proven competence, a complete product portfolio and numerous services in the field of emissions measurement.
| Tel: | +27 10 060 0550 |
| Email: | info@sickautomation.co.za |
| www: | www.sick.com/za/en/ |
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