CEMS, EMISSION TESTING, MONITORING, MODELING, REMOTE SENSING
Confirmed & Invited Speakers | Trach B
A “must attend” training session for experts and operators of CEMs. This Track includes EPA policy and procedures for accurate monitoring, reporting, and auditing of emissions pursuant to Part 75 of the Acid Rain Program & Clean Air Interstate Rule.
Advisory Board
This track also includes presentations on how to submit monitoring plans, QA/QC tests, and Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID). Other expert presentations and programs include MATS, eGRID, RATA, Appendix D & E, Electronic Monitoring data, QA/QC program for Cylinder gases. AQ and fence-line monitoring and modeling.
B1
CEMS | Sampling | Emissions | FTIR | Monitoring
Wade Day
CEMS Preventative Maintenance Utilizing IoT and Predictive Analytics
B1.1 CEMS Preventative Maintenance Utilizing IoT and Predictive Analytics
Wade Day – Pass
Downtime due to unplanned failures is the kryptonite to any CEMS preventative maintenance and air compliance program. No matter how robust the routine service system, production disruptions due to monitor malfunctions are an unwelcomed event for any regulated process. The solution to this ongoing issue is the integration of proven IoT technology with the diagnostic profiles of existing CEMS hardware to build a real-time, performance data analysis system. Supporting this system with 24/7 monitoring by trained service technicians, apply the human intelligence associated with that expertise and decrease problems by predicting outcomes. Uptime improves when downtime is minimized.
This presentation addresses the successful implementation of a continuous remote monitoring system designed to improve long-term CEMS performance. Key areas addressed in this presentation include:
• Digital transformation and IoT solution overview
• Actionable insight baseline
• Case Study: field data and real time data analysis
• Lessons learned
Bob Bertik
CEM Sample Systems
B1.2 CEM Sample Systems
Bob Bertik – Universal Analyzers
CEM Sample Systems are often overlooked or given the least amount of attention in the design of a Gas Analysis System. But arguably it is the most important engineered segment of any Gas Analysis System.
As happens often, those responsible for designing and packaging a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System overlook the small details that will make or break a CEMS Performance.
And those that maintain these systems for the most part inherit what they have, were not part of the initial design and often times ask themselves, “there’s got to be a better way!”.
Getting a representative sample, transporting it to the analyzer enclosure and conditioning it without removing the required measured analytes is not a one size fits all approach.
This discussion will touch on the considerations for the Sample Conditioning and Transport segment for a CEMS Sample System both during initial design and post installation enhancements.
Alejandra Cabrera
Multi-gas FTIR Monitoring in Carbon Capture Processes
B1.3 Multi-gas FTIR Monitoring in Carbon Capture Processes
Alejandra Cabrera – Gasmet
Carbon capture plants deploy several methods ranging from membranes, to amine-based technologies that involve components which degrade into ammonia, formamide, aldehydes, organic acids, nitrosamines and other toxic gaseous species. Gas products pose challenges for sampling and analysis given the presence of water vapor and high concentrations of carbon dioxide as well as certain water-soluble compounds.
There are currently stationary and semi-portable hot-wet FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) instruments for online analysis and gas emissions monitoring from such plants. These units scan a wide wavenumber spectrum where several species absorb infrared light, allowing to simultaneously measure more than 25 gases. FTIR analytes include standard criteria pollutants such as CH4, CO2, NOx, SO2, acid gases, NH3, aldehydes, and other VOCs, and extend to amines and amine by-products observed in CO2 absorber and amine stripping towers. Some of these substances are ecotoxic, have low biodegradability, and are known to cause cancer.
This presentation reviews FTIR principles, sampling solutions, and available configurations for online gas analysis at carbon capture and storage plants. It highlights industrial and laboratory scale case studies using semi-portable and CEM systems, and advantages as related to analytical performance, component flexibility, and maintenance requirements.
Co-Author: Jim Cornish, Gasmet Technologies
QUESTIONS
1. How are different gas matrices and concentrations analyzed?
2. What gas components cannot be monitored with FTIR?
3. Can I measure from multiple sampling points within a plant?
Donny Klotz
Emissions Monitoring Systems: Essential CEMS Maintenance
B 1.4 Emissions Monitoring Systems: Understanding Essential CEMS Maintenance Items
B 3.1 Emissions Monitoring Systems: Understanding Essential CEMS Maintenance Items
Donny Klotz – ESC Spectrum
This presentation summarizes essential maintenance routines for Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). We will focus on photos and examples from U.S. power plants, which engineers, field technicians, environmental managers, and plant managers can use to avoid unnecessary mistakes and fines. We will highlight the best practices for ensuring optimal CEMS data availability associated with CEMS sample systems, analyzers, and data acquisition system.
Peter Zemek
Comparison of Emerging Technology Quantification of HRVOC and OHAP (VIRTUAL)
B2.5V Comparison of Emerging Technology Quantification of HRVOC and OHAP
Peter Zemek – Montrose
Various types of sampling and analysis strategies have been developed and implemented for the identification and quantitation of HRVOC and other OHAP. This presentation will present the advantages and disadvantages of the current testing methods, and compare and contrast them to emerging technologies that are currently in development for the field and laboratory. Discussion will focus on sampling and analysis techniques including gas chromatography via USEPA Method 18, USEPA Method 320 for organics, optically enhanced FTIR for low level detection of specific organic analytes, and quantitation of various ultra-low detection limit concentrations of HRVOC and OHAP using real-time Proton Transfer Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (PTR) and GC Interfaced PTR compliance testing by EPA Method 18. Emphasis will be placed on the emerging technologies utilized by PTR mass spectrometry instrumentation.
Co-Author: Dr. Steve Yuchs, Montrose Environmental Group
Sang-Sup Lee
Emission of Condensable Particulate Matter from Coal Combustion (Confirmed)
Emission of Condensable Particulate Matter from Coal Combustion
Sang-Sup Lee – Associate Professor – Chungbuk National University
Air pollution from fine particulate matter is a major concern in Korea. The fine particulate matter generated by burning coal can be categorized into filterable and condensable particulate matter. While condensable particulate matter initially exists in a vapor phase in the combustion flue gas, it swiftly transforms into solid or liquid particulates upon release from the stack. As a results, condensable particulate matter is hardly removed from the conventional particulate matter control device. Our study focused on analyzing the emissions of condensable particulate matter arising from coal combustion.
B2
CEMS | Testing | Sampling | Sensors
Tom McKarns
Tips for Better NOx measurements at Power Plants
B2.2 Tips for Better NOx measurements at Power Plants
Tom McKarns – ECO PHYSICS, INC.
Routine maintenance helps to prevent catastrophic failures, how you can better maintain your analyzer on a weekly basis to prevent the most common failures of a chemiluminescence NOx analyzer in a CEMS at your plant. By keeping an eye on the reaction chamber pressure your analyzer can tell you what to look for to head problems off before the happen.Our diagnostic mode makes it easy to check all the main parameters in just a few seconds.
Otto Hirsch
Heated Sample Lines – Critical Pathway Link to Compliance
B2.3 Heated Sample Lines - Critical Pathway Link to Compliance
Otto Hirsch – Dekoron
It is often perceived that sample lines can be field created and that all factory manufactured sample lines/components are all the same, when in fact, it is far from accurate – from the tubing, thermal barrier, heating source, outer weather-proof jacket, control options and method of manufacturing. Some lines may be permanent installations and some may be temporary for calibration or RATA testing. We will discuss manufacturing processes, tubing/heater/insulation/jacket and control options. The sample is only as good as the line can deliver!
Steve Hall
Long Path FTIR used for YYYY Measurements & Lessons Learned
B 2.5 Long Path FTIR used for YYYY Measurements and Lessons Learned
Steve Hall – VP-Measurements, Spectrum Environmental Solutions
Early in 2022 the USEPA activated 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart YYYY – The National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Stationary Combustion Turbines. In addition to activating this NESHAP, the EPA set a compliance date of September 5, 2022. As such, there was a lot of pressure to meet the compliance date or file for an extension. Additionally, with a formaldehyde compliance limit of 91 ppbd corrected to 15% O2, there were only a few commercially available FTIRs capable of meeting this limit. This paper will discuss the current state of available long-path FTIRs that have been shown to meet this requirement as well as present averaged formaldehyde data collected over 160+ turbine tests in 2022. This presentation will also discuss the minimum detection limits (MDLs) that were observed during actual field testing using these long-path FTIR systems. Finally, a discussion of best practices and lesson learned will be presented.
Randall Baxter
Community Monitoring Hexavalent Chromium – The City of Paramount (Confirmed)
Community Monitoring Hexavalent Chromium – The City of Paramount
Randall Baxter – Air Quality Specialist – Trinity Consultants
In September of 2021 the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) completed five years of the most extensive hexavalent chromium air monitoring program in the world in the city of Paramount, California (the City). Since then, the City has assumed the effort, with the City’s mayor stating that “voluntary air monitoring reaffirms the City’s commitment to transparency and the health and safety of the Paramount community.” This ongoing monitoring effort includes taking 1-in-6-day air samples at five locations throughout the City to monitor levels of hexavalent chromium, with the addition of a meteorological monitoring at City Hall.In order to continue the operation of the network in an effective manor after transitioning from the SCAQMD monitoring, upgrades were implemented to improve sampling uptime and reporting. This was achieved by keeping tighter criteria for sampler calibration, adding solar charging systems to the pole monitoring systems, upgrading the sampler power systems. In addition to displaying the data through a data visualization, results of the sampling are uploaded and reported to the public in less than a week. The monitoring network ran into the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Most critical were supply chain issues for the samplers originally used in the network. In order to address these issues a comparison study to verify the comparability of data collected by other makes and models of samplers was conducted. This comparison was based upon the colocation method done for most EPA acceptance testing. Both samplers used were ran for the same monitoring site and the samples were analyzed for through the same lab. This provided the City options when addressing sampler failures in a timely manner to ensure maximum data recovery.
Victoria Brewster
Siloxane Sampling Methods: Online Vs Offline (Confirmed)
Siloxane Sampling Methods: Online Vs Offline
Victoria Brewster – Product Leader; Spectroscopic Solution
The generation of electricity from municipal digesters and land fill is of increasing interest, as the biogas can allow for a form of renewable energy. Organosilicon compounds often find their way into land-fill or digester gases as siloxanes. Siloxanes are low-level hazards to the atmosphere in terms of their emissions, however when they are combusted in gas engines the hard silica that is produced is very harsh to the moving parts of the gas engine. Ultimately this increase maintenance cost and gives a lower energy output, making the generation of power less efficient. With this ever-growing market, the need for analysis of the siloxane content of the biogas pre-generator is important. A land-fill gas plant operator can determine the amount of siloxane removal of the pre-combustion feed gas. This enables a more cost-effective cleaning system to be employed. They can also determine whether an existing clean-up system is operating effectivelyThere is currently no standard method for gaseous siloxane measurement and to date no on-line gas process monitoring system. The usual method of gas analysis has involved the extraction of a sample gas, via bag or cylinder, and analysis off-plant. Sampling losses of siloxanes inevitably occur, as the sample can be adsorbed on to the sample container wall. Protea has developed an analytical model for our atmosFIR FTIR gas analyser that allows speciation of siloxanes on-line. The full spectrum technique of FTIR also allows for the measurement of the main gas components, CH4 , CO2 , NH3 etc. providing real time, in-situ full gas composition analysis. In this paper we compare directly readings from a Protea FTIR with offline sampling methods. Comparisons have been made for siloxane calibration standards as well as real world gas data from both landfill and waste water.
B3
MODELING | TESTING | FLARES | FENCELINE MONITORING
Bryan Bibeau
NO2 to NO Converter selection and maintenance
B 3.1 NO2 to NO Converter selection and maintenance
| Chemiluminescence NOx analyzers work by detecting the light emitted when Nitric Oxide (NO) reacts with ozone (O3). In order to measure Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) by chemiluminescence, the sample must first be converted to NO. Two common methods for the conversion of NO2 to NO are heated stainless-steel and molybdenum converters. Either converter type has pros and cons and will be chosen based on the monitoring application to maximize performance and operation. This discussion will focus on how to select the proper converter for your application, along with maintenance and efficiency expectations. |
John Wagle
Dynamic Plume Modeling to Prepare & Respond to Chemical Emergencies
B3.2 How to Use Dynamic Plume Modeling to Prepare for and Respond to a Chemical Emergency
John Wagle – Industrial Scientific
There is an ammonia leak on your site – but you have no idea where it’s located. Your first priority is securing your facility and the community – but with the limited visibility you have, there is no way to know the full impact of the leak. Do you need to evacuate people? And if so, who? Will anyone in the greater community be impacted? These are likely questions that you will want to have answers to, and fast.
In this presentation, we will discuss dynamic plume modeling, the benefits that dynamic plume modeling, how to use modeling software and on site sensors to prepare for and manage a chemical emergency, and Create the most effective action plan so that you can protect your employees and the community.
QUESTIONS
1. What’s the difference between a dynamic plume model and a static plume model?
2. Can you give examples of how this would be used outside of emergency planning?
Phaneendra Uppalati
Emergency Gas Flares Permitting, Operations and Emissions Testing
B3.3 Emergency Gas Flares Permitting, Operations and Emissions Testing
Phaneendra Uppalapati – AECOM
Emergency gas flares are simple yet sophisticated control devices that have been supporting industries for decades. Emergency flares act as control devices that combust excess gases from stationary sources during emergencies by combusting gases during unplanned over-pressurizations in oil-gas extractions, hazardous waste facilities, refineries, chemical plants, coal industry, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. Even with the extensive use of emergency gas flares throughout various industries, there continue to be issues with both elevated flares and enclosed flares for operations, maintenance, permitting and air compliance demonstrations of these devices. This presentation addresses some of the issues encountered with enclosed flares regarding permitting, operations, tuning and execution of an emissions test program. It also describes the best practices, measurement techniques, and lessons learned.
Gilad Spitzer
Refinery Fenceline Open Path Monitoring Rule 1180 – Detection Limits And QA
B3.4 Refinery Fenceline Open Path Monitoring Rule 1180 Lessons Learned Detection Limits And QA
Gilad Spitzer
The presentation will cover the following topics:
• Overview of South Coast AQMD’s Rule 1180 requirements
• Evaluation of published monitoring data
• Comparison of initial monitoring plans with program goals and requirements
• Detection limits
OPEN SPOT
Title of your presentation
Track no - Title of Presentation
Speaker Name – Company – RTP
Summary of Presentation
B4
CEMS | Sampling | Air Quality | Modeling | Monitoring
Teresa Espy
Fixed-Point Laser Methane Emissions (FPL) Monitor
B4.1 Fixed-Point Laser Methane Emissions (FPL) Monitor
Teresa Espy – Diamond Scientific
Utilizing tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, the FPL monitor has proven to be a reliable and accurate performer in the field for measuring methane concentrations during three case studies.
A Class IIIa laser was used to emit a beam of light through a plume of methane gas. One specific wavelength in the beam was absorbed by the methane molecules in the path of the beam. The amount of laser light absorbed was proportional to the amount of methane in the path of the beam.
The first case study utilized controlled methane releases within a short distance between the optical transmitter and reflection plate. The second case study included baseline emissions and methane releases and other surrounding emissions from industrial sources. The third case study included baseline emissions and increased methane concentrations during peak system demands.
The FPL monitor was commercially deployed utility gas distribution regulator station for continuous monitoring in real time. Information gathered provided background data on leaks that could be used to model when and how often to expect leaks at similar stations.
Utilizing the FPL to monitor methane emissions will provide results over a given area in less time than the current method of using on-site personnel. The on-site technician using this method reduces his exposure to potentially harmful gas.
The FPL system includes the ability to stream analytics and site data in real time for reliable remote viewing.
Sucha Parmar
Low Level TNMOC Measurements from Stationary Sources
B4.2 Low Level TNMOC Measurements from Stationary Sources
Sucha Parmar, President of Atmospheric Analysis & Consulting, Inc. – Low Level TNMOC Measurements from Stationary Sources
A large variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from stationary sources linked with gas to energy production processes. These VOCs are known to be precursors to photochemical smog formation. There are several methods for sampling and analysis of these compounds such as EPA Method 25/25C, SCAQMD 25.1/25.3. None of these methods address low level TNMOC emission measurements needed for new turbine emission requirements set by regulatory agencies.
In this presentation we will discuss intercomparison of TNMOC measurement methods and the development of a new procedure for low level TNMOC sampling and analysis.
List 3 short questions:
1. What is the detection limit of TNMOC using EPA Method 25?
2. What is the difference between SCAQMD Method 25.1 and EPA Method 25?
3 Which method is best for polar compounds measurement?
Roberto San Jose
Atmospheric effects of high-rise buildings: PALM4U CFD – WRF/Chem application over Madrid (Spain)
B4.3 Atmospheric effects of high-rise buildings: PALM4U CFD - WRF/Chem application over Madrid (Spain)
Roberto San Jose – Technical University of Madrid
The Parallelized Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) Model adapted for urban areas (PALM4U, Leibnitz Hannover University, Germany) was applied to model the effects of high-rise buildings on urban meteorology and air pollution. The 3D numerical CFD simulation has a high resolution grid (10 x 10 x 10 meters). In the domain there are two office buildings that have a height of 114 m with an inclination of 15º and four towers of 250 m. The model has been run using the RANS mode (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) due to the high computational cost of the LES mode, however, short periodos are shown in LES mode. Results show detailed spatial dispersion patterns of air pollution and wind flows and how the high-rise buildings affect the surrounding air flows, with the generation of “dead-zones” and high-concentration “hotspots”. The results show the concentrations of O3, NOx, SOx, CO, PM10 and PM2.5 in the area in a 3D environment, with particular emphasis on those areas located close the high-rise buildings in comparison with those areas surrounded with regular hight buildings. In addition, we will show vertical concentration profiles affecting areas close to the building surfaces.
A simulation of outdoor air quality and indoor in two buildings (office and housing) located in the centre of Madrid (Spain) has been run. The simulations are performed for the 2016 year. In indoor pollution simulations it is very important to model all the physical processes that affect concentrations, such as: emission, infiltration, deposition, mechanical and manual ventilation (closely related to the thermal comfort range of the building) and air exchange between rooms through the doors. The WRF/Chem atmospheric dispersion model is used to know outdoor pollution and meteorological conditions with high spatial (1 km) and temporal (1 hour) resolution and the energy model of the EnergyPlus building to simulate internal pollutants. The Generic Pollutant Model in EnergyPlus allows integrated modeling of multi-zone pollutants and dynamic thermal behavior within a single simulation package. From the concentrations, it has been estimated the exposure of several people who follow a predefined time pattern to pollutants to determine the health impacts of different internal emission sources. The impacts on the health of the emitting sources are greater in the warm months due to the operation of the air conditioning system. While the lowest impacts occur when air conditioning and heating do not work (transition days between hot and cold periods, March and October). The health impact of indoor emission sources is greater than outdoor pollution.
Co-Author: Juan Luis Perez-Camaño, Libia Perez and Rosa Maria Gonzalez-Barras, Technical University of Madrid
Ophir Wainer
Use of AI and Satellites for smart utility mapping
A4.4 Use of AI and Satellites for smart utility mapping
Ophir Wainer – 4M Analytics
A look at the future and what is around the corner:
The technological abilities of AI to interpret and learn and the vast amount of data available has led to possibilities of raising the bar for Utility Damage prevention and Utility Engineering evolution. A in depth description the problem of antiquated utility mapping data, methods & consequences, while technology & solutions of using Satellite based mapping and AI to provide a quick and efficient method of Mapping Subsurface Utility infrastructure with the AI application system as well as command and control of construction interaction with existing utilities through damage prevention AI application.
Merging these technologies with current best practices SUE, One Call, and Asset management are the key to evolve and thrive.
Stephen Beene
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and EPA Regs on Power Sector Modeling using Integrated Planning Model (IPM) (Confirmed)
What are the Results of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Other EPA Regulations on EPA's Power Sector Modeling using the Integrated Planning Model (IPM)
Stephen Beene – Senior Consultant – Trinity Consultants
EPA’s Power Sector Modeling using the Integrated Planning Model (IPM) forecasts least cost capacity expansion, electricity dispatch, and emission control strategies while meeting energy demand, environmental, transmission, dispatch, and reliability constraints. IPM is used to evaluate the cost and emissions impacts of proposed policies to limit emissions from the electric power sector. The presentation will provide an overview of the IPM framework of inputs and assumptions. The IPM is frequently refined to account for new and proposed environmental regulations. The results of the Pre-IRA, Post-IRA, and proposed Greenhouse Gas Standards and Guidelines IPM runs are summarized to illustrate the future fossil and non-fossil generation distribution.
OPEN SPOT
Title of your presentation
Track no - Title of Presentation
Speaker Name – Company – RTP
Summary of Presentation
Advisory Board
