CEMS, EMISSION TESTING, MONITORING, MODELING, REMOTE SENSING
Room 2 (Track B) Wednesday, February 14, 2024
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.
B1
CEMS | Sampling | Emissions | FTIR | Monitoring
Feb 14 ( 7:3o – 9:30 am)
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.
Siloxane Sampling Methods: Online Vs Offline
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.
Heated Sample Lines – Critical Pathway Link to Compliance
B2.3 Heated Sample Lines - Critical Pathway Link to Compliance
Otto Hirsch – Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure
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!
Generating Highly Reliable FTIR Field Data with Quality Assurance, Accuracy, and Validation
Generating Highly Reliable FTIR Field Data with Quality Assurance, Accuracy, and Validation
Generating Highly Reliable FTIR Field Data with Quality Assurance, Accuracy, and Validation
Blake Ericson –
We will present the key points to assure high quality FTIR data capture during your next source test or CEMS program. From FTIR basics to data validation, we will be addressing best practices and what to look for during your next test event to identify any potential issues with the data being captured.
- What are some common industries FTIR technology is used in?
- Are there any potential regulation changes coming in regards to FTIR use?
- Does the FTIR struggle with certain analysis?
Emission of Condensable Particulate Matter from Coal Combustion
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
PEMS | CEMs | AQ | Monitoring | Modeling
Feb 14 ( 10 am – 12 pm)
PEMS for cost effective monitoring GHG emission rates
PEMS for cost effective monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rates
PEMS for cost effective monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rates – Brian Swanson
Emissions monitoring for large industrial facilities can be a daunting task if continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) are used exclusively. Corporations that operate chemical and refinery or natural gas facilities onshore and offshore must install emission monitoring systems for NOx compliance and are also looking to monitor greenhouse gas emissions including CO2 and methane (CH4). The most common solution is a CEMS that typically includes a heated extractive sampling probe, heated sampling line, sample conditioning system, pumps, moisture removal equipment, and dryers along with the gas analyzers, programmable logic controllers, and data acquisition systems that require significant onsite maintenance or outsourced support. A predictive emissions monitoring system (PEMS), on the other hand, utilizes existing process instrument data from the installed control system. A deployed PEMS does not require additional ancillary equipment and extensive preventative maintenance. Typically, PEMS software runs on a computer and interfaces directly with the process instrumentation and control system. There is no analyzer or sampling system maintenance required for PEMS. This paper contains a discussion of the various types of advanced emission monitoring methods that can be used for predicting emission rates of primary pollutants and GHGs and the theory behind them. In addition, we will present some typical statistical hybrid PEMS systems that have been certified in the last couple of years in the United States and in Australia.
Community Monitoring Hexavalent Chromium – The City of Paramount
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.
Next Generation Benzene Monitoring with PyxisGC BTEX
Next Generation Benzene Monitoring with PyxisGC BTEX
Matt Vargas – AmbiLabs
Ambilabs has 20+ years experience working directly with FRM and FEM EPA designated reference equipment and building turnkey reference instrumentation systems. Our latest specialty solution is designed for continuous Benzene fence line monitoring applications. Learn how the PyxisGC BTEX is changing the way Benzene is monitored on a daily basis.
Continuous Measurement of Particulate Emissions at Stack
B2.3 Continuous Measurement of Particulate Emissions at Stack
Vahid Mirsaiidi – Auburn FilterSense
Due to heightened concern in environmental control, pollution of our environment has become anincreasingly important problem. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented rigorous regulations for improving air quality by controlling the emission of pollutants from stationary sources such as power plants, steel mills, smelters, cement plants, foundries, fertilizer plants, and other industrial processes. This has created a requirement for continuous monitoring and measurement of mass concentration and emissions of particles from industrial stacks, fabric filters (also called baghouses), vents, and process exhausts.
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?
B3
Air Quality | Modeling | Monitoring | Drones
Feb 14 ( 1 – 3 pm)
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and EPA Regs on Power Sector Modeling using Integrated Planning Model (IPM)
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.
CO2 simulations with WRF-VPRM for CMIP6 climate scenarios
CO2 simulations with WRF-VPRM for CMIP6 climate scenarios
Roberto San Jose – Technical University of Madrid
1Environmental Software and Modelling Group, Computer Science School, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
Over the past two centuries, there has been a rapid rise in CO2 levels, largely attributed to emissions from fossil fuel combustion. To gain insights into the complex dynamics of CO2 flux and concentration, this research employs a coupled modeling approach integrating the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model with the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM). The aim is to simulate CO2 transport, dispersion, and concentrations at a high spatial resolution from the year 2015 to 2050.To drive the future simulations global climate model output is utilized as boundary conditions. The climate model data is acquired from the 6th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), which offers a range of possible global climate scenarios. Specifically, this study considers four scenarios: SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585. Each scenario represents a different trajectory of future greenhouse gas emissions and socio-economic development. The simulation results shed light on how these concentrations are influenced by the spatial distribution of emission sources and the impact of climate data. Through this approach, researchers can better understand the factors contributing to changes in CO2 levels and their potential implications for the Earth’s climate system. This can help identify in advance areas with particularly high or low concentrations and provide valuable information for policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders working on climate change mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the inclusion of the vegetation photosynthesis and respiration model provides insights into the role of terrestrial ecosystems in the global carbon cycle and their influence on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This research contributes to our knowledge of how CO2 levels may evolve in the coming decades.
Co-Author: Juan Luis Perez-Camaño, Libia Perez, Technical University of Madrid
Mathematics of Drones
Mathematics of Drones
David Ryan – University of Arizona
In this presentation, we present the mathematics of drones. While mostly academic, it has applications to defense, utility/commercial, and security applications. We discuss path-planning, control and homogenous deformation for multiple drone systems. We will go through examples of each algorithm so that the audience might get a conceptual understanding of how to design a drone system for their company’s use with some simulations.
Microplastic from facial masks and its inhalation exposure
Microplastic from facial masks and its inhalation exposure
Air Quality Management in Dallas and Fort Worth: A Multi-Decadal Environmental Perspective
The Challenges of Air Quality Management in Dallas and Fort Worth: A Multi-Decadal Environmental Perspective
Jithin Kanayankottupoyil – University of North Texas, Denton
In this study, we conducted a multi-decadal analysis of air quality trends in two fast-growing urban regions of North Texas (Dallas and Fort Worth) to evaluate the interrelations between various air pollutants and economic indicators over an extended period from 2000 to 2022. The research focused on using publicly available air quality data obtained from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) operated air quality monitoring sites – Dallas Hinton (DAL) located in Dallas County and Fort Worth Northwest (FWNW) located in Tarrant County. The annual variations in the measured concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ozone (O3), along with total non-methane organic compounds (TNMOC) and several key hydrocarbon species were analyzed and compared to economic indicators including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled (DVMT), sales tax receipts, population growth, housing starts and other key econometrics for each of the two counties. Post-2007, significant reduction in the concentrations of NOx, CO, and acetylene were observed despite the region experiencing major economic and population growth. This was attributed to the introduction of stringent federal emissions regulations including U.S. EPA’s integrated program for heavy-duty vehicles and fuel, the national Renewable Fuel Standard Program, and amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act setting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Similar emission reductions were noted from stationary sources including electricity generating units (EGU) and cement industries in the region because of Clean Air Interstate Rule of 2005 and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule of 2015. During this period, several coal-fired power plants were also shut down and some were replaced by natural gas-fired EGUs in North Texas. Both urban areas continue to struggle with urban and regional ozone air quality issues. The Dallas-Fort Worth comprehensive metropolitan statistical area (CMSA) is currently designated as a non-attainment area based on EPA’s 8-hour averaged National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. While the long-term 8-hour design value (DV) for ozone showed a decreasing trend at both sites, with Dallas experiencing greater reduction than Fort Worth. The mean ozone levels in the two urban areas observed have not decreased significantly during the study period despite reductions in the observed NOx concentrations. The 8-hour O3 DV has stubbornly remained above the NAAQS for FWNW, while DAL has experienced fluctuating trends with two periods of observed DV levels below the NAAQS. To understand the regional variations in the air quality dynamics, we have further examined specific pollutant concentrations and their corresponding sources. For instance, the mean TNMOC concentration at FWNW is 83.14 ± 66.04 ppb-C which is slightly higher than DAL’s 62.50 ± 50.09 ppb-C, despite DAL being influenced by larger population and traffic volume. DAL showed a more pronounced decrease in TNMOC concentration with a slope of -0.24, when compared to FWNW’s -0.048. FWNW is located within the Barnett shale gas region. The observed high levels of TNMOC concentration in FWNW can be attributed to air emissions associated with the extraction and production of natural gas from the Barnett shale. Additionally, DAL had higher NOx concentrations than FWNW, with both cities experiencing a spike in NOx and TNMOC concentrations during 2001, and then from 2003 to 2005. Despite an overall decrease in NOx (an ozone precursor) concentrations in this study region, the increasing influence of TNMOC on urban and regional ozone was primarily due to the increase in activities associated with unconventional oil and gas development and production. This study highlights the complexity of urban and regional air quality management and emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive multi-faceted approach for formulating effective policies.
B4
NOX | Testing | Control | Sensors
Feb 14 ( 3:30 – 5:30 pm)
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.
NOx Reduction for EPA Good Neighbor Rule
NOx Reduction for EPA Good Neighbor Rule
NOx Reduction for EPA Good Neighbor Rule
Kevin Dougherty – VP, Fuel Tech
Review of technology options to meet upcoming Good Neighbor requirements. Case studies of SNCR performance on utility fleets, industrial unit case studies with SNCR and SCR, including options for safe reagent systems.
AeriNox SCR NOx Reduction System
The ALL BLUE Mercury Messenger an Improved Mercury Sorbent Trap Analyzer
AeriNox SCR NOx Reduction System
Loran Novacek – CEO, AeriNox
Common Pump Bearing Problems and How to Solve Them
D3.1 Common Pump Bearing Problems and How to Solve Them
Keith Brand – Business Development Manager – Thordon Bearings Inc.
There are a number of issues that relate to bearing failures in a pump. Such failures can have catastrophic results. Choosing the correct bearing for the application can help insure reliable pump service. The author examines a variety of pump bearings, comparing their strengths and weaknesses.