HOT TOPIC HOUR

We can measure Mass, Ammonia, SO₃ and NO_x but…  Hot Topic Hour October 13

It is possible to accurately measure emissions at the levels required in the new rules but it will not be easy and will require experience and skill. This is the sense of the discussion in the Hot Topic Hour yesterday.

Ed Burgher, Manager of Business Development & Technical Sales at Avogadro Environmental Corporation, defined the various methods and related them to the new requirements. He offered the following key points:

• The choice of particulate matter (PM) test method determines the nature of PM being measured. Verify the test method requirement in the standard.
• PM sampling for condensables is NOT the same as for filterable PM.
• PM sampling for correlating a PM CEMS is not the same as PM sampling for a compliance test.
• There is no “PM” Standard reference Material (SRM).
• Reference method operational factors critical to meeting data quality objectives:
  • System calibration
  • Filter handling
  • Maintaining sampling conditions, i.e., probe/filter temperature
  • Maintaining isokinetics
  • Sample recovery procedures for nozzle, probe, filter(s) as well as impingers, size selective inlets, etc., depending on method used

  • Maintaining pre and post-filter conditioning/weighing conditions

• Successful PM CEMS correlation highly dependent on quality of reference method measurements.

Mark Pastore, Director Business Development at Environmental Energy Services, Inc., and John Jeffery at Environmental Energy Services, Inc. presented the perspective of a stack testing company on the accuracy of stack testing methods gained over fifteen years of testing experience. They focused on the importance of understanding the test methods being employed and the way the tests are actually run to ensure consistent and accurate data. Their conclusions are:

• If the methods are done by the book, the results will be consistent and accurate.
• Base decision making on accurate measurements.
• Continuous SO₃ and NH₃ monitors are tools for trending and mapping pollutants in the duct.

Craig A. Clapsaddle, BetaGuard PM Sales Manager at Mechanical Systems, Inc/MSI, explained the advantages of the Beta Guard approach to mass monitoring. He concluded that

• BetaGuard is reliable and accurate.
• BetaGuard is installed on many stacks with a long history of successful operation.
• BetaGuard has wide operational flexibility allowing for site specific optimization.
• BetaGuard actively maintains isokinetic sampling.
• BetaGuard is simple to operate and easy to maintain.
• BetaGuard is a direct measure of PM concentration.

Krag Petterson, Principal Product Engineer for Emissions Monitoring at Pall Corporation, discussed the use of the Xact Multi Metals CEM as an alternative to monitoring with a PM CEM and a mercury CEM. The recently proposed National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Coal- and Oil-fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (Utility MACT) requires continuous monitoring of both PM (as a surrogate for non-Hg HAP metals) and mercury on coal-fired power plants. In addition, EPA has proposed individual and total non-Hg metal HAP limits as an alternative to using PM as a surrogate. The Xact 640 is a multi-metals CEM that offers the possibility of compliance monitoring of both mercury and non-mercury HAP directly with a single CEM rather than using both a mercury CEM and a PM CEM.  Previously, the Xact has been approved by the EPA for compliance monitoring on a hazardous waste incinerator and has passed a mercury RATA on a coal-fired power plant.

Here is the development schedule:

• December 2011 Prototype Hg generator complete.
• March 2012 Generation 1 Xact 640/645 pilot unit complete. Will be installed on stacks for testing and demonstration work.
•  July 2012 NIST Certification of Hg⁰ generator complete.

• July 2012 Generation 2 Xact 640/645 pilot unit built. Generation 2 has a rugged design and incorporates Hg generators.

• Fall 2012 field testing Generation 2 stack unit.

Dan Kietzer, Business Development Manager at SICK MAIHAK, Inc., Process Automation Division, discussed SO₃ control using dry sorbent injection (DSI).  DSI offers benefits in both lower emissions and less corrosion to critical plant components. Until recently, a real time monitor to provide feedback control of the DSI was not available. Real time SO₃/H₂SO₄ analyzers have been installed and tested in coal-fired power plants in the U.S. and have been used to control the injection process and reduce sorbent usage. Sick has built upon existing technology to provide a device which can improve reagent efficiency and substantially reduce reagent cost.

Gregory Coleman, Director Air Practice at Geosyntecs, discussed many of the monitoring problems. He believes that FTIR in situ, cross duct is the best measurement option for ammonia. Controlled condensation is the best manual method for SO₃ measurement. FTIR using Quantum Cascade Laser in situ cross duct technology is the best continuous method for SO₃ measurement.

Shawn Nelezen, a Client Account Manager and Senior Project Manager with The Avogadro Group, LLC, discussed the definition and types of particulate matter, recent changes in particulate matter test methodology, the implications of test method on results including interferences, and detection limits relative to the proposed MACT limits. The new Method 202 results in considerably less condensable particulate.

The Bios and Abstracts are linked below.

BIOS, PHOTOS, ABSTRACTS - October 13, 2011.htm