“Measuring Particulate Continuously” was the Hot Topic Hour on December 1, 2011

The following speakers described the current and proposed methods for continuous measurement of particulates, told participants what they need to do to ensure accurate, repeatable data and discussed the implications for the utility industry of errors in their measurement data.

Derek Stuart, Market Sector Manager for Combustion and Environmental at AMETEK Land, discussed the advantages of transmissometry to measure smoke and dust emissions from stacks. They are:

• Can measure PM and opacity simultaneously
  • Many analyzers can output both values
• Very reliable
  • Only moving parts are for daily calibration check
• Theory well-understood (Beer-Lambert law)
• Gives path-averaged concentration
• Non-contact measurement
• Relatively inexpensive

David Moll, Senior Program Manager at AECOM Environment, discussed the different types of continuous particulate emission monitors, their measurement techniques and limitations to perform measurements on certain emission sources. The viability of PM CEMs is as follows:

• PM CEMs are currently being used at power plants, hazardous waste combustors, MSW plants under consent orders and lately to assist with de-rating of power plants.
• Viability requires choosing the right monitor for the application.
• Close attention to monitor maintenance and other QA/QC activities is required to obtain accurate results.
• Oversight of PM testing activities is required to obtain reliable test results (proper method, QA/QC, onsite analyses during correlation work).

Craig Clapsaddle, BetaGuard PM Sales Manager at Mechanical Systems, Inc, described the MSI BetaGuard PM CEM and explained the advantages of the Beta Guard approach to mass monitoring.

• Direct measure of mass concentration
• Replicates EPA Methods 5, 5B         
• NIST traceable mass standards used to calibrate monitor’s mass measurement
• Beta attenuation mass measurement is independent of particle characteristics
• Dilution sampling probe
• 100 percent Isokinetic sampling
• Automatic daily mass and flow drift checks
• Designed for long-term unattended operation with high availability
• PS-11 correlations with real zeroes
• Minimal moving parts.

Jeremy Whorton, Thermo Fisher Scientific/Thermo Environmental Instruments, summarized PM CEMS as follows:

• Hybrid PM CEMS uses light scattering calibrated to an inline TEOM
• TEOM offers traceability to NIST standards
• Dual scattering is a dynamic “indicator” of change in particulate characteristics and/or can be a diagnostic tool
• Technology expected to support evolving industrial process needs
• Beta testing beginning in Fall 2011
• PS-11 Correlation testing is meeting EPA requirements.

Kevin Crosby, Technical Director at Avogadro Group, LLC, Stationary Source Testing, discussed PM CEMS, making the following points:

• Budget realistically – time and expense
• Select a CEMS that will work for your site
• Install it in a good location for representative measurement and for good correlation testing
• Operate it and learn what affects its readings
  • Drift or other operations or maintenance issues
  • Process variables
  • Range of measurement (change range to fit)
  • How to change emissions for your three correlation points
  • Conduct some preliminary correlation test runs
• Budget for the correlation test
• Develop the quality plan – draft it, then improve it
• Budget for daily drift checks, quarterly audits, etc.

The Bios and Abstracts are linked below.
BIOS, ABSTRACTS, PHOTOS - 12-1-1.htm