22
2018
Can’t Even Make Sense of CEMS?
CEMS is a term that is used quite often when referring to air quality management. If you are new to the industry, or are now being subjected to CEMS regulations, this small but complex area of air emissions can seem overwhelming. Air Tox is available to assist in removing the shroud of mystery surrounding CEMS and help you understand the basics of what a CEMS…
15
2018
Implementing CEMS Alarms: Nuisance or Necessary?
Alarms on a CEM system can be extremely helpful in managing CEMS compliance as they can help avoid emissions violations or catastrophic downtime situations. However, if alarms are not set up intelligently, they can become nuisances that are often ignored resulting in real problems going undetected. The following are some simple, yet informative alarms that we recommend: Non-valid data alarms We recommend setting up alarms…
17
2015
What you need to know about the EPA’s new Sewage Sludge Incinerator Rule
In April of 2015, the EPA proposed a Federal Implementation Plan for sewage sludge incinerators (SSI units). Affected facilities are required to comply with the plan by March 21, 2016. The plan specifies two subcategories of SSI units: multiple hearth and fluidized bed units. Based on that classification, units have certain emission standards they are required to meet. In addition, there are numerous testing and…
28
2015
Simple Tips for Avoiding Downtime
Out of Control Calibrations: A calibration becomes out of control (OOC) when the cal drift value is 4 times the drift specification limit, or when the cal drift value is over 2 times the drift specification limit for 5 days in a row. The latter situation is for Part 60 calibrations only. For a Part 75 calibration, the data becomes invalid from the time of…
28
2015
The Guide to CEMS Acronyms
Ever feel like you’re reading a different language when it comes to your CEMS and COMS regulations or permit? Don’t feel uncomfortable any longer! Here is a reference guide that explains the acronyms you need to know to, well, be in the know! BAF- Bias Adjustment Factor (determined in RATA) BTU- British Thermal Unit CAMD- Clean Air Markets Division CEMS- Continuous Emissions Monitoring System…
19
2015
The Why’s and When’s of Fuel Flow to Load: FFTL Testing
Quarterly Fuel Flow to Load Quarterly reporting under Part 75 (EDR’s) often requires more than just the standard Linearity Tests and RATA’s to maintain compliance. This blog focuses on a fairly simple but easy to overlook test: the fuel flow to load. For every quarter in which a flowmeter accuracy test is not conducted, this test must be run for quality assurance purposes. Compliance…
10
2015
The Why’s and When’s of Fuel Flow to Load: Establishing a Baseline
Establishing a Baseline Fuel Flow to Load Often, QA tests that are not conducted quarterly, or even yearly, are sometimes accidentally ignored. However, their low frequency does not mean they are any less important. The fuel flow to load baseline test is one such QA activity. Since long stretches of time may elapse between tests, it is easy to forget just how this test…
02
2015
Extending the Life of your CEMS Equipment
The replacement cost for CEMS equipment is expensive, and with an average life expectancy of 8-10 years, you want to do whatever you can to extend that. You can add 2, 5 or even 10 years to the life or your equipment with these few simple housekeeping tips: DO YOUR DUSTING…Dust can get into mechanical parts and fans causing things to work harder or overheat….
20
2015
Braving the Elements: Stack Testing in the winter
The forecast is calling for temps around 20F, some wind, and possible snow showers. A good day to stay inside and calibrate those probe TCs, and stay warm with a few espresso breaks in between cals and data entry. But no, the job at hand today is to successfully complete a series of three (3) 2-hour dioxin-furan tests, applying EPA Method 23 on a testing…