HOW THE CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING SYSTEM WORKS

Governments have found it necessary to come up with regulations for the control of emissions in various industries. Currently, the most dangerous gases produced by industries are SO2 and NOx. Both gases are known for their adverse effects on the environment such as destruction of the ozone layer, reduced visibility, bad odor and reduced soil fertility. Acid Rain Program has come up with regulations that require every industry to monitor emissions of NOx and SO2 using continuous emission monitoring systems. The equipment has to be installed in all industries that produce the two types of gas emissions in critical concentrations.

A continuous emission monitoring device is basically made up of components used to measure emissions selectively. They have a conditioning system, sample probe, microprocessor, recorder, gas analyzers, sample line and a calibration system. The gas analyzers are meant to measure specific concentrations of various gases such as SO2, NOx, and CO2. These are the most commonly produced gases in various industries. The equipment is also equipped with mechanisms for measuring gas opacity, airflow of emission systems, and moisture content. Other gases that may also be measured by advanced devices include oxygen, organic compounds such as methane, unburnt gases, and particulate matter.

Once the mentioned gases and parameters are measured by the gas analyzers, data collected is sent to the microprocessor where it is analyzed. The processor is connected to a display unit and a storage device. The user can either read instantaneous results from the screen or averages of data stored in the inbuilt memory. The regulations set by ARP require every industry owners to give a detailed report showing emission concentrations after every 15 minutes. The continuous emission monitoring device is able to record emissions in the specified span and give hourly averages of the same. 

Once a conclusive report is produced by the continuous emission monitoring device, it is handed over to the EPA for analysis. The relevant authorities check for compliance in accordance with the regulations set by Acid Rain Program. Companies that are non-compliant are penalized and closed until corrective measures are taken. The ARP requires companies to give information about NOx and SO2 emissions. It is not mandatory to give a report about the other gases. SO2 analysis is done in pounds/hr while NOx and other gas emissions are measured in parts per million or parts per billion. Using the CEM systems, governments have been able to monitor emissions produced by industries continuously hence improving on environmental sustainability.