Stack Emission Monitoring
Introduction
We specialise in monitoring stack emissions from processes involving the manufacture or use of paints, printing inks, plastics and adhesives.
Our VOC and particulate emission testing procedures have UKAS accreditation. Although we are a Member based organisation located in the UK, our services are also available to non-members worldwide.
Tim Sullivan, who is responsible for PRA's stack emission monitoring service, has attained the MCERTS stack emission monitoring personal competency certificate for Level 2 (team leader) plus technical endorsements TE1 (particulate monitoring by isokinetic sampling techniques) and T4 (gases/vapours by instrumental techniques).
MCERTS for manual stack emission monitoring has been developed by the Environment Agency in collaboration with the Source Testing Association to ensure good quality stack emission monitoring data. The certification of personnel enables personnel carrying out the stack emission monitoring to be formally certified as competent based on their experience, training and examination.
We have carried out stack emission monitoring for firms manufacturing:-
- paints
- resins
- polymers
- printing inks
- automotive components
- military vehicles
- aircraft parts
- office furniture
- graphic art materials
- rubber goods
- computer hardware
Our overall objective is to assist firms in complying with Safety, Health, and Environmental legislation, while maintaining or improving process efficiency. We recognise that our clients need us to find solutions, rather than just define problems and we are fortunate in being able to call upon the extensive experience within the Association of all aspects of surface coating technology.
We normally carry out an on-site assessment visit prior to monitoring. This enables us to check for safe access and to ensure that the location of the sampling points complies with the recommendations of BS 3405. It is also important to ensure that the monitoring work is scheduled for a time when normal production is under way.
VOC Emission Monitoring
The total VOC emission concentration is measured using a total hydrocarbon flame ionisation detector in accordance with BS EN 13526 "Determination of the mass concentration of total gaseous organic carbon in flue gases from solvent using processes". Monitoring is usually carried out over the period it takes to complete the process being monitored.
VOC emission measurements can be used to:
- assess compliance with emission limits set by the appropriate regulatory body (i.e. Environment Agency or Local Authority) in the company's process permit;
- check effects of modifications to the process on the emission levels; and
- evaluate the performance of abatement equipment.
Particulate Emission Monitoring
The particulate emission concentration is measured in accordance with BS 6069 section 4.3 "Method for the manual gravimetric determination of concentration and mass flow rate of particulate material in gas carrying ducts". This test method is UKAS accredited. We can also carry out particulate measurements in accordance with BS ISO 9096 "Manual determination of mass concentration of particulate matter". This test method is not UKAS accredited at present. Both test methods rely on iso-kinetic sampling (i.e. using a gas sampling rate such that the gas velocity at the sample nozzle is equal to the gas velocity in the stack at the point of sampling) to ensure that a representative sample is collected.
As in the case with VOC emission monitoring particulate measurements can be used to :
- assess compliance with emission limits set by the appropriate regulatory body (i.e. Environment Agency or Local Authority) in the company's process permit;
- check effects of modifications to the process on the emission levels; and
- evaluate the performance of abatement equipment.
Consultancy Services
In addition to carrying out VOC and particulate monitoring, we will be pleased to advise on the most efficient and cost effective methods of complying with the appropriate emission concentration limits. In particular we can tell you about the advantages and limitations of:
- changing the operational procedures
- using alternative materials
- installing or modifying abatement equipment
We are very experienced with working for small companies where money is simply not available for re-equipping the factory or installing state of the art abatement equipment. We can usually suggest a practical, low-cost solution that will enable you to maintain production and work within your current emission limits.
