The continuous particulate/fume monitoring or continuous emissions monitoring, alarming and data logging of filter (Local Exhaust Ventilation LEV) emissions can provide proof of air quality. This helping to ensure a safer and cleaner environment and workplace. For large plant / processes, or hazardous emissions, continuous stack emission monitoring is required and enforced by the local authority or environmental agency ie part A or B processes.
Emission Sensor technology is continually improving, together with reduction in pricing. This is enabling continuous emission monitoring of various LEV & ventilation/filtration processes to enable return air back to the workplace. Our improved accuracy (particulate) sensors & data logger systems can provide assurance and proof that air quality is well within COSHH and environmental limits. In so doing, considerable energy savings are available, with some return air to workplace systems, with payback of initial monitoring system being as little as 6 months in some cases
Stack Emissions Monitoring and Testing
R&B particulate & gas stack monitoring systems generally consist of:
- A control unit with/without data logger (for up-to two stacks). For a greater number of stacks a centralised PC can be used.
- An active sensing head(s), including electronics, connecting to a probe which is inserted into the stack.
By performing a calibration process via iso-kinetic sampling, the output signal can be displayed in customer units ie mg/m³, or g/s.
A number of very cost effective particulate monitoring systems have been developed by R&B Industrial to cover a wide range of industrial applications.
Low cost Non-MCERTS ‘indicative’ Monitoring
Bag-house / filter failure particulate / tribo-AC sensor is fitted into airstream. This can be supplied with data logging for up to 2 stacks/sensors or filter exhausts. Data logging is saved onto a compact flash card which can be easily removed and downloaded onto a PC. An audible & visual alarm indicates a high emission/filter failure.
MCERTS ‘quantative’ Stack Monitoring System
Generally required above a certain stack air flow. An MCERTS tribo-electric AC particulate sensor is installed into the stack (minimum velocity and flow criteria applies). Up to two sensors can be installed and interfaced into the data-logger / controller.
- An audible and visual alarm indicates a high emissions event.
- The sensors are calibrated, from stack iso-kinetic sampling, with a display reading in mg/m3.
- Data logging is saved onto an SD memory card
- A network of up 29 sensors can be connected via a single network cable into a central PC running data acquisition software,
- The data logger uses either a compact flash or SD memory card. These are now available with very large memory capacities; ie 32 GB (SD card):
For multiple stacks / filter systems it will probably be more cost effective and efficient to network the stack or filter monitoring into a central PC. The PC can run data acquisition software supplied by R&B Industrial, or integrated into your choice of (SCADA) Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition Software. Note OPC server software is also required. Full system design, installation, configuration and commissioning can be completed by R&B Industrial.
Bespoke solutions can be developed for complete plant, pollution and ventilation / LEV systems monitoring & control; this can include:
- Air flow, temperature, oil mist, filter differential pressure monitoring, filter cleaning system operation, bin level indication, and other process/pollution monitoring requirements.
- LEV SYSTEMS, FILTRATION PLANT AND PARTICULATE EMISSIONS: providing continuous LEV performance and providing the most cost effective and appropriate emission sensors.
- Continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMs) for other stack pollutants such as VOC’s, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide etc. including FLUE GAS ANALYSIS; monitoring combustion efficiency, atmospheric emissions. Substantial cost savings achievable.
- Plant & equipment condition monitoring, such as temperature, vibration, flow rate etc. can reduce plant down-time, increase productivity, increase machine life, prevent catastrophic failure, improve safety (may be a requirement for DSEAR / ATEX systems handling flammable dusts / gases / vapours etc), plus many other benefits.
- Air flow monitoring, control & alarming systems to maintain a safe environment for potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Process optimization & control.