Thursday, December 3, 2020
Read our latest article in World Coal where Derek Stuart, AMETEK Land's Global Product Manager - Power, Combustion and Environmental looks at opacity monitors and their essential role in emissions monitoring systems.
All combustion plant operators are aware of the need to report emissions of particulate matter to environmental regulators, and opacity monitoring remains the preferred technique in much of North American and Asia. Although more sensitive techniques are available, opacity monitors have a number of features which make them especially attractive, including the ability to calibrate the analyser using a traceable neutral density filter. Opacity measurements can also be compared to a visual estimate made using the Ringelmann method or US APE Method 9, giving a simple remote check of the indicated value.
Although the details vary depending on the jurisdiction, quality standards apply to opacity monitors and other continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) equipment used worldwide. In Europe, all CEMS must be independently tested and certified to EN 15267. US Federal law requires opacity monitors to comply with ASTM D6216, though manufacturers are allowed to self-certify to this standard. In all cases, the aim is to ensure a minimum standard of quality and accuracy which all instruments must meet.
Read the full article in World Coal - November/December 2020