10 steps to select a CEMS for your operations

Process parameters are an important consideration when selecting a CEMS as it must be able to accurately measure the gases and particles emitted from the process. The type of gas, temperature, and pressure of the process will determine the type of CEMS that should be used. For example, for a process that includes highly reactive gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, a CEMS with high-temperature and pressure capabilities may be necessary. Additionally, where hazardous gases or particles are emitted, a specialized CEMS may be needed to measure those emissions.

The CEMS must also be able to accurately measure and evaluate the process operating parameters such as air flow, temperature, and pressure. This will ensure that the CEMS is providing accurate measurements of the emissions from the process. Furthermore, the CEMS must be able to operate in the environment in which it will be used. This is important to make sure that the CEMS is not damaged or compromised by the process environment. Additionally, the CEMS must be able to operate over a wide range of temperatures and pressures to ensure that it can accurately measure the emissions from the process.

Compliance standards for CEMS solutions are set by local and federal regulatory agencies. The It is important for companies to be aware of and comply with these standards to avoid potential fines or penalties. The respective reporting system is therefore usually derived from national regulations or international specifications.

• What national regulations and standards apply?
• Is it necessary to take international standards such as EU directives or US EPA standards into consideration?
• Do additional specifications apply due to specific plant requirements?

Possible future regulations also have an impact on the selection of a CEMS. This is because many regulations for emissions monitoring are changing, and customers must ensure that the chosen CEMS can meet all current requirements, as well as any pending changes or proposed regulations.

But how can you predict what changes may occur? The easiest option is to ensure the selected system can easily be upgraded or modified to meet any new regulations or changes in the future. This is especially important for customers operating in areas with high levels of air pollution, as they must meet the most stringent regulations. Additionally, customers must consider the cost of operation and maintenance, as future regulations may require additional monitoring or upgrades that could significantly increase the cost of operation.

Aggressive gas components can influence the operation and reliability of CEMS systems when using alternative fuels. For example, the selection of CEMS for a natural-gas-fired power plant (download the brochure here) may be different than the selection of CEMS for an oil-fired power plant. For natural-gas-fired power plants, the CEMS selection must be capable of accurately measuring several parameters, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor.

In addition, the CEMS must be able to measure concentrations of combustion pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. For oil-fired power plants, the CEMS requirements may differ, as the pollutants of concern are typically different. In addition, the CEMS must have the capability to monitor the total hydrocarbon content of the flue gas.

Any CEMS must be designed to accurately measure the concentration of the pollutants from the specific fuel being used. For example, an oil-fired power plant will require a CEMS capable of accurately measuring the concentration of oil-based pollutants, whereas a natural-gas-fired power plant will require a CEMS capable of measuring the concentration of natural gas-based pollutants. Additionally, the CEMS must be designed to meet any additional requirements, such as local regulations or providing data to a third party.

If critical gas components are produced, such as organic compounds, NH3, chlorine or sulfur, the CEMS system must be able to measure these components reliably, even in high concentrations.

Additionally, certain fuel types may produce more particulates which can block the CEMS sensors, leading to a reduced accuracy in the readings. Furthermore, some fuels may have higher levels of heat, which can lead to increased exhaust temperatures. This increased temperature can cause the CEMS to over-report emissions, leading to inaccurate results.

The selection of a CEMS is further complicated by the variation in fuel types used on site. Different fuel types may require different CEMS models, as they may not be able to accurately measure the emissions from certain fuels. Some fuels may have higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds or other pollutants which could impact the CEMS selection. It is important to consider the type of fuel used in the facility when selecting CEMS, as this can ensure that the CEMS is able to accurately measure the emissions from the facility.

Gas cleaning plants such as DeNOx or wet scrubbers significantly reduce the amount of pollutants. However, higher NH3 concentrations due to the addition of ammonia or carbamide as well as deviations in temperature and moisture can significantly reduce the availability and operational lifetime of the measuring system.

Efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the system are all key factors in the selection process. For example, when the operating conditions involve extreme temperatures, the CEMS must be able to measure accurately and reliably under those conditions and respond to any changes quickly and accurately.

For example, if the facility is in an area with high concentrations of hydrocarbon vapors, then the CEMS must be able to detect and measure those vapors accurately. The CEMS must also be able to withstand the corrosive effects of chemicals used in the oil and gas production process. It also must be durable enough to withstand the presence of high wind, dust, and other environmental conditions.

In accordance with quality standards, the CEMS must exhibit verifiable availability of more than 95%, including all maintenance and testing cycles. Critical points include:

• Gas conditioning in the event of condensate- or acid-forming components?
• Downtime caused by filter exchange or gas sampling?

Manufacturers of CEMS systems typically provide technical support and application advice to their customers. The selection process requires a thorough analysis of the available CEMS technologies, their capabilities, and the associated costs. It is important to consider both the upfront costs and the long-term costs of the system, considering maintenance and repair requirements. Additionally, it is important to review the available technical support resources, such as customer support and training, to ensure that the CEMS selected is properly maintained and operated. The selection process should also include an assessment of the vendor's customer service and support capabilities to ensure that any technical questions or issues are addressed in a timely manner.

When selecting a CEMS, it is essential to consider the on-site environment for accuracy and reliability. Factors such as the presence of chemicals, high temperatures, and high levels of dust can negatively impact the performance of CEMS, as these conditions can cause the system to prematurely fail or provide inaccurate readings. Additionally, CEMS must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, lightning, and humidity, that can be common in an oil and gas facility. Companies must select a CEMS that is designed to withstand the environment and provide long-term performance.

In addition to selecting a CEMS that is designed to handle the on-site conditions, companies must also consider how to protect the system from external contaminants. This includes keeping the system away from heavy machinery and other sources of vibration, as well as making sure it is installed in a secure location away from corrosive agents. Furthermore, it is important to keep the system clean and free of debris, as any dust or dirt can interfere with the accuracy of the CEMS.

The availability of consumables / spare parts and additives is extremely important for industrial plants that are difficult to access (oil platforms, gas compressor stations, plants in climatically extreme areas).

A supplier of CEMS systems should be able to provide effective decision-making support in finding a suitable solution. The realization of individual measurement tasks in combination with competent service and added value through digital solutions should be the decisive factor, not the potentially limited range of technical options provided by a specific supplier.

Technology benchmarking is an important tool when selecting a CEMS to measure and monitor the emissions of pollutants from a variety of sources, such as power plants, factories, and oil and gas production sites. Technology benchmarking involves examining the capabilities of different CEMS and comparing them to industry standards and customer requirements. This helps customers identify the most suitable system for their specific needs.

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