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The ability to measure NO, NO2, CO and O2 with relative ease compared to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reference Methods make portable electrochemical cell based analyzers a valuable compliance and operational tool. However, unlike Reference Methods, procedures for using portable analyzers are not consistent across the country. For over a decade, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) has used portable analyzers for many purposes including tuning customer and Operation’s equipment, tests to document the success of efficiency improvement programs, research, and mandated periodic monitoring (PM) compliance “checks.” Although not defined in air quality laws or regulations, the authors of this paper make a distinction between PM compliance “checks” and compliance tests. Compliance tests are required by air quality regulations annually, biennially, or triennially in accordance with stringent, prescribed Reference Method protocols. Compliance tests are typically done by third party contractors, and the inability to meet pollutant limits is considered a “failure” and may result in a Notice of Violation. PM checks, on the other hand, follow a less stringent protocol to reduce complexity and cost. This allows air quality regulators to specify PM checks more frequently than tests, and encourages equipment operators to do the PM themselves. Many regulations also tie PM to tuning activities by allowing adjustments and re-check if the equipment is found to be non-compliant. Results of PM are kept on site for review by the air quality inspector, but in some cases, are reported to air quality agency. The authors believe that there is a need to develop specific procedures for PM “checks” to encourage continued simple and cost effective use of portable analyzers, while assuring adequate accuracy. Although more work and research is needed to develop emission PM check protocols, SoCalGas’ recent use of portable analyzers for compliance checks under South Coast Air Quality
Your Price $195.00
List Price $195.00