Verifying measurements for compliance with regulatory agencies has been time-consuming for many manufacturers and producers. I came across a presentation by Emerson’s Kevin Douglas on using remote monitoring software to verify the measurements required to comply with emissions monitoring regulations.

Kevin opened his presentation by describing Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). This equipment monitors NOx, SOx, CO2, and other emissions, usually from flue gas such as a steam methane reformer, boiler, heater, etc. The CEMS package includes the analyzer, sample probe, sample handling system, calibration gas, conditioning equipment, and data acquisition system (DAS) for reports.

Here in the U.S., state permits require a CEMS for emissions reporting, and some states/counties also require emissions reports for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Federal regulations governing CEMS reporting include 40 CFR Part 60 and 40 CFR Part 75.

The most common method of emissions monitoring is extractive. The Extractive method pulls a sample from the stack and sends the sample to the analyzer. Typical measurements from this method include NOx and COx.

The in situ CEMS method analyzes stack components directly in the stack via laser or IR/UV. Typical measurements include those from extractive measurements plus many more. CEMS reporting for emissions monitoring can be performed per federal reporting guidelines when coupled with a DAS. Some of these reporting requirements include:

• Reports with pertinent data are to be submitted as per the air quality permit from the state
• Reports must be made on a CEMS that is confirmed to be calibrated correctly using a Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) test
• Historical records should be maintained by the operating company
• Recent implementations include remote monitoring of CEMS data, including status, alarms, calibration records, etc.

Traditionally, metrology systems maintenance requires a lot of tracking and effort in collecting stranded data from assets, identifying issues before failure, and making multiple trips to return to operation.

The Plantweb Advisor for Metrology provides a modular analytics platform to understand better the health and risks of measurement devices and systems. It enables remote monitoring, measurement device verification and management, predictive maintenance analytics, and health assessment dashboards to ensure emissions are being collected accurately and reliably.

For one offshore oil & gas producer, the software platform enabled metering teams to monitor the equipment from onshore and alert suppliers when issues arise, saving multiple trips to the offshore platforms. This producer estimated USD 4 million in operational savings by switching from the traditional way to remote monitoring.

Emissions is an important subject which will be covered extensively at the October 24-28 Emerson Exchange conference in Grapevine, Texas (DFW area). A search of the conference session catalog shows the following sessions:

• [8-1628] Future-Proof your Renewable Fuels Projects – Sustainability
• [2-1300] How Does Valve Packing Impact Emissions, and What You Can Do About It
• [2-1471] Digital Transformation Beyond the Usual Suspects
• [2-1464] Innovative approach to managing Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Automated Chokes
• [3-1895] Reducing Industrial Boilers’ Carbon Footprint with Sustainable Biofuels
• [6-1890] Digital Services and Their Impact on Key Initiatives
• [8-1902] Multiprong Approach to Reducing GHG Emissions with a Sustainability Mindset
• [2-1829] Wellpad Sustainability-The Journey to Zero! Eliminating LP Tank GHG Emissions
• [2-1494] Achieve Sustainability Goals by Reducing Emissions on Your Gas-Powered Actuators
• [MTE-2044] Greening Your Process Equipment One Valve At A Time
• [3-1239] How Colgate-Palmolive & Emerson Are Reimagining Utilities with Digital Transformation
• [8-1311] Infrastructure to Build Upon: Natural Gas and its Role in the Hydrogen Revolution
• [4-1772] Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emissions with Advanced Process Control

Register by August 31 to save $500 on the conference registration fee.