Measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air are mandatory for most entities running installations that emit pollutants into the atmosphere. What exactly are they? When should they be carried out and what tools should be used to ensure that the results obtained are reliable?
Measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air – what do they involve? When are they required?
Measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air determine the types and amounts of substances introduced into the atmosphere by a given installation or device, as well as the conditions prevailing in the duct at the measurement site. Properly carried out, they allow you to check whether emission volume, which was specified in the environmental protection regulations or permit, is not exceeded. Depending on the purpose, you can specify:
- preliminary measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air – they are performed within 14 days of starting the device or completing the commissioning of the installation, unless a different deadline is specified in the permit for releasing gases and dust into the atmosphere,
- periodic measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air – if the plant has a decision issued, they help determine whether the emission level specified in the decision is not exceeded. Their scope and frequency should comply with the recommendations contained in the decision of the authority obtained as part of the procedure for issuing a permit to release gases and dust into the atmosphere.,
- continuous measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air – are required if the installation or device emits significant amounts of substances or energy into the environment. Similarly to periodic measurements, they help determine whether the emissions specified in the permit for releasing gases and dust into the air are not exceeded.
The measurement results support and are sometimes even necessary to prepare an application for a permit to release gases and dust into the air or to report an installation causing emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. Measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air are also occasionally performed the need to supplement data in reporting systems, such as KOBiZE, and to determine the amount of fees for using the environment.
Additionally, if you want to check whether the device parameters guaranteed by its supplier have been met, you can commission acceptance emissions measurements. Both individual devices, such as boilers or filters, as well as entire technological systems and installations are checked.
Measuring stubs and measuring covers on emitters – when are they used?
One of the conditions for proper measurement of gas and dust emissions into the air is the preparation of an appropriate measurement station. Its essential elements are measuring stubs. They allow the introduction of probes into the flow channels, and if the connectors are properly installed, they enable accredited measurements of gases and dust into the air. (Standard PN-Z-04030-7:1994).
Measuring points they come in different versions, e.g. with a straight or curved flange, and can be made of various types of steel, including: made of stainless and galvanized steel. This allows them to be tailored to the individual requirements of the emitter and the processes occurring in the installation. When selecting measuring stubs, the following aspects are taken into account:
- the height and shape of the emitter and the material from which it was made,
- atmospheric conditions of the emitter (including temperatures of discharged substances),
- the type and properties of substances discharged through the emitter, i.e. the pipe leading to the atmospheric air (including whether the substances are corrosive or explosive),
- using additional pre-insulation on the emitter.
Despite the diversity of measurement stubs, there are situations when their correct installation is not possible in a given installation. Then an expert opinion on the emitters is carried out. During this procedure, a specialist checks whether it can be installed measuring overlays on the emitters, which will allow you to make measurements.
Just like the measuring stubs, the emitter covers are available in various versions. Caps, unlike stub pipes, are always made to measure, which means that they are always made to suit the needs of a given installation, at the request of a specific plant. Their preparation for the individual construction needs of a specific installation results in the fact that there are no ready-made covers in stock. It is possible to make a custom-made overlay adapting it to the specificity of the measurement station and allows for accredited measurements of gas and dust emissions into the air.
The overlays are applied only for the duration of the measurement, and their storage requires protection against deformation so that they can be used again during subsequent measurements.
Are you looking for specialists who will reliably measure gas and dust emissions into the air? Or maybe you need measuring stubs or measuring covers for emitters? Write to us or call usto see how we can help you.
