ASTM-6522
CTM-030
Emission Measurement
EMISSION MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER
Prepared by Emission Measurement CenterEMTIC CTM-022.WPF
Technical Support Division, OAQPS, EPA 5/1995
DETERMINATION OF NITRIC OXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND NOx EMISSIONS
FROM STATIONARY COMBUSTION SOURCES BY ELECTROCHEMICAL ANALYZER
1.0 Applicability and Principle.
1.1 Applicability. This method is applicable to the determination of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and their sum (NOx) concentrations in controlled and uncontrolled emissions from combustion sources, such as boilers, heaters, engines and turbines. Due to the inherent cross sensitivities of electrochemical cells, this method should not be applied to other emission sources or pollutants without first performing both a complete investigation of potential analytical interferences and a source specific comparative evaluation with published EPA methods.
1.2 Principle. A gas sample is continuously extracted from a stack and a portion of the sample is conveyed to an instrumental electrochemical analyzer for determination of NO, NO2 and NOx concentrations. Acceptable electrochemical sensor performance is reaction and capacity dependent, and requires the selection of a sensor with the correct sensitivity range. Electrochemical sensor technology can be prone to cross interference, noise, short term drift at low concentrations, and overloading or saturation at high concentrations. Performance specifications and test procedures must be followed carefully to ensure reliable data.
2.0 Analytical Range, Sensor Sensitivity Range, & Special Requirements.
2.1 Analytical Range. The overall analytical range is determined by the instrumental design and the availability of sensors with different sensitivity ranges.
2.2 Sensor Sensitivity Range. A portion of the analyzer’s analytical range should be selected for use in a particular emission measurement exercise by choosing a sensor with the appropriate sensitivity range. The sensor should be selected so that the emission standard or actual concentrations of interest represent a significant portion of that sensor’s sensitivity range. The extent of a sensor’s sensitivity range is limited by the ability of the sensor to meet certain performance specifications for both the lower and upper concentration boundaries of the range, and should be verified and specified for each sensor as provided by the sensor manufacturer. Specifications for this purpose are suggested in Sections 4.6.1 and 4.6.2.
2.3 Special Requirements.
2.3.1 Baseline Drift and Filter Degassing. If a sensor’s baseline is higher than 1 ppm equivalent, or if an interference rejection filter is used and it is not certain that the filter does not absorb/adsorb a portion of the desired gas, then it will be necessary to use a means for maintaining the filter and sensor electrode temperature below 30 degrees centigrade. This requirement is to prevent excessive baseline drifts, which may be caused either by changes in the sensor’s baseline, or by degassing of the filter. Such drift may increase very rapidly with increasing temperature, following Arrhenius’ Law, approxi mately. Under these conditions an electronic compensation technique to correct apparent baseline drift is not acceptable, because the apparent baseline shift with temperature depends both on the state of the sensor’s baseline, and the history of exposure of the degassing filter to the gas to be measured. Both factors can change in an unpredictable manner. Therefore, as a demonstration that proper filter/sensor temperature is maintained during each run, it is necessary to keep a record of the filter/sensor temperature during each run.
2.3.2 Electrode Activity Reserve. Electrode activity reserve is the ratio of the reaction rate at the electrode surface to the rate of diffusion of the gas entering the sensor. Since electrochemical sensors should be operated under diffusion control to insure stable and responsive performance, adequate electrode activity reserve should be available to insure proper analyzer performance.
3.0 Definitions.
3.1 Measurement System. The total equipment required for the determination of NO and NO2 gas concentrations. The measurement system consists of the following major subsystems:
3.1.1 Sample Interface. That portion of a system used for one or more of the following: sample acquisition, sample transport, sample conditioning, or protection of the analyzer from the deleterious effects of the stack effluent.
3.1.2 Electrochemical Analyzer. A device that uses electrochemical sensors to measure both NO and NO2 separately and adds the result to yield oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The analyzer must include provision for maintaining the filter/sensor temperature below 30 degrees centigrade, and must provide a means for generating a record of said temperature during the test run.
3.1.3 Data Recorder. A strip chart device, digital computer or printer for recording sample gas measurements and filter/sensor temperature data from the analyzer.
3.2 Calibration Gas. A known concentration of gas in an appropriate diluent gas.
3.3 Analyzer Calibration Error. The difference between the gas concentration exhibited by the gas analyzer and the known concentration of the calibration gas when the calibration gas is introduced directly to the analyzer.
3.4 Sampling System Bias. The difference between the gas concentrations exhibited by the measurement system when a known concentration gas is introduced at the inlet of the sampling probe and when the same gas is introduced directly to the analyzer.
3.5. Zero Drift. The difference in the measurement system output reading from the initial calibration response at the zero concentration level and after a stated period of operation during which no unscheduled maintenance, repair or adjustment took place.
3.6 Calibration Drift. The difference in the measurement system output reading from the initial calibration response at a mid-range calibration value and after a stated period of operation during which no unscheduled maintenance, repair, or adjustment took place.
3.7 Response Time. The amount of time required for the measurement system to display 95 percent of a step change in total gas concentration of a mixture consisting of approximately equal concentrations of NO and NO2 upper range gases on the data recorder.
3.8 Interference Check. A method for detecting and quantifying analytical interferences through either direct recording or
auto-instrumental indication of the analyzer response to an interfering gas.
3.9 Sensor Sensitivity Range. The measurement range in ppm for each sensor. This value should be specified by the sensor manufacturer to allow sufficient reactive capacity, baseline stability, and output signal strength so that the performance standards of Section 4.0 are met on a consistent and reproducible basis. An acceptable sensor sensitivity range should be specified by the sensor manufacturer to meet the lower and upper boundary performance specifications, as defined below.
3.9.1 Sensor Baseline. An electrochemical sensor’s baseline is the difference in electrochemical current measured at 20 degrees centigrade between the sensing and reference electrodes when exposed to zero gas. The output signal may either be expressed in microamps or in ppm equivalents. Gas desorption by an inline filter may increase the sensor’s apparent baseline, considerably. Sensor baseline is small at low temperatures (below 25 degrees centigrade), but can change in an unpredictable manner and increase exponentially with increasing temperature (following Arrhenius’ law, approximately).
3.9.2 Sensor Baseline PPM Equivalents. The sensor’s baseline should be specified by the sensor manufacturer, and should be expressed in
microamps, divided by the sensor’s sensitivity expressed in microamps/ppm.
3.9.3 NO Sensor Lower Concentration Boundary, PPM. An NO sensor’s lower concentration boundary in ppm, which should be specified by the sensor manufacturer. A sensor’s performance at low sensitivity depends on three factors: baseline drift and filter degassing (both of which give rise to exponentially increasing sensor drift with increasing temperature), and instrument signal to noise ratio. The sensor’s lower concentration boundary in ppm should be no lower than 50 times the sensors baseline in ppm at 20 degrees centigrade, unless the baseline is less that 2 ppm equivalent, in which case the lower concentration boundary should be no less than 20 times the sensor’s baseline.
3.9.4 NO Sensor Upper Concentration Boundary, PPM. An NO sensor’s upper concentration boundary in ppm, which should be specified by the sensor manufacturer. The upper concentration boundary in ppm should be specified in consideration of the requirement that the sensor calibration drift should be less than 2 percent of the calibration gas value after one hour of continuous exposure to NO span gas having a concentration of between 90 and 100percent of the upper boundary of the sensor’s sensitivity range.
3.9.5 NO2 Lower and Upper Concentration Boundaries, PPM. The lower concentration boundary should be specified by the sensor manufacturer so that the NO2 sensor has a baseline of less than 0.1 microamp at
20 degrees centigrade. For the upper concentration boundary, the sensor’s manufacturer should specify this value in such a manner that the sensor’s drift following a one hour continuous exposure at 90 to 100 percent of the sensor’s upper boundary should be less than
2 percent.
3.10 Interference Rejection Filter. A filter that is designed to remove one or more interfering gases, thereby increasing electrochemical sensor specificity.
3.10.1 Filter Desorption (Degassing). Gas retained by the filter by an absorption/adsorption mechanism will desorb gradually over a period of time, resulting in a false instrument zero. The rate of desorption is a function of both temperature and the amount of gas adsorbed by the filter during previous exposures, and will decrease with time as the absorbed/adsorbed gas is depleted.
3.10.2 Filter Adsorption. A mechanism by which a portion of the desired gas is retained on the surface of the filter particles, resulting in an gradual increase in sensor response as equilibrium conditions are approached.
4.0 Measurement System Performance Specifications.
4.1 Measurement System Calibration Error. Less than
+/- 2 percent of the high-range calibration gases for the zero,
mid-range and high-range calibration gases.
4.2 Sampling System Bias. Less than +/- 5 percent of the
high-range calibration gases for the zero, and mid-range, or
high-range calibration gases.
4.3 Zero Drift. Less than +/- 3 percent of the high-range calibration gases over the period of each run.
4.4 Calibration Drift. Less than +/- 3 percent of the
high-range calibration gases over the period of each run, with the exception that if the gas concentration is less than 100 ppm, then the absolute value of the difference between the system’s response value and the reference value shall be less than, or equal to 5 ppm.
4.5 Interference Checks.
4.5.1 Initial Interference Response Check. Conduct an initial interference response check of the analyzer prior to its first use in the field, as described in Section 6.4.1. Repeat if changes are made in the instrumentation, such as sensor replacement. The sum of the responses for the initial interference response check for each sensor shall be less than 2 percent of the high-range calibration gases, or
5 ppm, whichever is greater.
4.5.2 Regular Interference Performance Check. Conduct before and after each test run, or after changing an interference rejection filter. Conduct an interference performance test as described in Section 6.4.2. The sum of the responses for the interference performance test for each sensor shall be less than 2 percent of the high-range calibration gases, or 5 ppm, whichever is greater.
4.6 Sensitivity Range. A sensor’s sensitivity range should be specified by the sensor manufacturer to meet the upper and lower concentration boundary performance specifications detailed below.
4.6.1 NO Lower Concentration Boundary. The lower concentration boundary of the NO sensor in ppm should be no lower than fifty times the sensors’s ppm equivalent baseline at 20 degrees centigrade, unless the baseline is less than 2 ppm equivalent, in which case the lower concentration boundary should be no less than twenty times the baseline.
4.6.2 NO Upper Concentration Boundary. The No sensor should be exposed to NO calibration gas of between 90 and 100 percent of the sensor manufacturer’s stated upper concentration boundary. After a period of fifteen minutes, readings should be recorded every five minutes for a period of one hour, with no interruption or purging. All readings of drift should be less than +/- 2 percent of the calibration gas value, unless the concentration of the calibration gas is less than 100 ppm, in which case drift should not exceed
+/- 5 percent.
4.6.3 NO2 Range. The sensor’s manufacturer should certify that the sensor’s baseline is less than 0.1 microamps at 20 degrees centigrade and that its drift following a one hour continuous exposure at 90 to 100 percent of the sensor’s upper boundary is less than +/- 2 percent.
5.0 Apparatus and Reagents.
5.1 Measurement System. Any measurement system for nitrogen oxides that meets the performance specifications of this method. The essential components of the measurement system are described below.
5.1.1 Sample Probe. Glass, stainless steel, inconel, hastelloy x, or equivalent; of sufficient length to traverse the sample points. The sampling probe shall be designed to prevent condensation.
5.1.2 Sample Transport Line. Stainless steel, teflon, or viton tubing; either heated to prevent condensation or located after the condensation removal system; to transport the sample gas to the analyzer.
5.1.3 Moisture Removal System. Any system such as a permeation drier or refrigeration device that will remove the water vapor on a continuous basis without removing a significant amount of the following gases: NO, NO2, CO2, SO2 and O2.
5.1.4 Particulate Filter. An in-stack or an out-of-stack heated filter. The filter shall be stainless steel, Hastelloy X, Teflon, or glass fiber mat with a fluorocarbon binder. All filters shall be fabricated of materials that neither react with, nor retain the gas being sampled.
5.1.5 NOx Analyzer. An analyzer that includes both an electrochemical NO sensor and an electrochemical NO2 sensor; to determine continuously the total NOx concentration in the sample gas stream. The analyzer shall meet the applicable performance specifications of Section 4.
5.1.6 Sample Flow Rate Control. A sample flow rate control mechanism and rotameter, or equivalent, to maintain a constant sampling rate within +/- 10 percent of the flow rate should be specified by the instrument manufacturer.
5.1.7 Sample Gas Manifold. A manifold to divert a portion of the sample gas stream to the inlet probe of the analyzer and the remainder to the by-pass discharge vent. It should be constructed of materials that are not reactive to the gas being sampled.
5.1.8 Data Recorder. A strip chart recorder, digital computer or printer, or memory storage device; for recording measurement data. The data recorder resolution shall be 0.25 percent of the sensor sensitivity upper range, or 1 ppm, whichever is higher. The recorder may be an integral part of the analyzer. Alternatively, a digital or analog meter having the same resolution may be used to obtain the analyzer responses and the readings may be recorded manually.
5.2 NOx Calibration Gases. The calibration gases for the NOx analyzer shall be NO in nitrogen, and NO2 in nitrogen or air.
5.2.1 High-range. For the NO and NO2 sensors, choose concentrations such that the average stack gas measurements for each run are greater than 25 percent of these values.
5.2.2 Mid-range. For the NO and NO2 sensors, gas concentrations equivalent to between 40 and 60 percent of the high-range gases.
5.2.3 Zero Gas. Concentration of less than 0.25 percent of the
high-range calibration gases, or 1 ppm, whichever is higher. Purified ambient air may be used for zero gas after first passing it through a charcoal filter.
6.0 Pre-Test Measurement System Performance Test Procedures.
6.1 Calibration Gas Concentration Verification. Use one of the following two alternatives for establishing the concentrations of calibration gases.
6.1.1 Alternative Number 1. Use calibration gases that are analyzed following the Environmental Protection Agency traceability Protocol Number 1. Obtain a certification from the gas manufacturer that Protocol Number 1 was followed.
6.1.2 Alternative Number 2. Obtain gas mixtures with the gas manufacturer’s tolerance not to exceed +/- 2 percent of the tag value. For NO gas mixtures, the tag date of analysis of the cylinder contents shall not be over one year old. For NO2 mixtures, the tag date shall not be over six months old. Verify each new gas cylinder by first calibrating the analyzer with the previously used cylinder, and then check the analyzer response by analyzing the new cylinder. The latter analyzer reading shall not differ from the new cylinder’s tag value by more than 10 percent, or 10 ppm, whichever is greater. If the analyzer’s readings differ by more than 10 percent, recheck the new cylinder with Protocol 1 gas. If they agree within 10 percent, then use the analyzed value of the new cylinder in place of the tagged value for subsequent analyzer calibrations.
6.2 Measurement System Preparation. Assemble the measurement system by following the manufacturer’s written instructions for preparing and preconditioning the gas analyzer and the other system components. Introduce the calibration gases in sequence and make all necessary adjustments to calibrate the measurement system. Use a sample gas manifold or a demand regulator assembly to feed the calibration gases to the measurement system.
6.2.1 Response Time. Use one of the two following alternatives to determine the system’s oxides of nitrogen response time prior to its initial use in the field.
6.2.1.1 Alternative Number 1. Use rotameters to inject into the system’s sample probe equal flow rates of a mixture of the upper range NO oxide calibration gas and the NO2 calibration gas having a concentration that is 50 percent (+/-10 percent) of the NO calibration gas, or 500 ppm, whichever is lower. Use the rotameters to monitor the calibration gas mixture ratio, and set the total flow to correspond to the instrument’s flow rate. Determine the system’s NOx response time by observing the time required to achieve a stable total NOx response. Once stabilized, remove the probe, and while sampling purified ambient air (zero gas), observe the time required to read a value of zero for total NOx. Note and record the longer of the two times as the response time.
6.2.1.2 Alternative Number 2. If the response time of the system to NO2 as defined by the instrument manufacturer’s specification is longer than five times the response of the system to NO gas, introduce the upper range NO2 calibration gas to the system’s sampling probe. Record the time required for the NO2 display to reach 85 percent of its stable response. Then introduce zero gas and repeat the procedure. Note and record the longer of the two times as the NOx response time.
6.3 Measurement System Calibration Error Check. Conduct the measurement system calibration check by introducing calibration gases at the inlet of the system’s sampling probe as follows: After the measurement system has been prepared for use, introduce the zero, mid range, and high range NO gases to the system. During this check make no adjustments to the system. Allow an time interval equal to the systems response time, then record the system’s responses to each calibration gas. The measurement system’s calibration error check shall be considered invalid if the gas concentration displayed by the system exceeds +/- 2 percent of the NO high-range calibration gases, or 5 ppm, whichever is higher, for any of the calibration gases. If an invalid calibration is exhibited, take corrective action, and repeat the system calibration error check until acceptable performance is achieved. Record the analyzer responses on a form similar to
Figure 1. Repeat the procedure, using zero, mid range and high range NO2 calibration gases. The measurement system’s calibration error check shall be considered invalid if the gas concentration displayed by the system exceeds +/- 2 percent of the NO2 high-range calibration gases, or 5 ppm, whichever is higher, for any of the calibration gases.
6.4 Interference Response Checks.
6.4.1 Primary Check. Before initial use of the instrument, or after changing a sensor, conduct an interference response check as follows: Check the response to possible interfering gases of the NO and NO2 sensors separately. Introduce the gaseous components listed below into the analyzer directly. Feed the gas to the instrument, and record the sensor response at the end of a period corresponding to two times the NOx response time of the system. Determine the total interference output response to these components in concentration units, and record the values for the NO and the NO2 sensors separately. The sum of the interference responses for each sensor shall be less than 5 percent of the high-range calibration gas value, or 5 ppm, whichever is greater. Use the following gases to test for interferences:
6.4.1.1 NO Sensor.
CO: 500 ppm +/-10 percent.
NO2: 90-100 percent of the NO2 sensor’s upper concentration boundary; balance air.
SO2/NO mixture: 50 percent 200 ppm SO2+/-10 percent;
50 percent 200 ppm NO +/- 10 percent; balance nitrogen.
CO2: 10 percent +/- 1 percent; balance air
Note: At the sensor’s electrodes NO is oxidized to NO2, which then reacts with SO2 to produce additional NO, thus resulting in a false reading. Interference to SO2 shall be measured in the presence of
NO gas.
6.4.1.2 NO2 Sensor.
CO: 500 ppm +/-10 percent.
NO: 90 percent to 100 percent of the NO sensor’s sensitivity range, up to 1000 ppm.
SO2: 200 ppm +/-10 percent.
CO2: 10 percent +/- 1 percent; balance air.
6.4.2 Field Use. Before and after each series of tests (up to three consecutive test sets) either manually or using an automatic instrumental interference check as described in Section 6.6, record the response of the NO sensor to NO2 and SO2 calibration gases as listed in Section 6.4.1.1. Record the response of the NO2 sensor to NO and SO2 calibration gases listed in Section 6.4.1.2. Interference responses for each sensor to each gas shall be less than 6 percent of calibration gas value. Depending upon approach, use a form similar to Figure 2 or Figure 4. For natural gas applications, or where SO2 expected vales are less than 10 ppm, SO2 interference gas tests are not required.
6.5 Sampling System Bias Check. Conduct the sampling system bias check prior to its initial use in the field. Thereafter recheck the
measurement system before each test by introducing calibration gases at the inlet of the sampling probe.
6.5.1 NO. Introduce the upper range NO calibration gas to the inlet of the sample probe. Allow an interval equal to the system’s response time and record the analyzer reading. Introduce the calibration gas directly to the analyzer and record the reading. The sampling system bias check shall be considered invalid if the difference between the two readings exceeds 5 percent of the NO calibration gas value, or
5 ppm, whichever is greater.
6.5.2 NO2. Introduce the upper range NO2 calibration gas to the inlet of the sample probe. Allow an interval equal to three times the system’s response time and record the analyzer reading. Introduce the calibration gas directly to the analyzer and record the reading. The sampling system bias check shall be considered invalid if the difference between the two readings exceeds 10 percent of the NO2 calibration gas value (equivalent to 5 percent of the NO calibration gas value), or 5 ppm, whichever is greater.
6.6 Calibration Certification Protocol. Obtain a record to confirm proper sensor and interference rejection filter performance, and to meet the requirements of Section 6.4 before and after each test. Use high range gases for NO, NO2, and SO2 to determine possible cross interferences. See Figure 4.
7.0 Emission Test Procedure.
7.1 Selection of Sampling Site and Sampling Points. Select a measurement site and sampling points using the same criteria that are applicable to Method 1.
7.2 Sample Collection. Position the sampling probe at the measurement point and begin sampling at the same rate as used in Section 5.1.6. The sampling time per run shall be at least three times the system’s NOx response time. Do not extrapolate the instrument’s calibrations beyond 125 percent of the high-range calibration gas values.
7.2.1 Temperature Considerations. In order to assure reproducible performance during each testing procedure, ensure that filter and sensor electrodes do not exceed 30 degrees centigrade, or change by more than 5 degrees centigrade.
7.3 Zero and Calibration Drift Tests. Immediately preceding and following each series of runs (up to three consecutive runs), repeat the sampling system bias check procedure described in Section 6.5. (Make no adjustments to the measurement system until after the drift tests are completed). After waiting each time for a period equal to two NOx response times, record the analyzer’s responses on a form similar to Figure 3.
7.3.1 Acceptable Performance. If either the zero or high range calibration value exceeds the sampling system bias specification, then the run is considered invalid. Repeat both the analyzer calibration error check procedure and the sampling system bias check procedure before repeating the run.
7.3.2 Adjustments. If both the zero and high range calibration values are within the sampling system bias specification, then use the average of the initial and final bias check values to calculate the gas concentration for the run.
7.4 Interference Test. Perform the interference test as described in Section 6.4.
8.0 Emissions Calculations.
The tester may choose to correct the emissions data for a test run using a correction factor determined from the initial and final calibration error checks. The average emissions concentration may be computed by averaging all measurements recorded at equal time intervals during the entire duration of a run. For sampling run durations of less than 1 hour, perform measurements at 1 minute intervals, or a minimum of 20 measurements, whichever is less restrictive, For sampling run durations greater than 1 hour, perform measurements at 2 minute intervals, or a minimum of 96 measurements, whichever is less restrictive.
Figure 1
Analyzer Linearity Data
Date:________________ Tester:________________
Source Identification:__________________________
Analyzer Model #_______________
Analyzer Serial #______________ Sampling System #__________
Sensitivity Range: NO Sensor:______(ppm); NO2 Sensor:______(ppm)
High-range Calibration Gases: NO:______(ppm); NO2:_________(ppm)
NO Sensor #______________ NO2 Sensor #_____________
NO Filter Module #___________
NO Linearity
·
·
NO Calibration Gas Gas Conc. Anal. Response Percent High- Range Gas
Zero/low-range:
Mid-range:
High-range:
NO2 Linearity
NO2 Calibration Gas Gas Conc. Anal.Response Percent High- Range Gas
Zero/low-range:
Mid-range:
High-range:
Figure 2
Interference Response Data
Date:________________ Tester:________________
Analyzer Model #_______________
Analyzer Serial #______________ Sampling System #__________
Sensitivity Range: NO Sensor:_____(ppm); NO2 Sensor:_______(ppm)
High-range Calibration Gases: NO:_______(ppm); NO2:_______(ppm)
NO Sensor #______________ NO2 Sensor #_____________
NO Filter Module #_________
NO Interference Test
Test Gas Gas Conc. Anal. Response Percent High- Range Gas
CO ppm
NO2 ppm
SO2 ppm
CO2 percent
NO2 Interference Test
Test Gas Gas Conc. Anal. Response Percent High- range Gas
CO ppm
NO ppm
SO2 ppm
CO2 percent
Figure 3
Calibration Error Data
Date:________________ Tester:________________
Source Type:________________ Source ID:________________
Analyzer Model #_______________
Analyzer Serial #______________ Sampling System #___________
Sensitivity Range: NO Sensor:______(ppm); NO2 Sensor:______(ppm)
High-range Calibration Gases: NO:________(ppm); NO2:_______(ppm)
NO Sensor #________________ NO2 Sensor #_____________
NO Filter Module #___________ System Response Time: _______min.
Test #:_______ Start Time:___________ Stop Time:______________
Pretest Calibration Check:
Analyzer Channel Zero Gas Conc. Zero Response·· Zero Error: Percent High- Range Gas Span Gas Conc. Span Response Span Error: Percent High- Range Gas
NO
NO2
Post-Test Calibration Check:
Analyzer Channel Zero·Gas Conc. Zero Response · · Zero Error: Percent High- Range Gas Span Gas Conc. Span Response Span Error: Percent High- Range Gas
NO
NO2
Figure 4
Calibration Certification Protocol
time: xx:xx:xx
date: xx/xx/xx
NO2 Span Gas: xxx ppm *
[sensor performance message]
[optional second sensor performance message]
[interference filter performance message]
[optional second interference filter message]
* Note: Repeat for NO.
Emissions Testing
1.Zero drift of the NO sensor – Why can’t I use electronic temperature compenstation to elimiante this drift?
(Not to be confused with span drift as a function of temperature.) A number of studies have shown that with an increase in ambient temperature from 70 deg. F to 105 deg. F, the zero of the nitric oxide sensor has drift by as much as 100 PPM. This is unacceptable, particularly when many NOx RACT requirements are between 50 – 150 ppm.
This drift has been observed for all electrochemical sensors, and is due to a combination of filter desorption and additional chemical reactions inside the sensor that take place as the temperature increases. These studies have confirmed that the zero drift depends on the interaction of two equally important factors: ambient temperature and the exposure history (i.e length of exposure and concentration) of the sensor to nitric oxide gas. Its own target gas.
Since it is impossible to know or predict the entire history of exposure of an NO sensor to its own target gas with any precision, temperature compensation can not solve this problem, and may even add an additional factor of data uncertainty.
Fortunately, the only effective remedy to this problem is both simple and elegant; to maintain the filter and sensor’s temperature to below 30 Degree Centigrade. This will insure the effects of these factors on zero drift is negligible. (See CTM-022 sections 2.3.1 and 7.2.1.)
See figures 5&6 on Technical Paper #2.
2. Why can’t I use a mathematical correction technique (compensating matrix of interferences) to correct for a sensor’s response to intefering gases?
Electrochemical sensors do not lend themselves to the use of mathematical correction, a matrix, to correct for cross interfering gases. Although in principle it is possible to carry out a mathematical correction, it is only practical if the sensor’s response to interfering gases is small (typically less than 5%). There are, however, two major technical difficulties in trying to rely on this method to remove the effects of cross sensitivities:
- The sensor’s characteristics change continuously with time. This adds a substantial degree of uncertainty. When the interference response of the sensor is large or uncertain, it is impossible to achieve acceptable accuracy by mathematical correction techniques.
- A better design consists of using a chemical filter or a scavenging electrode to minimize interference. Only when one is assured of the effectiveness of these primary cross interfering barriers, can a limited back-up mathematical correction be used to remove any residual interference. But the effectiveness on the primary removals systems must be checked and confirmed on a continuous basis to insure sensor selectivity and accuracy.
- The analyzer must be equipped with an additional sensors to measures all cross-interfering gas. Of course, the specificity of these sensor’s must also be maintained, or else one can experience a potentially complex and uncertain series of mathematical interactions. Again the simple and elegant solution is to confirm that the effectiveness of the sensors’s primary interference barriers.
- Sometimes the interfering gas interferes only in the presence of another gas. (i.e. SO2 in the presence of NO gas on the NO sensor). In this case only a selective filter can correct for this interference.
3. THE ANALYTICAL RANGE OF TOXIC GASES OF COMBUSTION SOURCES IS TYPICALLY 30- 5000 PPM. WHY CAN’T I USE ONE SENSOR TO TAKE MEASUREMENTS OVER THIS RANGE?
Unlike analyzers using optical sensors that respond over many orders of magnitude, electrochemical sensors operate accurately over a much smaller range, typically one order of magnitude. These sensors are designed with a diffusion opening to admit the gas and respond to chemical reactions at the electrodes. If the gas concentration is relatively high for a given diffusion opening, the sensor electrodes saturate and do not respond linearly to the gas concentration. If on the other hand the gas concentration is too low for a given diffusion opening, sensor drift caused by temperature changes and residual interference by other gases become significant and reduce sensor accuracy. The proper optimum solution is to divide the entire analytical range into three ranges covering one order of magnitude each and for each sensor to determine the optimum diffusion opening for its operating range.
4. WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM CARBON MONOXIDE CONCENTRATION THAT I CAN MEASURE?
This depends on how long the measurement period is. The longer the required measurement period the lower the maximum CO concentration will have to be. Required accuracy is also a factor, since the sensor will begin to drift with time as it becomes saturated.
The diffusion opening of the sensor is the governing feature that determines maximum permissible concentration. The smaller the opening the higher the allowable maximum concentration.Unfortunately there is a practical lower limit for the opening, before other factors begin to affect sensor performance. Typically, for the lowest practical diffusion opening (and not using dilution of gas methods) and reasonable accuracy (10%), 40,000 PPM for 10 minutes or 20,000 PPM for 20 minutes are possible. (Such a sensor will not operate with sufficient accuracy below 1000 PPM).
5. WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SULFUR DIOXIDE SENSORS?
There are two major drawbacks associated with standard electrochemical sensors. They exhibit a fairly rapid drop in sensitivity when exposed continuously to medium gas concentrations over a period of several hours to three days. They also exhibit very large cross sensitivity (typically up to 160%!!!) to nitrogen dioxide gas. The first problem is associated with the sensor’s internal structure. The second problem cannot be corrected by a selective filter. Filters that remove NO2 will also remove SO2.
The new SEM(tm) sensor uses a novel electrode configuration that minimizes sensitivity loss and incorporates an additional scavenging electrode that minimizes NO2 interference.
6. WHAT IS MEANT BY A CONDITIONING SYSTEM?
Extractive type analyzers draw a small sample of the stack gas, which is then introduced to the analyzer. Extracted stack gas contains a large amount of water vapor and, in the case of liquid and solid fuels, it also contains soot particles. Soot particles are removed by means of porous or fiber filters that are designed not to remove any of the desired gases. In portable analyzers water vapor is removed either by condensing it or by using a permeation type drier. Condensation can be accomplished either by a simple catch pot or by cooling the sample using a chiller. The combination of filters and water removal system is called the analyzer’s conditioning system.
7. WHY IS A PERMEATION DRIER SUPERIOR TO ANY CONDENSING SYSTEM?
Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide gases react with water, but not with water vapor. Even in the most carefully designed condensing type of water removal system, some of the gas will come into contact with the condensing water and this will cause partial removal of NO2 and SO2 from the sample stream resulting in incorrect measurement of their concentrations. In a permeation drier the water is removed while it is still in its vapor state and before it begins to condense. Thus, there is virtually no loss of NO2 and SO2 from the sample stream.
For NO2 measurements, see figures 3&4 on Technical Paper #2.
For SO2 measurements, see figures 3&4 on Technical Paper #1.
8.ARE THERE ANY EPA APPROVED METHODS FOR NOX MEASUREMENTS?
There are two EPA approved methods:
- Reference Methods 7A through 7E (see 40CFR60 App. A). Method 7E regulating the use of chemiluminescent analyzers is the most commonly used.
- EMTIC CTM-022 Conditional test Method for Electrochemical analyzers.
The accuracy requirements for both methods are approximately the same. The procedures for the two methods differ in addressing the special requirements of the two different technologies.
The ENERAC models 3000 & 3000E meet fully the requirements of CTM-022.
9. WHAT IS A CONDITIONAL TEST METHOD ?
According to EPA, a conditional test method is a method that has been technically verified by both OAQPS and ORD, that has not yet gone through the Federal register as a reference method. It can however, be used by states for compliance purposes.
10. WHY CAN’T I USE JUST A HEATED PROBE ?
Using a heated sampling probe only, as some manufacturers do, prevents condensation only for the small section of the probe that is heated. If the sampling line is not heated, condensation will occur in the sampling line. This will cause most of the NO2 and SO2 components of the sample gases to react with the condensing water and disappear from the sample.
11. HOW ACCURATE ARE THE ENERAC’S OXYGEN READINGS ?
The ENERAC’s accuracy for oxygen is plus or minus 0.2 percentage points. However, when comparing the ENERAC’s readings with zirconium oxide in situ analyzers keep in mind that there is a substantial fraction of water vapor in the stack which is removed by the conditioning system of an extractive analyzer, such as the ENERAC, This results in a higher oxygen reading for the ENERAC than for an in situ analyzer. Since the water vapor in the stack can be as high as 20% of the total gas, the difference between the readings can be as high as 1.0 percentage points.
There is also one other point to consider. At the end of its AUTO ZERO period the ENERAC calibrates its oxygen reading to 20.9%. This is the concentration of oxygen in a DRY air (i.e. relative humidity near zero). However, if the ambient temperature is high and the realtive humidity also high the concentration of oxygen in the ambient air may be as low as 20.2%. Under these circumstances the ENERAC calibrating at 20.9% will tend to read proportionally high. To obtain an accurate calibration of the ENERAC, introduce the ambient air through an air purifier that typically consists of a desiccant, such as silica gel, to remove the water vapor and activated charcoal to remove gaseous contaminants.
12. HOW CAN I ARRANGE IN A SPREADSHEET FORMAT DATA SAVED IN THE ENERAC’S INTERNAL MEMORY ?
When you store data in the ENERAC, these data are stored in a form similar to the print out that you get when you press the “TEXT” key.
To arrange the stored data into a form suitable for a spreadsheet program such as Excel or Quattro Pro you must first use the ENERCOM(TM) for Windows program to retrieve the data from the ENERAC. (This program arranges the ENERAC data into the proper form).
To retrieve the data using the ENERCOM program, connect the ENERAC to your computer. Start ENERCOM and establish communication. When the main ENERCOM screen appears enter a suitable file name where you wish the retrieved data to be stored. (You may wish to switch the baud rate at this point to 9600 Baud for faster data retrieval). Switch next to the COMMANDS window. Click the DUMP data box. The ENERAC data will be retrieved and stored in your computer under the chosen file name.
- EXCEL USERS:
- Start·EXCEL
- Click·File -> Open
- Select the file name used in the ENERCOM retrieval.
- When the first text import WIZARD appears, click·NEXT.
- From the next window select delimiters as COMMA (only).
- Click·FINISH.
- QUATTRO USERS:
- Start·QUATTRO PRO
- Click·TOOLS/DATA TOOLS/QUICK COLUMNS
- Select·FILE from the·SOURCE group box list.
- Click the·FOLDER button to select the retrieved data file.
- In the·DESTINATION box enter the cells to copy the parsed data into.
- Click·OPTIONS or Load Settings to specify the parse options to use.
- Specify·NEW PARSE OPTIONS.
- Click·OPTIONS, specify the format as delimiters, OTHER [,] (Comma delimiter) and make sure TEXT QUALIFIER and VALUE QUALIFIER as NONE. You can save the options by clicking SAVE SETTINGS.
- Click·PARSE then you can save in spreadsheet format.
- LOTUS USERS:
- Start·Lotus 1-2-3
- Click·File -> Open.
- Select the file name used in the ENERCOM retrieval.
- Click·Combine. (Do Not choose·Open!)
- Select·Formatted Text.
Don't Overstate your NOx Emissions
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