Master Advanced Flow Measurements to Control Emissions

Summary

Process plants install the world’s most sophisticated air pollution control systems, but they can be ineffective if the flow meters they rely on deliver inaccurate or unreliable data. Accurately measuring the flow of air and other gases that travel through a process industry plant is a crucial function for effective and efficient plant operations.

The Air/Gas Flow Measurement Solutions Handbook from Fluid Components International covers everything from wet gas measurement issue to essential questions for specifying the correct flowmeter. Chapter 5 in the handbook covers how to master advanced flow measurements to monitor and control air pollution emissions, environmental standards in the U.S. and E. U., how to evaluate sensor technologies and more. Take a look at some of the flow measurement challenges around emissions control here, then download the entire ebook for further insights and instructions.  
 

Emissions control challenges

Multipoint flow measurements in large lines, ducts and stacks can be a challenge. These gases are generally mixed hydrocarbons in terms of their composition. In addition, the volume of gas that is emitted tends to vary based on the products in production, workload schedules and seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This variability can lead to irregular swirling flows in stacks that are difficult to measure without multipoint sensing. Large diameter pipes, stacks and ducts present their own unique physical challenges to successful flow meter installation and performance. Installation is complicated by difficult access points, single plane platforms, long cable runs, extra mechanical support and exposure to weather extremes. Lack of pipe straight-run, distorted flow profiles, low flow rates and wide turndowns rates are common performance challenges for many flow metering technologies. Furthermore, the gas can be dirty and/or at high temperatures, which can result in measurement degradation, clogging and fouling that leads to excessive maintenance procedures or premature flow meter technology failures. The purpose for gas flow measurement is now increasingly multipurpose: To comply with government regulations and to provide process gas data for scrubbers and flare systems. The combination of these factors results in the need for flow meters that operate accurately and reliably over a wide flow range in rugged environments with distorted and swirling flow profiles.
 

Flow measurement environmental standards

For large stack monitoring applications, the U.S. EPA requires a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) or Continuous Emissions Rate Monitoring System (CERMS). For CERMS, the flow meters must perform an automated and on-demand self-checking of calibration drift (CD) at both a low range and a high range flow point.

In the EU, these systems are referred to as an Automated Measuring System (AMS). The flow meters that support them also need to meet the Quality Assurance Level 1 (QAL-1) standard confirming compliance to EN 15267-1,-2,-3 and EN 14181 standards.

Complete the form below to download FCI's Air/Gas Flow Measurement Solutions Handbook. Reading this handbook will help you prevent problems and instead optimize air/gas flow meters to operate safely and effectively for the long haul with minimum cost. By submitting this form, you are authorizing FCI to receive your contact information. * Denotes required field.