Air pollution has been one of the most prevalent problems in the world. According to the data gathered by the World Health Organization, approximately seven million people die worldwide every year because of it. The organisation also found out that 9 out of 10 people inhale air that contains staggering high levels of air pollutants. Because of this, the international agency continues to work with different countries to monitor the condition of the air. It also aims to improve air quality.
While the implementation of air quality regulations will reduce the amount and types of air pollutants present in the atmosphere, some people are in the dark regarding the process of measuring emitted air pollutants. But one of the methods used to do it is by using continuous emissions monitoring systems or CEMS. To further understand how the process works, here are the essential details about CEMS that everyone needs to know.
What Is CEMS?
In the past, the continuous emissions monitoring systems aim to measure and keep track of the emissions coming from different equipment used in industrial settings. It has to monitor the flue gas to record the level of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide to offer the information needed for combustion control in factories and big plants. But nowadays, the CEMS functions as the necessary tool to comply with different air emission standards like the Acid Rain Program of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Some of the components of a typical continuous emissions monitoring systems tool include the sample conditions, pumps, sample probes, calibration gases, and emissions analysers. While there are different types of CEMS used by various industries, the most common type is the non-dilution extractive-type system. It requires a non-dilution portion of the exhaust gas to get extracted from a pile using a sample pump. After the extraction, it will go to a conditioning system before an emissions analyser looks into its contents.
Who Needs CEMS?
All industries that need to comply with the air-quality regulations of their country have to install a CEMS unit in their facility. Most of the time, these units are present in significant industries like Gas and Coal-Fired Power Plants, particularly in research facilities and sewage treatment plants, among others. It is also a requirement for various Manufacturing Plants like paper mills, steel manufacturing facilities, incinerators, and boilers. Also, facilities for Refineries must have CEMS to monitor their air emissions. These facilities include those focused on the food industry, the waste-to-energy plants, and the thermal oxidisers.
Can CEMS Prevent Pollution?
Using CEMS in an industrial facility can allow the industry to monitor the pollutants that they emit during their operations. If they remain at a safe level, the regulatory agencies will have an assurance that the facility is complying with the rules and regulations. As a result, the environment will have adequate protection from pollutants. Aside from monitoring the limits of emissions, CEMS can also send a warning signal if the allowable emission limit has already exceeded. It will allow the facility to make the necessary actions to avoid causing more pollution to the air and the surroundings.
Installing continuous emissions monitoring systems in an industrial setting can help tremendously in the fight against air pollution all over the world. If all companies comply with the regulations implemented by their companies regarding product emission standards, the air pollutants will significantly drop, and the air quality will dramatically improve. As a result, the air that people breathe will become cleaner and much safer for years to come.