APPLICATIONS OF HFID ANALYZERS

Applications of HFID Analyzers

  • Compliance monitoring of source hydrocarbons following European EN 14181/ EN ISO 14659, EN 12619:2013 regulations and USA EPA Method 25A
  • Stack gas hydrocarbon emissions monitoring
  • Oil Fume Analysis
  • Fence line (perimeter) monitoring
  • Solvent recovery monitor for carbon bed break through
  • Catalytic converter and thermal combustion testing
  • Carbon adsorption regeneration control
  • Measuring engine combustion efficiency
  • Raw exhaust vehicle emissions analysis
  • Hydrocarbon contamination monitoring in air and other gases
  • Detection of trace hydrocarbons in purity gases used in the semi conductor industry
  • LEL monitor of solvent laden air
  • Oil Fume Analysis

Hydrocarbon Stack Gas Monitoring

Stack gas hydrocarbon emissions monitoring is the process of measuring the amount of hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere from industrial stacks or chimneys. It’s a crucial aspect of environmental monitoring, helping to assess and manage air quality by quantifying the types and amounts of pollutants being emitted. This monitoring helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and enables informed decisions about pollution control strategies. Stack gas monitoring is essential for demonstrating adherence to established emission limits outlined in environmental regulations. Monitoring data is used to evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control equipment and identify areas where improvements are needed. Understanding the types and quantities of pollutants released helps in assessing the overall environmental impact of industrial activities. Monitoring helps protect public health by ensuring that emissions are within safe limits and minimizing the risk of air quality related health issues. Continuous monitoring helps to identify potential issues in industrial processes and allow for real-time adjustments to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions.

Oil Fume Analysis

What is oil fume? Oil fume mainly contains aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and other substances, including benzopyrene, volatile nitrosamines, heterocyclic amines, etc., which are all known to be high carcinogens. Because it might be therefore be important to measure oil fumes by using a heated FID Analyzer as an occupational safety measure

Catalytic converter and thermal combustion testing

A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that reduces harmful pollutants in exhaust gases by converting them into less harmful substances, primarily through chemical reactions. Thermal combustion testing, on the other hand, analyzes the combustion process itself, measuring factors like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels, as well as temperature and pressure, to assess the efficiency and safety of a heating system. It reduces harmful emissions from vehicle exhaust by converting pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen. It uses a catalyst (usually precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium) to facilitate chemical reactions that break down pollutants. A properly functioning catalytic converter significantly reduces harmful emissions and improves fuel efficiency. Testing includes measuring exhaust gas composition (HC, CO, O2), back pressure, and temperature before and after the converter to assess its functionality.

Thermal Combustion Testing

Analyzes the combustion process in heating systems to determine efficiency, identify potential problems, and ensure safe operation. Involves measuring various parameters like hydrocarbon (THC), oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature, and draft pressure. Used in various industries, including HVAC, power generation, and industrial processes, to optimize combustion, reduce emissions, and prevent hazards. Performed with FID analyzers combustion analyzers, which measure the concentration of various gases and other parameters, to assess the overall combustion process.

Fenceline Monitoring

Fenceline monitoring, also known as perimeter or boundary monitoring, involves using technology to measure air quality at the boundary of a facility, typically an industrial site. This technique helps detect and track air pollutants, especially those that might escape the facility and affect nearby communities. It’s a crucial tool for environmental compliance, emission control, and safeguarding public health. Fenceline monitoring aims to identify and quantify emissions of specific pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), at the perimeter of a facility. Various technologies are used, including passive samplers (like tubes with carbon sorbent material) and active monitoring systems. These systems may be placed along the perimeter to collect air samples or use continuous monitoring with sensors.

Fenceline monitoring is commonly employed at facilities like chemical plants, petroleum refineries, and other industrial sites where potential emissions could pose risks to surrounding populations.

Solvent Recovery Monitoring

Solvent recovery monitoring is the process of continuously tracking and analyzing the performance of a solvent recovery system to ensure optimal efficiency and purity of the recovered solvent. This monitoring helps in maximizing solvent reuse, minimizing waste, and maintaining environmental compliance. Monitoring the purity of the recovered solvent is crucial for ensuring its suitability for reuse in various processes. Techniques like analyzers based on HFID are used to analyze the composition of the recovered solvent and identify any contaminants. Measuring the percentage of solvent recovered (efficiency) from the waste stream is essential for assessing the system’s performance. This helps in identifying potential issues with the recovery process and optimizing its parameters. Monitoring parameters like hydrocarbon concentration, temperature and pressure within the solvent recovery system is vital for maintaining optimal operating conditions. These parameters directly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of the solvent separation process.

In systems using activated carbon beds for solvent adsorption, monitoring for solvent breakthrough (when the bed is saturated) is crucial for preventing emissions and ensuring efficient operation.

Flame ionization detectors (FIDs) are often used for this purpose. Assessing Environmental Impact: Monitoring the emissions from the solvent recovery system is essential for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By analyzing the data collected through monitoring, adjustments can be made to the system’s operating parameters to improve efficiency, minimize waste, and reduce operating costs.