An Assessment Of Parametric Monitoring As An Alternative Approach To Continuous Emissiosn Monitoring Systems At A synthetic Polymer Plant

摘要

Recent changes in the Clean Air Act have suggested that continuous verification of emissions from processing units be required in order to demonstrate compliance with permit limitations for all sources. Whiel this once implied that continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) would eventually be required for all emission sources, this study presents an assessment of the use of parametric monitoring as an adequate alternative. Since monitoring of key process variables are already required for process control, maintaining relationships between these variables and emissions provides an easy alternative to document compliance assurance. In this study, a demonstration of this approach is investigated with an on-line industrial unit. By generating preliminary correlation curves for estimating hydrocarbon emissions from variables used in a solvent recovery process at a polymer manufacturing plant, parametric monitoring is established for air quality compliance assurance. A general methodology for this approach to emissions estimations is presented in the final discussion and may serve as a guide for adapting this technique to other air emission sources. Benefits of using the parametric monitoring alternative include potential process improvements, significant cost savings, and possible future application to development of preedictive emission models.