CEMS (Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems) Pilot Project: Evaluation of Opacity CEMS Reliability and QA (Quality Assurance) Procedures. Volume 1

摘要

A study was conducted in Missouri to evaluate the reliability of opacity monitoring data and to facilitate the development and evaluation of QA procedures for opacity CEMS's. The study included opacity CEMS's installed on six coal-fired electric utility generating units at four generating stations, each owned by a different company. The sources were representative of a wide range of monitoring applications and conditions, and were equipped with contemporary opacity monitoring instrumentation. For each station, monitor- and source-specific opacity CEMS QA procedures were developed and CEMS audits were conducted at the beginning of the study. Plant personnel implemented and revised the QA procedures and conducted a performance audit during a 6- to 8-month period. Performance audits were also conducted at the end of the study. The report presents evaluations both of opacity CEMS reliability (i.e., accuracy, precision, and availability) and of the QA procedures that were used in the study. In summary, appropriate and effective QA procedures can be developed and implemented for a variety of opacity monitoring equipment and applications without imposing an undue burden on the monitor operators. Such procedures are inherently source- and monitor-specific. Reliable opacity monitoring data are obtained when appropriate QA procedures are implemented.