Abstract
The reduction of particulate emissions is of considerable interest for the mineral and process industry. Comprehensive efforts have been undertaken to comply with increasingly stringent emission regulations to reduce emissions. The DustDetect project with Elkem Technology as the project owner addresses diffuse emissions and aims at providing Best Available Techniques (BAT) for monitoring and reporting of dust emissions for continuous improvement work. Currently diffuse or fugitive, i.e., emissions which do not pass through controlled ducts/stacks are difficult to quantify as they typically originate from multiple sources and spread over larger areas. Detection and quantification can also be heavily affected by surrounding factors, e.g., design of the emitting area or weather conditions. Today, quantification of diffuse emissions are estimations based on time-constrained, locally restricted, and costly, manual measurements performed typically 2-3 times per year for the metal production industry. Measured diffuse dust concentrations are then used to estimate an average operation related discharge throughout the year. However, considerable variation in quantity, duration and location will rarely give accurate information of the emission situation over the year- Furthermore, the lack of real-time information prevents immediate, purposeful, and target-oriented actions to reduce emissions.
Here, we report on the use of long-path dust analyzers to quantify diffuse emissions. Pilot systems based on NEO Monitors' laser technology were installed on an Elkem plant site to perform real-time quantitative diffuse dust emissions monitoring. We outline a procedure for selecting appropriate calibration constants for the laser system, identify challenges related to calibration of open path laser for emission reporting and discuss requirements for reliable and reproduceable on-site verification measurements. We present opportunities related to implementation of online monitoring solutions into modern process and emission control systems for optimization of operations and work environment with large potential to minimize waste streams
Here, we report on the use of long-path dust analyzers to quantify diffuse emissions. Pilot systems based on NEO Monitors' laser technology were installed on an Elkem plant site to perform real-time quantitative diffuse dust emissions monitoring. We outline a procedure for selecting appropriate calibration constants for the laser system, identify challenges related to calibration of open path laser for emission reporting and discuss requirements for reliable and reproduceable on-site verification measurements. We present opportunities related to implementation of online monitoring solutions into modern process and emission control systems for optimization of operations and work environment with large potential to minimize waste streams