Pod Technologies

Overview:

Pod Technologies provides product development and engineering services for air pollution measurement and control technologies. Areas of experience include:

Combustion and air pollution control;
Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS); and
Air pollution regulations and test methods.

Update:

Recent energy and air quality news, information, and opinion:

US EPA Emission Measurement Documents

US EPA has posted updated versions of documentation for Clean Air Markets continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). These revised versions reflect the transition to the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS), the January 24, 2008 revisions to 40 CFR 75, and the 2008 Court decisions regarding the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) regulations.

Plain English Guide to the Part 75 Rule. June 2009 (pdf, 118pp., 823kB)
Part 75 Administrative Processes. 03/11/2009

In addition, the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has posted a summary of recent projects:

PDF document OAQPS Measurement and Monitoring Projects. March 2009 (pdf, 15pp., 53kB)

And, a revised list of US EPA test methods has been posted:

PDF document Summary of EPA Test Methods . June 2009 (pdf, 10pp., 25.7kB)

6/04/2009

US EPA CEM Presentations

US EPA has posted presentation materials for the recent EPRI CEM Users Group Conference on their website. Topics included: greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, mercury (Hg) monitoring, and information on Clean Air Markets (ARP, NBP, and CAIR).

EPRI CEM Users Group Conference Materials, May 12, 2009, St. Louis, Missouri

5/27/2009

Proposed Mercury Emission Regulations for Cement Plants

US EPA is proposing mercury emission regulations for portland cement manufacturers. In addition to mercury, the changes would add or revise emission limits for hydrochloric acid (HCl), total hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate matter (PM).

Also inculded in the proposed amendments are performance specifications for mercury continuous emission monitors (CEMS), as well as updated recordkeeping and testing requirements:

Performance Specification 12A—Specifications and Test Procedures For Total Vapor Phase Mercury Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources.
Performance Specification 12B – Specifications and Test Procedures For Monitoring Total Vapor Phase Mercury Emissions from Stationary Sources Using a Sorbent Trap Monitoring System
Procedure 5. Quality Assurance Requirements for Vapor Phase Mercury Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems Used for Compliance Determination at Stationary Sources

PDF document Portland Cement Manufacturing: Proposed Amendments to National Air Toxics Emission Standards: Proposed Rule. ~~April 21~~ May 6, 2009 (pdf, 58pp., 1MB)

5/06/2009

Combustion Gas Periodic Monitoring Protocol

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has posted a ~~draft~~ final source test protocol for Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1. The protocol is for the periodic monitoring of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxygen (O2) from combustion sources. The protocol has been developed to ensure standardization of test procedures, and includes specifications for test conditions, test methods, test equipment, data collection/reporting, and quality assurance procedures.

PDF document Combustion Gas Periodic Monitoring Protocol for the Periodic Monitoring of Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Combustion Sources Subject to Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1.. ~~Draft~~ Version 0.0, ~~April 9~~ May 1, 2009 (pdf, 24pp., 434kB)

Previously, SCAQMD posted a protocol for compliance testing:

PDF document Compliance Protocol for the Measurement of Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Sources Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1146 and 1146.1. March 10, 2009 (pdf, 38pp., 102kB)

For more information on Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1, see:

5/02/2009

Proposed Amedments for Particulate Matter Measurements

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed amendments to methods for measurement of filterable fine particulate (Method 201A) and measurement of condensable particulate matter emissions from stationary sources (Method 202). The proposed amendments to Method 201A would add a particle-sizing device to allow for sampling of particulate matter (PM) with mean aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 or fine PM). The proposed amendments to Method 202 would revise the sample collection and recovery procedures of the method to reduce the formation of reaction artifacts that could lead to inaccurate measurements of condensable particulate matter (CPM).

Preamble to Methods 201A and 202. (pdf, 54pp., 345kB)
Method 201A - Method for Measurement of PM10 and PM2.5 Emissions - Proposal. (pdf, 77pp., 1003kB)
Method 202 - Method for Measurement of Condensable Particulate Matter - Proposal. (pdf, 46pp., 509kB)

3/25/2009

Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has finalized criteria for facilities to determine if predictive emission monitoring systems (PEMS) can be used instead of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). These evaluation criteria are known as Performance Specification 16—Specifications and Test Procedures for Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources. PEMS predict source emissions indirectly using process parameters that have a known relationship to pollutant concentration.

US EPA is allowing, but not requiring, facilities to predict their emissions in compliance with the following rules:

Standards of Performance for Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units (40 CFR Part 60); and
Standards of Performance for Stationary Gas Turbines (40 CFR Part 60).

In addition, a number of facilities regulated by state and local agencies are considering their use. The rule also amends several testing and monitoring provisions to make minor clarifications and corrections, including the use of portable analyzers for quarterly relative accuracy audits. For more information, see:

Performance Specification 16: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 1p., 18kB)
Performance Specification 16: Final Rule. (pdf, 83pp., 314kB)

3/24/2009

US EPA Proposes Reporting of GHG Emissions

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.

The rule proposes that suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions submit annual reports to US EPA. The first annual report would be submitted to US EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011.

Gases covered by the proposed rule are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and other fluorinated gases including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE).

The rule was signed on March 10 and will be published in the Federal Register. Following publication, a public comment period will be open for 60 days. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.

EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. US EPA, 03/10/2009
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 6-7, 2009, US EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, Arlington, VA.
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 16, 2009, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.
Proposed EPA Rule Mandates National Reporting of GHG Emissions. Power News, 03/11/2009

3/11/2009

Note: JavaScript is disabled or not supported by your browser.For Previous Updates, please use the following links:
US EPA Emission Measurement Documents; US EPA CEM Presentations; Proposed Mercury Emission Regulations for Cement P...; Combustion Gas Periodic Monitoring Protocol; Proposed Amedments for Particulate Matter Measurem...; Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationa...; US EPA Proposes Reporting of GHG Emissions; US EPA Proposes Stationary IC Engine Rule; US EPA to Consider Regulating Coal Plant Carbon Em...; Clean Air Markets Interactive Maps; For Monthly Archives, please use the following links:
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Events:

Upcoming energy, air quality, and instrumentation events:

Green Tech Connect Forum. South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). August 3-4, 2009. Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA.
I/C Expo 2009. International Society of Automation (ISA). August 6, 2009. Scottish Rite Event Center, San Diego, CA.
Automation West. AES Global, Cal State Fullerton, International Society of Automation Orange County Section (ISA). September 24, 2009. Marriott Convention Center, Anaheim, CA.
Solar Power International 09. Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). October 27–29, 2009. Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA.