Southern Research offers a wide variety of emission measurement options to those needing information on their process stream characteristics. These offerings include:
Southern Research uses Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technology to measure flue gas composition. Our MKS Model 2030 Multigas Analyzer provides real-time, simultaneous measurement of the concentrations of flue gas components ranging from water vapor, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, HCl, ammonia, H2SO4, and many other compounds. Many organic species can also be measured. The MKS software is unique in that it includes the calibration data for over 200 gaseous components that may be found in flue gas or the ambient. This type of tool is valuable for conducting tuning processes such as those required for set up of ammonia-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) deNOx systems.
With new regulations in place for the control of vapor-phase mercury emissions, the ability to provide accurate measurement of flue gas concentrations of this toxic metal are crucial. Southern Research provides a unique sampling system to quantify the concentrations of both elemental and oxidized mercury. The Southern Research system uses a unique non-catalytic, dry-gas conditioning system with a four-place switching box, to provide measurement of speciated mercury concentrations at two locations in a semi-continuous fashion. Mercury concentrations are measured with a Tekran Model 2537 analyzer. Samples are withdrawn from flue gas streams with inertial separation probes designed to eliminate passage of flue gas through filter dust cakes. A unique continuous and quantifiable spiking capability is built into each probe to allow the injection of elemental mercury spikes in the sampled flue gas just after the probe inlet. This ensures that the spiked mercury sample "sees" the same pathway as the actual flue gas sample. This unique spike and recovery system provides validation of the sampling system and an effective method for obtaining quantified uncertainties for each mercury species concentration measurement taken.
While the measurement of the concentration of sulfur dioxide in flue gas is a common measurement by many commercial analyzers, the determination of sulfur trioxide concentrations has only been accurately accomplished by use of the controlled condensation technique. Southern Research has employed this method of measurement for over 35 years. It requires care and experience in order to conduct this type of test successfully. Special care must be taken when performing these measurements downstream of SCR deNOx systems where ammonia is injected and at wet scrubber outlets where H2SO4 aerosols may have formed. Southern Research has the experience to be able to perform accurate SO3 testing in these environments. Southern Research has produced a number of papers concerning the formation, modeling, and measurement of SO3.
Accurate particle size distribution information is necessary in order to access or predict the performance of electrostatic precipitators. These data can only be obtained by measurement in the ESP inlet flue gas stream using inertial particle sizing devices, such as the cascade impactor. Southern Research developed the standard sampling strategy for using cascade impactors and developed the software package, CIDRS, used worldwide for data reduction for these instruments. Southern Research has conducted hundreds of measurements using cascade impactors, and the series cyclone, also developed at Southern Research. We are currently developing an approved laboratory method to substitute for in situ measurement of particle size distributions for some types of sources. Where applicable, this will greatly reduce the cost of obtaining this information. This website will be updated regularly on the status of this development.
Interested in reducing costs associated with flue gas reheat, but worried about "rain-out" from the stack? Having mist eliminator carryover problems or need testing to ensure that mist eliminator performance specifications are being met? Southern Research has a proven means of quantifying droplet concentrations, carryover, and emission rates - the Southern Research Video Droplet Analyzer (VDA). The VDA provides a means of accurately quantifying mist eliminator (ME) carryover and droplet concentrations in stacks. The droplet sizes that cause the greatest part of ME carryover and stack "rain-out" are typically a few tenths of a millimeter up to a few millimeters in diameter. The VDA provides droplet measurements up to 5,300 micrometers - sizes larger than competitive methods - and is uniquely able to quantify droplet emissions over the critical range of droplet sizes. The traversing capability of the system and real-time data it provides also make it a useful tool in diagnosing droplet carryover problems. It has also been used for several nozzle development projects at Southern Research.
The Wind Tunnel Test Facility incorporates a fan, in-duct heater, 40-ft long test section, and a fabric filter. The test section ducting in 12 inches in diameter. Gas temperatures up to 300° F can be generated. Flue gas velocities up to 60 ft/sec can be maintained. An orifice plate provides for accurate flow control and monitoring. Three sets of six-inch diameter test ports provide an array of test equipment arrangements in either vertical or horizontal configurations. Test port inserts are designed to prevent flow disruptions. Laboratory equipment provides for the injection of various dusts for instrument calibration. The fabric filter insures clean gas is returned to the point of injection. The facility can be used for the calibration of Pitot tubes, hot wire anemometers, annubars, etc. The performance of various particulate sampling instrumentation and monitors (aerodynamic, optical, electrical) can be easily checked using a variety of fly ashes or other powders.
Contact:
Ken Cushing
205-581-2381
cushing@southernresearch.org