Benefits of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) in Emissions Monitoring
What Are the Main Benefits of FTIR?
FTIR is one of the most reliable and effective technologies out there for emissions monitoring. What is more, its flexibility and versatility make it a very cost-effective and multipurpose tool for measurements of a wide range of gas components. Here are the main benefits of FTIR in more details:
- Futureproof
What makes FTIR incomparable is the fact that all gases are measured by scanning the same infrared spectrum. This allows new gases and gas ranges to be added easily to the analysis without any changes to hardware or without changing the analyzer.
Despite updates in the emissions monitoring legislations or best practices, FTIR is (and always has been) capable to adjust to new requirements, such as lower Emission Limit Values (ELVs) with very little effort. This also supports the claim that FTIR is a futureproof, long-lasting and profitable investment.
- Multicomponent Capability
Secondly, FTIR is known for its unbeatable multicomponent capability. There is no other emissions monitoring technology that is able to measure almost an unlimited number of gases. This makes FTIR a cost-effective option, as all components can be measured and analyzed in one go.
- Certified Solutions
Gasmet’s FTIR emission monitoring systems are available with EN 15267 TÜV and MCERTS certificates (QAL 1). As stated in the certificates, multiple components are certified in various ranges, including formaldehyde, low range HF and low range NO.
- Reliability
Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy is undeniably one of the most reliable technologies due to its sensitivity and capability to recognize extremely low concentrations of gases. The Gasmet FTIR gas analyzers can measure from low ppm levels up to vol-%.
The system provides reliable and proven operation with high annual availability and a six-month maintenance interval for all certified compounds.
What Makes FTIR a Unique Technology?
The operational principle behind FTIR gas analyzers is based on identification and quantification of gaseous compounds by their absorbance of infrared radiation. The infrared spectrum of a gas is like a fingerprint: each component has a unique molecular structure or a unique combination of atoms. When exposed to infrared light they produce a unique infrared spectrum. Based on the unique pattern they create, each compound (except diatomic molecules) can be recognized and quantified.
Measurement uncertainty for specific gases (e.g. CO, NO, NO2, SO2, HCl, HF) has a limit value proportional to emission limit value in the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, and the Gasmet system typically has measurement uncertainties smaller than one half the maximum uncertainty allowed for a certified (EN 15267-3, TÜV, MCERTS) emissions monitoring system.
This ensures that Gasmet gas analyzers are capable of monitoring not only today’s emission limits, but also lower limit values that may be introduced in the future, making FTIR a future proof solution.
Gasmet’s FTIR Gas Analyzers
Gasmet offers both portable FTIR gas analyzers and stationary FTIR emissions monitoring systems:
DX4000 for Periodic Measurements
As monitoring does not always need to be continuous, and the environmental regulations can be met by performing periodic measurements, a portable device, such as Gasmet’s DX4000 is an ideal option for a measuring service provider.
DX4000 can accurately monitor up to 50 gases simultaneously in hot and humid sample gases. It is also the world’s smallest FTIR emissions monitoring system, which enables easy use and set up. This device is ideal for stack testing and short-term monitoring.
CEMS II e for Continuous Monitoring
Gasmet CEMS II e is typically used to simultaneously measure up to 16 gases, including Organic Carbon (TOC). Thanks to the flexible and easy-to-use Calcmet software, the list of measured gases can also be extended for more gases and ranges without any changes to hardware.
After installation, CEMS II e works fully independently. All alerts and results are directed to the plant control room, so no additional check-ups over by the device are needed.
Gasmet Continuous Emissions Monitoring System CEMS II e offers TÜV and MCERTS certified solution (QAL1) for a wide range of demanding emission monitoring applications. One of the main benefits of CEMS II e is its robustness, which gives a long-lasting life cycle for the system.
What Needs to Be Taken into Account Before FTIR Device Procurement
Just like for any gas analyzer technologies, there are a number of aspects that need to be taken into account before buying an FTIR gas analyzer.
- Composition of Sample Gas
Before purchasing an analyzer, all measured components, all possible cross-interfering components and measuring surfaces both in normal and fault situations must be carefully looked into. Other important aspects that might affect the measurement are dust levels, gas temperature, gas pressure and dew points. Based on this information we can provide the required gas calibrations for the system. - Gas Sampling Point
What also need to be taken into account is the selection of a suitable sampling point, probe, ability to replace dust filters, sufficient space for working and service. - Placement of monitoring system
To secure an ideal environment for monitoring system, the following factors need to be taken into account: adequate air-conditioning, dust levels, humidity, corrosive circumstances, surrounding gases, danger of explosion, vibration, and serviceability.
Gasmet supports and advices in taking all of these factors into consideration when purchasing and installing an emission monitoring system. This way we can secure safe and suitable set up of devices. With correct and adequate placement and set up we are also able to minimize possible defects in sampling, and elongate the maintenance intervals and life cycles of analyzers.
Why choose Gasmet?
The impact of technological developments will affect the future of emissions monitoring. This means that in the future we need to be able to monitor a wide range of components from complicated gas matrices. It is also likely that decisions to monitor new gases, or gases in lower level will be made at EU-level in the near future.
FTIR is currently the only existing technology that is capable of monitoring gases without cross-interferences. As stated, Gasmet’s FTIR gas analyzers are industry leading, reliable and offer good monetary value. In addition to the high quality of the analyzers, there is always local technical service and support available. It is of utmost importance to us that we guarantee the seamless operation of your plant that is building a cleaner and safer future.
Get in touch and let’s find out how Gasmet can help you fill your emissions monitoring needs!
Customer comments
No comments were found for Benefits of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) in Emissions Monitoring. Be the first to comment!