Use of Multicomponent Infrared Gas Analyzers at Waste-to-Energy Facilities

Multicomponent Infrared Gas analyzers have been a workhorse as Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in the waste-to-energy (WTE) application for the past two decades. It is the technique of choice for many facilities. With obsolescence for electronics, instrumentation and data acquisition systems (DAS) averaging less than 10 years, the earlier multicomponent CEMS are being upgraded to what is now a third generation of that technology. This paper describes the evolution of the three generations of multicomponent CEMS. The evaluation of this technology in the WTE application encompasses the operating histories of nearly two dozen facilities demonstrating compliance with this type of CEMS. Specific details explaining the sampling systems, analyzer optics & controls, interface and communication with plant distributed control systems, and DAS systems are presented. Relative accuracy test audit (RATA) results, CEMS availability histories and annual maintenance costs are reviewed presenting a unique insight into both initial capital costs and operating costs. Actual annual man-hour totals for preventive maintenance (PM), unscheduled maintenance, and annual consumable parts costs are provided. Advances in computer capabilities have provided an opportunity for CEMS functions to not only become more comprehensive but also more robust. Key among these advances is the ability for factory-support services to be provided not only for the software platform but now even down to the basic auditing parameters of the analyzers themselves. Third generation CEMS now feature remote access of the analyzers from the instrumentation repair shop, the vendor’s factory or from the company’s technical service center.