ENV-04-194 Demonstration of Passive Fourier Transform Infrared Radiometry for Measuring Emissions from Flares

Description:

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is working to improve emission estimates for flares. Currently, these estimates are based on emission factors that were derived from limited data obtained as part of EPA-sponsored testing in 1980. Flare emissions may vary based on actual flare operation, and there may be more variables that affect flare operation than were identified in the 1980 studies. Thus, it is desirable to be able to determine speciated emissions and combustion efficiency during actual operation. The TCEQ contracted the University of Houston (UH) and URS Corporation (URS) to evaluate the feasibility of Passive Fourier Transform Infrared (PFTIR) spectroscopy as a method for measuring flare emissions, and to use those measurements to calculate combustion efficiency of flares. In cooperation with TCEQ and UH, URS teamed with Industrial Monitor and Control Corporation (IMACC) and John Zink Company (John Zink). The team developed a multi-phase study for the purpose of assessing if PTFIR is a viable candidate method for determining the combustion efficiency and total speciated mass emissions from operating process flares with a known level of accuracy and precision.