30 Air Monitoring
The complex algorithms used require significant processing power and also include a number of factors specific to each sensor, including its sensitivity to temperature changes, calibration coefficients and a variety of other factors. This is all uploaded into the cloud-based server and referenced to each individual sensor pod. The processing also takes into account additional data gathered in the field, meaning readings can be corrected accurately.
Cross-sensitivity of sensors to gases that they are not designed to measure is a common challenge faced when using electrochemical sensors. This can also be overcome by measuring the cross sensitivities for each sensor and uploading this data to the cloud- based server. This can then be compensated for in data processing.
Prototype test data
processors for complex data. It is possible to take a new approach by doing the required data processing on servers hosted on a cloud network. This has two primary benefits:
• Maintaining the low power design through use of a low power processor.
• The ability to integrate sensor-specific parameters in the processing.
An example:
Geotech has developed a number of intelligent data processing techniques in collaboration with the University of Cambridge to ensure that readings from an array of AQMesh pods are accurate.
Based on the principles detailed above, Geotech has been working on the development of the AQMesh air quality monitoring system. Now prototype monitoring devices have begun to be tested in real-life environments and in comparison to reference-type air quality monitors. Some examples of this early test data are shown in graphs. These show data from two co-located AQMesh pods and calibrated reference-type analysers located in Leamington Spa, UK.
This early test data clearly shows excellent correlation between two monitoring pods co-located with a set of reference-style analysers, with trends and pollution events clearly comparable between all three.
The data shows the need for continued development. Data offsets are common with many reference station instruments, with
readings drifting off zero. A correction factor can be applied to correct readings or calibration checks can be used to provide baseline correction. Geotech is currently investigating both of these approaches for AQMesh, with promising results, as a means to further improve the already impressive performance being seen from this new type of air quality monitoring device.
Realising the concept
Driven by a growing demand of the air quality market, manufacturers of instrumentation and sensors have developed new technologies and new approaches to air quality that are now being practically demonstrated and are delivering good results.
This type of compact, easily deployable, wireless monitor is not designed to and will not replace the highly accurate, approved reference monitoring stations that are mandatory in some regulated environments. What is possible is a revolution in the amount of genuine spatial and time-stamped data that can be collected within any urban or industrial environment.
This type of networked sensor array gives the opportunity to identify more accurately the sources of air pollution and thereby develop strategies to combat the problem. Inevitably further development will continue as manufacturers strive to improve the sources of monitoring available to the sector.
Observers can now conclude that achieving greater density of valuable air quality monitoring data using a networked array of low cost sensors is becoming a reality.
The Geotech AQMesh was launched at the AQE Show in Telford.
Continuous and Simultaneous Combustion Gas Analyser
IMR 5000, fromIMR Environmental Equipment (USA), is a state of the art flue gas monitoring system. It is a standalone and automatic system. The enclosure meets IP65 / NEMA 4x requirements.
The modular approach allows the instrument to measure 1 to 12 different (customer selectable) gases simultaneously and continuously. (i.e. O2-CO-CO2-NO-NO2-SO2-H2S-CH4-HC- NH3-N2O-CHL-CL2-O3-Temp.) Each IMR 5000 is custom built according to customer specifications, including gases, gas ranges, enclosure and output.
The IMR 5000 supports 0-10, 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-10V, RS-232 , RS-485, RS-422 Ethernet, USB and digital output.
The IMR 5000 is capable of calculating Lambda, QA (loses), ETA/Efficiency, NOx, NO2, CO2. In addition, the IMR 5000 includes a 1GB flash card used to store instrument configuration and measurements. The IMR 400 gas conditioning unit dries and conditions the combustion gas which then will be analysed by individual sensors. This unique design prevents artificially low readings of NOx, SOx and many other combustible gases.
The SDU5000 processes the information and clearly displays the readings on the front case of the IMR 5000 on a 5.7" colour monitor. This monitor can also output the data in a variety of formats. IMR also offers the Observer II software, real time data transfer application that transfers the information to a connected PC. The user can then interpret the data with hourly, daily, weekly and monthly graphs as well as reports. The Observer II software also offers the capability of monitoring and accessing unit data information remotely through Ethernet.
IMR are currently looking to expand their worldwide distributor network. Reader Reply Card No. 95
Mobile Fine Dust Measuring for Solid Fuel Burning Exhaust
Fine dust particles < PM 2.5 from solid fuel burners such as chimney stoves, logwood, pellets, wood chips, bio mass, coal etc. are dangerous to health as humans do not have any immune system to very small particles resulting in cardiac -/respiration problems as well as damage of brain functions.
Therefore in Germany a regulation (BImSchV) for measuring of fine dust in exhaust has become effective since the beginning of 2013. Until recently far fine dust measuring was based on the gravity method which has its limits when very small values (<<100 mg/m3) have to be measured mobile. Together with the well-known Fraunhofer Institut and the Technical University in Clausthal VERETA (Germany) have developed the first optical mobile fine dust measuring system which has been approved by the German Federal Environment Ageny
(FEA). Also the Graz University of Technology (Austria) has in connection with the European PMinter-Project stated the VERETA measuring system to be suitable.
Key features of the VERETA Fine Dust measuring system for exhausts in chimneys are: Contactless measuring principle based on the combination of stray light and aerosol electrometer sensors, immediate (every second) fine dust value display for 0 – 375 mg/m3, fractional determination of mass in % for particles < 500/<1000/>1000 nm, continuous measuring of up to 12 hours, measuring probe withstands exhaust temperature of up to 700 °C, measuring start within 3 minutes after switch-on, no condensate collector due to patented probe, no permanent service/filter exchange or cleaning before and after measuring, service intervals (depending on fine dust load) only every 50 measurements (at 15 minutes measuring durations). Other features: system includes software for use with PC/Laptop enabling exporting of measured data for further analysis. Interface: RS232/USB Adapter. Supply: 85 – 240 VAC or 24 VDC, probe length 300mm + 3000 pipe, weight: 14 kg, case dimensions: 530x260x390mm.
Reader Reply Card No. 97 Reader Reply Card No. 96 AET Annual Buyers’ Guide 2013
www.envirotech-online.com
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