Client:     Jersey Central Power & Light Co.(JCP&L)

Project:    RACT Compliance Plan

Directed an R&D project to develop an alternative, more cost-effective gaseous criteria pollutant
(NOx, VOC, SO2, and CO) emissions monitoring technique to meet JCP&L’s RACT compliance and subsequent enhanced monitoring needs for its high-temperature combustion turbines.  The approach developed using open-path FTIR/UV technology was tentatively approved by NJDEP as an option for JCP&L RACT compliance.

Client:    American Ref-Fuel
Project:    Provision and Support of a CEM System

Provided design, regulatory interface, and management of system assembly, start-up and certification of a time shared CEM system measuring SO2, CO, NOx, CO2, O2,  and opacity for a waste-to-energy facility for the city of Hempstead, NY.  Directed ongoing maintenance, and CGA auditing support after system commissioning.

Client:    City of Quebec
Project:    Design and Provision of an FTIR-based CEM System

Designed, and managed the assembly and testing of time-shared, dilution probe based CEM system employing an extractive FTIR to analyze components of interest including SO2, CO, NO, NO2, CO2, H2O, and HCl.   This system was certified for many of the parameters in accordance with Environment Canada procedures and was one of the first successful FTIR base CEM systems in operation.

Client : Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

RJK Consulting provided method modification and refinement including arranging the preparation of some unique hydrocarbon reference spectra in support of their aircraft painting operations.

Extractive FTIR


RJK Consulting has had experience with extractive FTIR applications that range from one of the first CEM applications of extractive FTIR on a municipal waste disposal facility to ambient air monitoring near a refinery site in 1996 to supporting numerous firms in on project-specific method development and validation needs.  Dr. Robert Kricks has worked with several suppliers of extractive FTIR systems and is familiar with the hardware and software, as well as with developing and testing analysis methods for project -specific target compound detection. Some representative project experience includes:

City of Quebec-Municipal Waste Incinerator CEM System

Helped to develop and design a CEM system for a timeshare application for four stacks for measurement of SO2, NOx, CO, NH3, HCl, CO2, and H2O based on FTIR use.  System was successfully installed, tested and operated.  The detector was a DTGS detector operating at room temperature.  This was one of the first successful CEM applications, which employed a FTIR as the analyzer.

Evaluation of Extractive FTIR Designs and Options (Confidential Client)

Provided consulting help in evaluating available extractive FTIR modules for client incorporation into CEM system.  Provided information on available components for decision on purchase or build for the FTIR module.  Looked at several system vendors including Bomem, Nicolet, and Advanced Fuel Research [now On-Line Technology] on a comparative basis.

Operation and Data Validation of Ambient Extractive FTIR System

Operated an ambient extractive FTIR system employing dual white cells with effective optical path lengths of greater than 100 meters. Monitored five locations in the vicinity of a large oil refinery over the period of seven weeks.  Maintained and dismantled  / reinstalled the system at each new site location.  Carried daily data validation by viewing compound detections, analysis errors, and trends, as well as looking at 5 % of the collected spectra in detail.  Carried out field study for evaluation of the effectiveness of several types of CO2 scrubbing units used in connection with one cell which was configured to measure water and CO2 sensitive compounds.  About 25 compounds were monitored for.

Design and Initial Operation of a Process Extractive FTIR System

Helped in the overall design of an extractive FTIR system to be used for a pilot process measurement program for an aluminum facility.  Participated in the initial operation and Method 301 validation testing of the system after its installation on-site. Reviewed the analysis method and suggested modifications after evaluation of the initial data collected during process operation.  Sixteen target compounds were monitored for during various process stages.  

 
Chemical Facility Process Emissions Studies

RJK Consulting provided species identification and analysis method development for an industrial client involved in phosphorous chemistry.  Support included work on ambient and elevated temperature sample spectra and careful matching of reference spectra to data spectra to optimize detectability.  A total of five separate process points were studied.

Environmental Engineering Firm FTIR Support

RJK Consulting provided method development and data validation support for a Canadian environmental firm.  Many types of mainly industrial projects were supported including development and data validation for a PVC process which involved vinyl chloride and HCl measurement, and development of analysis methods for several projects involving acid gas measurement including HCl, HF, and H2SO4.   Water reference selection and development were done as part of several applications.

Roy F. Weston FTIR Project Support

Weston has utilized RJK Consulting in numerous extractive FTIR projects over the over past several years.  Projects have ranged from an attempt to measure vapor phase PCB cogeners at PCB waste holding facility to onsite support and method development for process control purposes for an aluminum manufacturer.  Recent projects have involved method 320 and 321 validation testing at cement kiln facilities.

TRC Environmental

TRC has utilized RJK consulting for several extractive FTIR projects over the past several years.  Projects have ranged from training and methods preparation to operation and data validation.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

RJK Consulting provided method modification and refinement including arranging the preparation of some unique hydrocarbon reference spectra in support of their aircraft painting operations.

URS Corporation

Provided analysis method review and improvements, on-going monthly data validation, detection review and false positive identification for several Texas projects.

General Electric / Mostardi-Platt

Provided complex method developments for use on combustion source measurement of VOC species and priority pollutants. High water and CO2 environment were worked with along with linearization corrections due to elevated compound presence at times.  Priority pollutant results were compared to standard CEM-based data and showed very good agreement.   

 



Open-path Optical Remote Sensing


RJK Consulting has had over fifteen years of experience in the open-path optical remote sensing area.  This experience has included open-path FTIR, open-path IR and UV, and tunable diode laser projects and systems.  RJK Consulting is experienced with many of the instrumentation suppliers of open-path remote optical sensing equipment, and familiar with much of the recent software developed in support of this instrumentation.  Project work has ranged from design and management of optical remote sensing programs, and fixed installations to implementation of field programs to data analysis and validation to preparation of detailed reports and recommendations.  Some key highlights of this wide range of experience are:

• Analysis of monitoring requirements, and the technical and economic evaluation of alternative fence-line monitoring approaches including point monitors, open-path FTIR systems, and tunable diode laser based systems for a confidential western US client phosphate facility.  The analysis completed were the basis of procuring a facility fence-line monitoring system.
• Participation as a prime reviewer of the USEPA TO-16 document.  This document provides the basis for employing open-path FTIR for ambient air monitoring applications.  Dr. Kricks served as a key technical reviewer and contributor to this document.
• Designed, implemented, and technically managed an open-path FTIR based test program at the UNOCAL / Tosco refinery near Vallejo, California.  This program was designed to obtain the best possible detection limits for real time data collection at two refinery fence-line location, as well as to test alternative data analysis and reporting software packages, and to establish initial baseline target compound identification and quantitation.  About 6500 separate data spectra were analyzed and became part of the data base for this program, with about 1000 spectra involved in data validation procedures.  This was the first extensive and comprehensive field test program conducted in the country.  As a direct result of the study a permanent fence-line optical remote-sensing program consisting of open-path FTIR, open-path UV, and tunable diode lasers for H2S detection was put in place at this refinery.
• Conducted a development and evaluation program for the employment of optical remote sensing for measurement of the emissions from combustion turbines.  This program was a multi- year developmental effort sponsored by GPU, PSE&G-NJ, and EPRI.  The feasibility of using open-path FTIR and UV instrumentation for categorizing combustion turbine emissions across the tops of turbine outlets was shown.  Specialized data analysis software and reference spectra were developed for dealing with temperatures of up to 750 degrees Kelvin for measurement of SO2, CO, CO2, H2O, CH4, NOx, and hydrocarbons.
•   During 1990 to 1994 directed and conducted applied research directed toward the development of open-path FTIR as viable and acceptable air monitoring and emission rate measurement method for hazardous waste sites, indoor health and safety, industrial fugitive emissions and health and safety monitoring, and dispersion model validation.  Numerous test programs were conducted during this period and many publications communicating studies results were presented and published.

RJK Consulting has carried out and participated in open-path optical remote sensing programs at over 30 applications.  Project experience has included program design, applied R&D, project administrative and technical management, data collection, data analysis / reanalysis, data validation, QA/QC program design and evaluation, and report preparation / contribution.  In addition marketing and market development assistance has been provided to several clients.  Major clients served have included, University of Medicine &Dentistry, IMACC, Rohm & Haas, Sterling Chemical, FMC Corporation, Radian International [URS Corporation], AIL Systems, Remote Sensing-Air, Unisearch Associates, NCASI, Sevenson Environmental, EPA-ERT, R. F. Weston, JCP&L, ENSR, American Cyanamid, and Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation.  Some representative project summaries follow:

Client:         Unisearch Associates
Project:       Fence-line and Area Source Emission Rate Assessment                            for a Confidential Industrial Client

Open-path FTIR was employed during a three-week field program to obtain initial     emission rate data for facility process ponds and evaluate fence-line impacts from     these sources.  The data was processed and validated, and through use of     meteorological and tracer release data which was collected concurrently,         emission rates were estimated employing correction for site specific sigma z     influences. Fence-line FTIR and meteorological data were also validated and     analyzed. A project report providing the results of the data collection was         prepared and submitted to the client and regional EPA.  Study results led to the     establishment and operation of a twelve-beam path, continuous FTIR network at     this site.


Client:        Remote Sensing - Air
Project:     Emergency Response Monitoring For A Confidential Texas                       Chemical Manufacturer

 
Open-path FTIR was used for around the clock monitoring and real-time data     reporting of emissions of nickel carbonyl from a methanol production unit.  This     material was inadvertently made in a process area, and its concentrations         immediately downwind of the unit were continuously monitored, and reported as     unit clean-up procedures were implemented.  Summary reports were provided     verbally once each shift.  Radio alert was provided as required at established     concentration threshold values.  Analysis results were continuously assessed for     detection limit acceptability and modified as required. RJK Consulting provided     on-site operations support and implemented an innovative analysis approach     involving the use of multiple water vapor    references to minimize data reanalysis     requirements.  Data validation procedures were developed and implemented on-    site.


Client:        Confidential Texas Chemical Company
Project:      Measurement Around a Facility Production Unit
                    for Identification of Emissions and Worker Health & Safety

RJK Consulting provided project design and management of operations for this     six around the clock monitoring effort.  The instrumentation was staffed at all     times and data validation carried out in near real time.  The FTIR instrument was     integrated directly into the facility PC network via a computer to computer linkage.     This allowed direct access of FTIR and meteorological data displays by         appropriate unit and facility personnel.  During the program course several     “
unknown “ compounds were identified and added to the site specific analysis     method.


Client:        OHM / Exxon Company
Project:      Solidification Demonstration Air Emissions Measurement

An air monitoring study in support of characterizing emissions for each compound     detected and quantified was carried out at the Exxon Bayway Refinery Sludge     Lagoon Operable Unit during a field solidification trial program.  Traditional point     sampling and open-path FTIR data collection was employed.  Emissions         estimates were used in calculating risks associated with several target         compounds pursuant to NJDEP health risk assessment requirements.  Open-path     FTIR confirmed that no organolead compounds were present and that BTEX     emissions were minimal during solidification.

Client:        Weston REAC / EPA-ERT
Project:      Pilot Scale Remediation- Ralph Grey Trucking Superfund Site

Air emissions evaluation and assessment was conducted for a pilot scale   excavation action.  Several vapor suppression techniques were evaluated  through the use of open-path FTIR and UV monitoring.  Air measurements  concentrated on BTEX compounds and sulfur containing compounds including     tetrahydrothiophene, and sulfur dioxide.  The two open-path techniques proved     complementary.  SO2 was measured simultaneously with both instruments and a     time versus concentration plot of the SO2 emissions were nearly identical,     showing the QA value in concurrent independent data collection.


Client:        Roy F. Weston, Inc.
Project:      Emergency Removal Action Emissions Monitoring

An 11-month open-path FTIR monitoring program was conducted in support of an     emergency removal action for a confidential Michigan client.  The monitoring     purpose was to ensure that VOC emissions generated during the excavation and     off-site transport loading of waste materials did not exceed pre-established     health-based exposure levels at the property line.  Site emissions were such that     exposure levels were periodically approached necessitating the use of vapor     suppression procedures.  The removal action was regulated by open-path FTIR     results, a course of action that was accepted by the participating regulatory     agencies.


Client:        NY City - Jamaica Wastewater Treatment Facility
Project:      Evaluation Of Tunable Diode Laser And Open-path FTIR                            Instrumentation For Air Emissions Characterization

A R&D effort was conducted at the Jamaica WWTF to assess the viability of the     open-path methods for measurement of H2S (diode laser) and potential         chlorinated VOCs and solvents that may be released to the air during water     treatment.  The tunable diode laser was set-up in an open-path multi-pass mode,     and demonstrated low level detection ability of H2S despite alignment         maintenance difficulties.  The open-path FTIR operated well and proved its     usefulness as a tool for the assessment of target VOC emissions.  The tunable     diode laser will be further studied for use in future emissions control systems for     H2S.  

Client:        URS Corporation [ formerly Radian]
Project:      Data Validation / Analysis Software Maintenance

RJK Consulting currently provides data validation services for most of URS   Corporation’s US -based open-path FTIR and 100 meter cell based FTIR   systems operated by URS Corporation over the past eight years.  RJK provides   regular data review and spectral validation, analysis method upgrades and  changes and unknown component determinations.   

Client:        FMC / [Astaris Corporation]
Project:      FTIR Network Management Support and QA/QC / Data 
                   Validation  

RJK Consulting has provided training and network operation management as well as weekly and monthly data review and validation for the corporations' Pocatello facility FTIR network.  This network originally consisted of six separate FTIR instruments operating on twelve beam paths twenty-four hours per day and 365 days per year and started operation in 1999.  Currently four beam paths remain operational as the facility has shut down and the former plant site is now a RCRA site.  A computer network provides for real-time data reporting for all beam paths. Many system improvements were made to overcome winter/summer temperature extremes, induced electronic noise, unidentified components, and instrument variations.   RJK Consulting also provided semi-annual system and performance audits including supervision of the support meteorological tower used in conjunction with the FTIR system, and program weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual report preparation.

Client:        University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
Project:      OP-FTIR Demonstration Project for Wastewater Treatment
                    Plants VOC Emissions Measurement

RJK Consulting provided program design and direction, and supervised OP-FTIR data collection at a New Jersey wastewater treatment facility [WWTF].  This program was funded through NJDEP as pilot program to assess OP-FTIR applicability for VOC emissions measurement at WWTFs.  RJK Consulting prepared the analysis method, and also provided data validation and prepared portions of the project report.  This program proved the feasibility of using OP-FTIR for a WWTF VOC emissions determination.