CEMS: Helping Plants Control Emissions

Continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) measure and monitor waste gases and particulates in a plant’s emissions system. As pollution monitoring devices, CEMS help companies operate a successful facility and comply with state and federal regulations to protect air quality.

As their name implies, CEMS operate continuously. To verify system operation, there must be an accurate reading at least every 15 minutes. For industrial facilities that require CEMS, data is recorded separate from other plant systems, but CEMS ultimately influence how a plant operates. CEMS are custom-built to support a variety of industrial processes and programmed to comply with a facility’s specific emissions limits.

Reliability is crucial to avoid problems that might result in regulatory fines.  From instrumentation and sample extraction lines to CEMS equipment shelters and controls integration, these systems require routine maintenance and periodic software updates. Data should always be monitored and analyzed by operators to ensure proper CEMS operation and to determine if a process requires adjustment. Finally, changes in processes or permit emission limits will necessitate system upgrades.

As owners of our own industrial plants, SEFA has installed and maintained CEMS. We offer a variety of services including CEMS electrical, instrumentation, and controls expertise for new installations, maintenance support, and system upgrades. To learn more or to have a conversation about an upcoming project, contact us.