To ensure continuous compliance with emission standards, large emission sources are often equipped with continuous monitoring systems. Systems that directly monitor emissions are known as continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). SCEC permitting experts have obtained authorization to install numerous CEMS in the Los Angeles region in accordance with South Coast AQMD Rules 218, 218.1, and 2012 (RECLAIM), and with U.S. 40 CFR 75 (Acid Rain). Once CEMS are installed, SCEC provides on-site certification services and conducts relative accuracy test audits (RATA) in accordance with local and federal regulations.

U.S. EPA and South Coast AQMD require that CEMS demonstrate a high level of availability. Excess downtime of CEMS can result in financial costs to facility operators through fines and through fees attributed to default excess emissions reflecting missing data. SCEC prepares quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) manuals and operator training to reflect vendor maintenance requirements as well as regulated QA/QC procedures. SCEC also provides around-the-clock operations and maintenance support to ensure optimal CEMS availability for select clients. These services include managing spare parts inventories, equipment procurement, system troubleshooting, repairs and managing a rigid quality assurance / quality control program. SCEC also assists clients in extracting CEMS data for periodic reports to local and federal regulators.

In the past 10 years combustion engineers have developed mathematical algorithms that can predict the NOx emissions by measuring parametric engine parameters. These NOx Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems (PEMS) or ACEMS have been installed on IC engine compressors and generators, turbines and asphalt dryers. Each application is unique and requires development of the NOx algorithm through emissions testing (mapping) utilizing a chemiluminescent NOx analyzer while the unit is operated under various conditions. Additional data interpretation, beyond the reference method (RM) test requirements for system bias, NO₂ converter efficiency and system response time is utilized in the emissions mapping program. SCEC has been trusted since 1995 to provide high quality RM data by a leading PEMS system provider from project inception to initial and on-going PEMS/ACEMS certification.

SCEC’s monitoring system clients include Horiba, Inc., Graseby Anderson, TECO, Cisco Systems, and Advanced Engine Technology Corporation (AETC).