Hi EVENTS; Air & Climate 2014/15.

Hi EVENTS; Air & Climate 2014/15.

The Air Quality and Emissions Show (AQE) 2015. Telford - United Kingdom Apr. 22 - 23, 2015. The 8th in the series of Air Quality & Emissions Events will focus on industrial emissions and stack monitoring of (Part A) processes regulated by the Environment Agency, ambient air quality monitoring,the emissions to air of Part A2 and Part B processes controlled by local authorities, MCERTS standards,.....

Practical Air Dispersion Modeling Workshop - CA, USA Los Angeles - California (USA) Nov. 5 - 7, 2014. This three day workshop is intended for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of air dispersion modeling techniques for continuous releases. New regulations require dispersion models to be used to estimate the magnitude of pollutants from industrial sources on populations both near and far ... Climate Change: Building the Age of Resilience. London - United Kingdom Oct. 23, 2014. This conference will look at the case for developing resilient systems and infrastructure in light of a changing climate. It will examine the range of uncertainties in climate predictions, how different sectors are currently approaching ... Climate Change: Earth System, Future Scenarios and Threats 2014. Newcastle upon Tyne - United Kingdom Nov. 10 - 14, 2014. The course starts with the science of climate change, dealing with uncertainties and the major issues affecting our understanding of the climate system and its future behaviour. It then moves on to climate modelling, covering the ... Lima Climate Change Conference - December 2014. Lima - Peru Dec. 1 - 12, 2014. The 20th session of the Conference of the Parties and the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will be held from 1 to 12 December. COP 20/CMP 10 will be hosted by ... Air Pollution 2014. Newcastle - United Kingdom Dec. 8 - 12, 2014. This course will: * introduce the fundamentals of air pollution with a background on historical perspective on air pollution and a commentary on current air quality policies and standards; * discuss major pollutants, their ... Clean Air Compliance Manager March 2015. Las Vegas - Nevada (USA) Mar. 17 - 19, 2015. This is a 3-day course providing a comprehensive look at the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), its history and drivers, each of the Titles of the 1990 CAA Amendments, and the permitting process. 2015 Northeast Indoor Air Quality and Energy Conference. Portland - Maine (USA) Apr. 15 - 16, 2015. The Northeast IAQ & Energy Conference (formerly called the Maine Indoor Air Quality Conference) is the largest IAQ conference ... 23rd International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution. Valencia - Spain Jun. 1 - 3, 2015. The conferences in this series have discussed and considered many important air pollution issues and the international nature of the attendees has ensured that the conference findings and conclusions enjoy a wide and rapid dissemination ... 6th World Hydrogen Technologies Convention (WHTC) 2015. Sydney - Australia Oct. 11 - 14, 2015. The World Hydrogen Technologies Convention (WHTC), a leading technical and commercial event for the global hydrogen energy and fuel cell community, will be held at Australian Technology Park, Sydney on October 11-14, 2015,

Hi Pollution Monitoring In Cement Industry!.

Hi Pollution Monitoring In Cement Industry!.

The rising use of waste based fuels in the cement industry, both for economic and Environmental objectives, combined with the strengthening of air emission regulations around the world is pushing many operators to face a wider list of pollutants to monitor this, with associated costs. 

The design of appropriate solutions meeting local regulation is the key to maximize the cost benefit of the fuel while maintaining good relationships with local authorities and populations.

Besides the usually requested parameters, like SO2, NOx, CO, total particulate matter, and NH3, additional parameters can also be measured such as HCl, HF, Dioxins & Furans (PCDD/PCDF), Mercury (Hg) and VOC/TOC.

The monitoring of each gas pollutant, when required, can pose specific difficulties, but in general keeping the cost low means trying to operate a multi components analyzer able to measure all of them, except Dioxins & Furans and Mercury which requires very specific technologies and dedicated sampling devices.

Various manufacturers have developed a broad range of analyzers and sampling systems dedicated to meet cement operator needs according to their local regulation. 

Some of these solutions are described below:

The MIR 9000H developed by Environnement S.A (France) is a new generation of heated NDIR analyzer able to simultaneously measure  traditional components such as NOx, SO2, CO, CO2 and O2, in addition to H2O and pollutants like NH3 and HCl, representing a very cost effective, turnkey solution. 

This analyzer was designed to be operated without any chiller, drying membrane, or catalytic oven, allowing the flues gas directly into the measurement cell without any kind of disturbance. 

The entire system being heated to 180°C (~360°F), no condensation can occur even in extremely wet conditions with up to 40% moisture. 

This analyzer’s robust design is particularly suited to demanding wet stack gas mixtures, including those with potentially high NH3, HCl and HF content. Indeed, this analyzer is completely immune to NH3, HCl and HF: both its integrity and its metrological performances being unaffected.

As a cost effective heated analyzer, the MIR 9000H is also an ideal solution for process control to monitor ammonia slips in SCR/SNCR processes. 

In these processes, either ammonia or urea can be used. It is important to stress out that in the case of urea, MIR 9000H takes into account the N2O which is created as a by product. MIR 9000H can also cope with formaldehyde, a compound which can be produced with some types of fuels and cause problems to NDIR measurements.

For low SO2, HCl or NOx concentrations, the SEC-MIR9000 system combining an exclusive membrane based drying technology (sampling) and state of the art NDIR multigas analyzer remains the perfect solution.

It allows for the measurement of a wide range of pollutants, including also CO, CO2, HF and TOC, as well as N2O and formaldehyde for interference corrections purposes.

The SEC-MIR9000 system, while being technically speaking an extractive system, also exists as an in-sit setup (MIR IS). 

Very low NOx concentrations can also be measured with a chemiluminescence CEMS bench, either as an option of an NDIR system, or as a standalone analyzer.

FTIR: Environnement S.A was the first company to introduce the FTIR technology for CEMS application and remains a leader. 

This technology allows the monitoring of a wide range of pollutants, including SO2, NOx, CO, CO2, NH3, HCl, HF and VOC/TOC, with low measurement ranges, making it the ideal solution for the strictest regulations.

Dioxin is an increasing source of suspicion by neighbour populations in regards to waste or alternative fuels combustion. 

The AMESA-D continuous sampler allows for a continuous coverage of dioxin emission and is already considered the standard for monitoring dioxins/furans around the world.

Beside the emissions of PCDD/PCDF there are other emissions of compounds which are not or not so easy to be monitored continuously. 

E.g. mercury can be monitored continuously, but for plants with low concentrations in the range of µg/m3 the accuracies of the existing mercury CEMs depend very strong on the experiences and maintenance efforts of the operators. 

Otherwise the results are not accurate enough. Additional the availability of such systems is restricted.

The continuous Hg Sorbent Trap Measurement System (STMS) AMESA-M represents a cost effective alternative to mercury analyzers, especially when the limit or detection is low and that complex and expensive technologies are necessary. 

The system is based on the adsorption trap method described in the performance specifications 12B of the MACT standard for the continuous monitoring of mercury emissions and is suitable for nearly every application.

The AMESA-M system requires very low maintenance and is adapted to the different flue gas conditions and requirements given by the operators: its availability under difficult flue gas conditions could be kept by values of almost 100 %.

Hi Application note: Eight things to consider when choosing outdoor humidity instruments.

Hi Application note: Eight things to consider when choosing outdoor humidity instruments.

Hi ‘Eight things to consider when choosing an outdoor humidity instrument’;

Outdoor humidity and temperature measurement is essential for applications such as energy management and indoor climate control. Just one outdoor humidity sensor typically optimises the energy efficiency of cooling equipment. However, if this sensor is not accurate, both energy efficiency and human comfort may be compromised. This application note from Vaisala discusses using solar radiation shields; guidelines for installing outdoor humidity instruments; the elements of a good radiation shield; the most common humidity parameters used in free cooling; and more.

Click The Following Link Here To Download Or View & Save Below; 

Similar Further Reading; View Hi Ask An Expert Post Publication On 

Hi Case study: Air Handling Equipment offers accurate dew-point 

monitoring with Vaisala!!!.  Click The Following Post Link Here. 

(Hi) - EPA, U.S. to Cut Carbon Pollution from Existing Power Plants!.

(Hi) - EPA, U.S. to Cut Carbon Pollution from Existing Power Plants!.

The Clean Power Plan is a proposal to ensure a healthier environment, spur innovation and strengthen the economy.

After a major outreach effort, the EPA is releasing the Clean Power Plan proposal to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States.

The proposal will protect public health, move the United States toward a cleaner environment and fight climate change while supplying Americans with reliable and affordable power.

"Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to our health, our economy, and our way of life. EPA is delivering on a vital piece of the Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source--power plants," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. 

"By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids. We don't have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment--our action will sharpen America’s competitive edge, spur innovation and create jobs."

Power plants account for roughly one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. 

While there are limits in place for the level of arsenic, mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particle pollution that power plants can emit, there are currently no national limits on carbon pollution levels.

With the Clean Power Plan, EPA is proposing guidelines that build on trends already underway in states and the power sector to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, making them more efficient and less polluting. 

This proposal follows through on the common-sense steps laid out in the Climate Action Plan and the June 2013 Presidential Memorandum.

By 2030, the steady and responsible steps EPA is taking will:

• Cut carbon emission from the power sector by 30 percent nationwide below 2005 levels, which is equal to the emissions from powering more than half the homes in the United States for one year.

• Cut particle pollution, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide by more than 25 percent as a co-benefit.

• Avoid up to 6,600 premature deaths, up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children and up to 490,000 missed work or school days—providing up to $93 billion in climate and public health benefits.

• Shrink electricity bills roughly 8 percent by increasing energy efficiency and reducing demand in the electricity system.

The Clean Power Plan will be implemented through a state-federal partnership under which states identify a path forward using either current or new electricity production and pollution control policies to meet the goals of the proposed program. 

The proposal provides guidelines for states to develop plans to meet state-specific goals to reduce carbon pollution and gives them the flexibility to design a program that makes the most sense for their unique situation. 

States can choose the right mix of generation using diverse fuels, energy efficiency and demand-side management to meet the goals and their own needs. It allows them to work alone to develop individual plans or to work together with other states to develop multi-state plans.

Also included in the proposal is a flexible timeline for states to follow for submitting plans to the agency—with plans due in June 2016, with the option to use a two-step process for submitting final plans if more time is needed. States that have already invested in energy efficiency programs will be able to build on these programs during the compliance period to help make progress toward meeting their goal.

Since last summer, EPA has directly engaged with state, tribal and local governments, industry and labor leaders, nonprofits and others. 

The data, information and feedback provided during this effort helped guide the development of the proposal and further confirmed that states have been leading the way for years in saving families and businesses money through improving efficiency, while cleaning up pollution from power plants. To date, 47 states have utilities that run demand-side energy efficiency programs, 38 have renewable portfolio standards or goals, and 10 have market-based greenhouse gas emissions programs. 

Together, the agency believes that these programs represent a proven, common-sense approach to cutting carbon pollution—one in which electricity is generated and used as efficiently as possible and which promotes a greater reliance on lower-carbon power sources.

The announcement marks the beginning of the second phase of the agency’s outreach efforts. 

EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 120 days after publication in the Federal Register and will hold four public hearings on the proposed Clean Power Plan during the week of July 28 in the following cities:

Denver, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh. Based on this input, EPA will finalize standards next June following the schedule laid out in the June 2013 Presidential Memorandum.

Fact sheets and details about the proposed 

rule available by clicking the following link 

here or the images above. 

For More information on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan Click The Following Link Here To Visit The White House Official Webpage For Climate Change & View Videos Below. 

Related Event!. 

Hi EPA and LDEQ Raise Awareness of Importance of Air Quality.

Hi EPA and LDEQ Raise Awareness of Importance of Air Quality.

DALLAS -- Today, representatives from the US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) came together to raise awareness of the importance of air quality for people’s health.

EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry and LDEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch spoke about ozone and its effects on air quality and people’s health as part of Air Quality Awareness Month. 

Ozone levels usually rise with warmer temperatures, and higher levels can contribute to breathing problems such as increased asthma attacks.

Governor Bobby Jindal declared May as Air Quality Awareness Month to encourage Louisiana residents to learn more about ozone, how it forms, and how it can affect their health. May is also EPA’s Asthma Awareness Month, which highlights the connection between air quality and people’s health.

The Baton Rouge area has seen its air quality improve in recent years, due to the hard work and collaboration of local industries, governments, environmental groups and citizens, led by LDEQ and EPA. 

Average ozone readings from 2011 to 2013 have allowed LDEQ to begin working with EPA to designate the five-parish Baton Rouge area as attaining the health-based ozone standard.

“The data show that Louisiana’s air quality continues to improve,” said LDEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch. “We can see that improvement in industry practices, a greater public awareness of ozone and the implementation of rules and regulations concerning air quality have made a difference. The efforts of many people have contributed to this accomplishment.”

“The Baton Rouge area has made great strides in improving its air quality by working to reduce the harmful emissions that form ozone,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “With one in ten American kids suffering from asthma, this benefits the health of Louisiana’s families as well as the environment.”

A large part of the Baton Rouge area’s success in reducing average ozone levels comes from participating in EPA’s Ozone Advance Program. 

This voluntary program offered Baton Rouge government, industry, and citizen groups to work with EPA and each other to reduce ozone-forming emissions. 

The Baton Rouge area has worked with EPA air planning staff since June 2012 to identify ways to cut emissions and lower ozone levels.

Ozone is formed by the reaction of sunlight on air containing hydrocarbons (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). 

VOCs and NOx are produced by mobile sources such as cars, boats and heavy construction equipment, industrial sources, natural sources and household activities such as using gas-powered lawn equipment and using paint thinners. 

High levels of ozone can affect lung function and irritate the respiratory system in sensitive populations like children and the elderly. It can worsen chronic health conditions like bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.

Connect Below; To EPA Website, Twitter Account & Facebook Fan Page.

Hi Indoor Quality! Hi Poor Focus! 4 Hi Key Feature Golden Rules Of Ways To Improve Winter Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)!

Hi Indoor Quality! Hi Poor Focus!

4 Hi Key Feature Golden Rules Of Ways To Improve Winter Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)!

"Poor indoor air quality becomes a much bigger issue during the winter months, primarily because we spend a great deal of time indoors with the windows tightly closed.

And that means that any indoor pollutants have less chance of escaping and have a better chance of irritating building occupants."

Because 30% of the commercial buildings in the US already have poor IAQ issues, during the winter months occupants are even more likely to suffer the ill effects of exposure –including respiratory issues and allergies – to indoor pollutants.

So now businesses are footing the bills to cover the medical expenses of sick workers and they're also incurring costs because of lower productivity. US businesses see an estimated 33% drop in worker productivity that’s directly attributed to poor IAQ, according to Buildings.com. 

Click Link Here Or Image Above To Visit Buildings.com Website For Further Reading & To View Article Publication Of 3 Ways To Improve Winter IAQ.

- "Poor IAQ costs the US economy as much as $160 billion each year."

Here are four suggestions to help you improve winter IAQ in your building:

Open doors and windows as often as possible to reduce moisture levels and pollutants. When there is poor ventilation, pollutant levels (from cleaners, adhesives, etc.) are more concentrated, says Jennifer Meek, a customer service manager for Enviro-Solutions. See further reading on information publication article to Eliminate, Ventilate & Isolate, For Improving Winter IAQ By Sandy Smith on EHS Today website. 

Visit EHS Today Website For Further Reading On Winter IAQ by clicking the image above or link here.

1. Reduce the amount of chemicals used in a facility, especially those that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Meek recommends going through your chemical supply and replacing harsher chemicals with choices that emit fewer pollutants and VOCs.
2. Replace the air filters on your building’s HVAC system according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, notes Buildings.com. When you install the filters ensure that they’re secured tightly with no gaps between the frame and rack. This is crucial because respirable particles can pass through the gap without being filtered.
3. Select a quality filter, one that is mechano-electret, providing a balance of mechanical and electret efficiency. It should perform better than a filter that only uses mechanical efficiency as the electrostatic effects can better capture the submicron particles that can cause health issues.

Improved IAQ can have a great impact on work performance, while reducing absenteeism and healthcare issues, according to Robert Martin, an associate category manager for Kimberly-Clark Professional Filtration. Martin also claims the proof is in the statistics

 – better IAQ reduces respiratory illnesses by about 76% and improves employee productivity by about 20%.

Hi Focus Industry Shift Towards Sustainability Reporting!

Now moving on IAQ and shifting the focus on highlighting Regulators & Code Standards Of Industry Requirements & Implications, We ask will G4 simplify Sustainability Reporting?

Will G4 simplify sustainability reporting? The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) seems to think so.

GRI is one of the most well-known organizations in the sustainability field. 

The group promotes sustainability through offering reporting tools to organizations to help them become more sustainable.

GRI believes a sustainable global economy should offer profitability in conjunction with ethical behavior, environmental care and social justice.

GRI recently released its G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines as an update to G3, which was first introduced in 2006. Visit The Global Reporting Initiative Website by clicking the link above or image below to view detailed information on the G4 sustainability reporting guidelines and much more details. 

Click link here or image above to visit the website & view further detailed information on the G4 sustainability reporting guidelines. 

Much has changed in the sustainability world, making the G4 release greatly anticipated, especially considering that other sustainability reporting standards were released in the past seven years, drastically changing sustainability reporting.

GRI’s reporting system lets companies measure and communicate their sustainability information. GRI’s mission is to make sustainability reporting a standard practice.

- "The organization’s sustainability reporting framework is used widely throughout the world."

The sustainability reporting offers methods and metrics that measure and report sustainability performance. A company’s published report details the environmental, economic and social impacts caused by its everyday activities.

It also exhibits the organization’s values toward sustainability and its commitment to a sustainable economy. 

A report can help build trust with stakeholders and others, offering transparency and accountability.

The reporting guidelines are developed in a process that involves representatives from civil society, labor, business and financial markets. 

Additionally, auditors and experts from various fields offer their expertise, and GRI works closely with government agencies in different countries.

G4 includes G4 Online, a free-to-use, web-based tool to help organizations prepare sustainability reports.

GRI believes its latest guidelines will increase user-friendliness and accessibility. 

The emphasis in G4 is on encouraging organizations to provide only the information critical to their stakeholders. 

GRI says the reports will be more strategic, focused and easier to navigate.

According to GRI, the key improved features in G4 include:

• Up-to-date disclosures on governance, ethics and integrity, supply chain, anti-corruption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Generic format for disclosures on management approach.
• Two “in accordance” criteria options, both focused on material aspects.
• GRI Content Index offering a transparent format to communicate external assurance.
• Technically reviewed content and clear disclosure requirements.
• Detailed guidance on how to select material topics, and explain the boundaries of where material impacts occur.
• Flexibility for preparers to choose the report’s focus.
• Flexibility to combine with local and regional reporting requirements and frameworks.
• Up-to-date harmonization and reference to all available and internationally accepted reporting documents.
• Overview tables, summaries and quick links to the specific components of the guidelines.
• Complete glossary, reference lists, and visual guidance.

As previously advised for Further Reading Read more about GRI’s G4 sustainability reporting.