Compare Mercury Continuous Emissions Monitors

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TTP#: OR0-1-MW31
Project Overview

This task will support the performance evaluation of long-term Continuous Emissions Monitors (CEMs) for Mercury (Hg) at the Toxic Substances Control Act Incinerator (TSCAI). In order for Hg CEMs to be considered for regulatory compliance assurance, acceptable performance must first be demonstrated. Previous Hg CEM testing in conjunction with a proposal on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for hazardous waste combustors at a commercial cement kiln in 1996-97 was not successful. The emission characteristics of the kiln, specifically the combination of high particulate matter, moisture, and acid gases, were believed to have contributed to the failure of the tested CEMs. Further testing of a commercial Hg CEM at the TSCAI in 1998 was evaluated according to the proposed EPA Performance Specification 12 (PS12). The CEM exhibited potential at the mixed waste incinerator to meet proposed requirements under liquid feed conditions for Hg concentrations in the range of proposed MACT standards. However, under conditions of incinerating liquids and solids simultaneously, reliable CEM performance was NOT demonstrated under the facility's operating conditions and configuration. The data supported the feasibility of Hg CEM at hazardous waste incinerators, however, pointed to additional testing required to satisfy PS12, CEM modifications to handle transient emissions from treating heterogeneous waste streams, further development of calibration standards and methods to meet EPA MACT mercury emission limits, and agreement on site-specific response factors.