Abstract Submission - Robert W. Baxter - B3 Systems, Inc.
Case Study of bag leak monitoring for US EPA MACT compliance
This paper and presentation will be a case study of a typical Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) application. The areas of discussion will include the requirements for monitoring, data collection, QA, facility responsibilities and benefits seen by the end users. The US EPA has created industry specific rules referred to as MACT Rules. Many of these rules require facilities to install bag leak detectors (BLDs) to monitor the performance of their filters. Bag leak monitoring means different things in different parts of the world and BLD monitoring for EPA compliance is different from other EPA compliance monitoring requirements in that it has nothing to do with quantifying or tracking emissions and is really maintenance monitoring of the filter system. However this new monitoring technique is viewed to be a win-win for both industry and the environment.
This paper and presentation will be a case study of a benefits gained by facilities who have invested in their filter system's monitoring and control. Traditional process control has been limited to flows, pressures and temperatures of production lines. Most filter systems are thought of as pollution control devices that are a necessity and have little process benefit. Filter monitoring and control has gained more focus in the USA as more companies and facilities have been required to install bag leak detectors for compliance. Through the required installations of these systems, facilities have gained information, confident and knowledge of their filter operations. This information and knowledge has created the basis for intelligent diagnostic and control systems for filters that have allowed facilities to increase efficiencies, reduce emissions and reduce operating costs.
