Optimized Emission Monitoring Thanks to Direct H2O Measurement

Success Stories13 Apr 2023

Certified measuring instruments for emission monitoring are often required by regulations and are therefore indispensable. Thanks to measurement technology from Axetris, the company SW Technology from Mendrisio (Switzerland) has received QAL1 certification. Read more in this blog post.

Author: Melanie Wahlers, Technical Marketing Manager, Axetris Switzerland

Regulators worldwide impose strict emission limits for many air pollutants, including hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ammonia (NH3). To ensure that the emission limits are within the specified guidelines, the exhaust gases of the emitting industries are continuously monitored and reported. Therefore, emitting industries either optimize their processes, use cleaner fuels, or retrofit exhaust gas cleaning equipment downstream of the industrial process.

Regulations for Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMS)

There are a number of standards on the requirements for air quality monitoring systems (EN 14211, EN 14212, EN 14625) and the certification of automatic measuring systems for air quality monitoring (EN 15267). The measuring systems that can be used according to these standards usually require official approval, which means that the market is highly regulated.
Industrial facilities require certified measurement systems to monitor pollutant emissions and air quality. The LGD F200H NH3 laser gas detector from Axetris was developed specifically to meet the requirements of these standards. Axetris thus makes a significant contribution to the approval of compliant measurement systems.

Successful QAL1 certification with Axetris LGD

Axetris integration partner SW Technology, a Swiss company based in Mendrisio, offers products and software for gas analysis systems suitable for a wide range of applications. SW Technology has more than 20 years of experience in industrial gas analysis and supports its clientele in all phases of implementation and subsequent maintenance of the analysis system.

Achieving QAL1 certification was also an important goal for SW Technology, as they have been successfully using the Axetris LGD F200-H NH3 laser gas detector in their systems for measuring exhaust gas in power plants and incinerators for many years.

Working closely with SW Technology, Axetris launched a customized version of the LGD F200-H NH3 that exactly met the necessary requirements for QAL1 certification. As a result, SW Technology has now been able to have their entire system, the qLDX, certified to these standards.

The qLDX is a continuous monitoring system for NH3 and H2O. Based on Axetris' state-of-the-art TDLS system, there is virtually no cross-sensitivity with other gases. Together with the proven long-term stability of the LGD, this results in lower maintenance requirements and longer zero point/voltage intervals for the qLDX system.

Advantages of LGD Measurement Technology from Axetris

All emission measurements must be reported on a dry gas basis. This is to prevent variations in the moisture content of the exhaust gas from influencing the evaluation of emissions.

Axetris laser gas detection modules are capable of measuring H2O by itself and in combination with NH3 or HCl simultaneously. This helps reduce equipment costs and increases the long-term reliability of measurements. If the H2O value is not measured but calculated, we use several oxygen analyzers for measurement. In situ zirconium oxide analyzers are usually used to measure wet oxygen content, while extractive paramagnetic analyzers or electrochemical cells are used for dry oxygen content.

Compared to the calculation method based on wet and dry oxygen, direct moisture measurement therefore involves less equipment.

Perspective of a System Integrator

Marco Luraschi (pictured on the right), co-owner of the family-owned company SW Technology in Mendrisio, is responsible for system integration. In the following interview, he provides information about the qLDX and its application in the various markets.

Marco, when did SW Technology enter the continuous emissions monitoring market with its products?

Our history with CEMS goes back to 2001. After many years of experience as integrators, we had the idea to develop our own analyzers for our needs. In 2013, we then founded SW Technology.

When did you decide that your products should receive QAL1 certification and why?

Our main goal was to produce an NH3 analyzer. Unlike other manufacturers, we have aimed for an extractive solution that is easier to maintain and install compared to in-situ alternatives. Shortly after, we decided to get QAL1 certification because our focus is on the CEMS market.

Why did you choose the Axetris LGD as the sensor solution for the QAL1 certification of your qLDX?

We had the idea and the experience, but we lacked the sensor technology. After a long search, we found Axetris and the LGD F200. We knew immediately that it was a perfect fit for us because it could be installed in a 19-inch rack and could measure the very low concentrations required in CEMS applications.

What are the advantages of TDLS technology compared to other continuous emission monitoring technologies?

The main advantages of this measurement technology are high accuracy, long-term stability and the absence of any moving parts inside. This means that no additional maintenance is required.

Axetris Partnership Program for LGD System Integrators

In 2021, Axetris launched a new partnership program to support and promote system integrators. In particular, long-standing partner companies participate in this program to jointly promote the versatility and benefits of LGD technology in their respective sales markets. In addition, we train qualified companies to become recognized service centers. This has the advantage that customers benefit from professional repair services. This ensures quick repairs on site. In addition, we support our partners through marketing activities.
The goal of this program is to build long-term partnerships in industrial gas measurement technology and to make TDLS technology known for further applications.

Interested in the Axetris partnership program for LGD system integrators?