Stack Monitoring Methods

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India has guidelines for stack monitoring that include: 

Monitoring frequency

The frequency of stack monitoring is determined by the State Board for each industry. 

Reporting

Reports on stack monitoring must be submitted to the State Board in a standardized format. 

Ambient air quality sampling

Ambient air quality sampling should be done every other day for 24 hours. 

Monitoring parameters

Stack monitoring parameters should include:

Air flow rate 

Production during the sampling period 

Pollutants 

Metrological data such as wind speed, direction, and temperature 

Monitoring stations

The number of monitoring stations and monitoring frequency should be determined by the industrial unit in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. 

Stack height

For DG sets, the exhaust port should be at least 3 meters above the building. 

Stack monitoring facility

All stacks attached with boilers must have a stack monitoring facility as per Emission Regulation Part-3 (ERP-3) norms. 

Safety

The industrial unit should ensure that the port hole and ladder facility is safe for monitoring. 

Consent to Operate (CTO)

The state board will verify compliance with stack monitoring provisions before issuing a CTO to air polluting industrial units

What are Stack Monitoring Methods ?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India had published the CPCB Guidlines for Stack Monitoring under “GUIDELINES ON METHODOLOGIES FOR SOURCE EMISSION MONITORING”. These guidelines provide detailed instructions and procedures for conducting manual stack monitoring to measure emissions from industrial stacks or chimneys. Manual stack monitoring is commonly performed for specific pollutants or parameters, such as Particulate Matter (PM), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and others.

Key aspects covered in the CPCB Guidelines for Manual Stack Monitoring may include:

Stack Selection: Guidelines for selecting representative stacks or emission points for monitoring, considering factors like stack height, diameter, location, and exhaust flow rates.

Sampling Techniques: Detailed instructions on sampling techniques and equipment for different pollutants, including isokinetic and non-isokinetic sampling methods.

Sampling Equipment Calibration: Procedures for calibrating and validating the accuracy of the sampling equipment before conducting stack monitoring.

Sampling Locations: Guidelines for determining the sampling points and the number of traverse points for accurate representation of emissions from the stack.

Sample Collection: Instructions for collecting samples of emissions from the stack, ensuring proper sample handling to avoid contamination.

Laboratory Analysis: Specifications for laboratory analysis of collected samples to determine pollutant concentrations and compliance with emission standards.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Procedures for implementing QA/QC measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of stack monitoring data.

Data Reporting: Requirements for recording and reporting monitoring data, including pollutant concentrations, sampling conditions, and other relevant information.

Calculation of Emission Rates: Guidelines for calculating emission rates based on stack monitoring data.

Frequency of Monitoring: Recommendations for the frequency of stack monitoring based on regulatory requirements and the nature of industrial operations.