Increasingly stringent environmental regulations require higher performance and greater reliability for new air pollution control (APC) systems.  Existing APC systems become subject to new requirements for monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting as new deadlines and thresholds are developed by agencies.  Failure to comply can mean significant penalties for the APC system owner and/or operator.  Therefore, it is imperative for owner/operators to carefully plan new APC system projectsand to assure compliance of existing APC systems.  RTP ’s services for APC system projects are particularly well-suited for assisting clients with these efforts

RTP’s extensive knowledge of APC requirements, diverse project background and technical expertise can assist you with existing and new APC systems.  Typical activities associated with existing APC systems includes, but is not limited to, troubleshooting, the development of monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting protocols and compliance systems.  RTP can also provide operator training in operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of existing equipment.  RTP’s knowledgeable staff can also assist you with revamps, upgrades and expansions to your existing APC system.

The services provided for new APC systems are similar to those described above, but often a little broader in scope.  This is because for new APC systems it is important to identify a cost-effective and feasible application specific to the facility.  Activities often include defining emission characteristics, such as flow rate, temperature, pressure, and composition, identifying APC technology alternatives and performing both technical and economic evaluations of alternatives with recommendations.  Once an APC system is selected RTP can then assist with a review of process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams, the development of duty specifications for major equipment items and the preparation of pre-construction air permit applications.  Once approvals are obtained, RTP can coordinate with the general installation contractor selected by client as well as prepare a performance test protocol and supervise necessary performance testing after start-up.

Some examples of APC system technologies involved in recently completed projects include:

• Regenerative, thermal and catalytic fume oxidizers;
• Wet scrubbers;
• Carbon adsorbers;
• Condensers;
• Continuous emission monitors;
• Mist eliminators;
• Capture hoods and duct work;
• Electrostatic precipitators; and
• Fabric filters.

RTP’s services include the preparation of RACT, BACT, LAER and MACT determinations for a variety of source categories.  RTP utilizes the extensive resources available from EPA, propriety equipment vendors, trade associations, and other available information to perform complete analyses to meet client and regulatory demands.