The Source Blog
Welcome to The Source, ESC Spectrum's air emissions compliance blog.
After 50 years in the air emissions compliance industry, we’ve seen it all. We are passionate about helping people comply with clean air regulations and believe in sharing what we’ve learned with others. The Source blog provides explanations and advice regarding federal, state, and local regulations, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) best practices, audit checklists, case studies, news, and more. Want to suggest a blog topic or participate in a case study? We would love to hear from you.
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Air Emissions Calibration Testing: Staying Compliant With Daily and Quarterly Requirements
Accurate air emissions calibration testing is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring reliable CEMS performance. This blog breaks down daily and quarterly calibration test requirements, explains how offline calibrations are used, and clarifies what causes out-of-control data.
CEMS Probe Maintenance: Extractive vs. Dilution Systems
CEMS probes are the first point of contact with the gas sample line in your emissions monitoring system. Discover why routine maintenance is critical—and how to do it right.
Where to Install CEMS Probes, Flow Sensors & Opacity Monitors (According to EPA Guidelines)
In this article, read about where you can locate your plant’s CEMS Probes, Flow Probes & Opacity Units on your stack unit & what EPA regulations apply to them.
CEMS Filter Maintenance Tips for Reliable Performance
Regular CEMS filter maintenance is one of the easiest, and most effective, ways to ensure accurate emissions data and keep your system running smoothly. This article covers why filter care matters, and best practices to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
CEMS Fails From the Field: What Went Wrong & How to Fix It
Discover the top causes of CEM system failures and how to prevent them. Get expert troubleshooting advice and maintenance strategies to reduce downtime.
Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Calibration Gas & Requirements
This article will discuss and clarify calibration gas requirements for CEMS users including, system calibration, cal gas bottles, and more.
Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Extractive CEMS Umbilical
Read this article to learn more about extractive CEMS umbilicals, from construction and installation to maintenance best practices.
How to Successfully Plan and Complete a Relative Accuracy Test Audit
Learn about what a Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) is and what measures to take leading up to your test, the day of, and afterwards.
Challenge vs. Solution: Enhancing Emissions Data Review & Reporting with StackVision
Accurate air emissions data is critical for regulatory compliance–even small discrepancies can lead to reporting issues, audits, and penalties. While daily and weekly data reviews are not required by regulations,
Minimizing CEMS Downtime: Maintenance & Upgrade Strategies
CEMS downtime can lead to compliance risks and operational inefficiencies. This guide covers essential strategies for maintaining hardware, upgrading systems, and managing spare parts to minimize disruptions. Field Service Technician V and SME John Cutaia shares how to keep your Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) operating efficiently with proactive maintenance and timely upgrades.
Why It Pays to Upgrade Your Data Acquisition System
Upgrading your Data Acquisition System (DAS) isn’t just about staying current—it’s about improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and reducing costs. Whether you’re facing outdated technology, new regulations, or inefficiencies, the right DAS can streamline operations and enhance data visibility. Learn the key signs that it’s time for an upgrade and how a modern system can maximize your ROI.
ECMPS 2.0 Update: Key Information You Need to Know
Learn about the latest ECMPS 2.0 updates from the EPA, key changes, and how ESC Spectrum is helping you stay prepared.
Understanding Part 60 and Part 63 Excess Emissions and Performance Summary Reports
This blog dives into Part 60 and Part 63 reporting requirements, specifically focusing on Semiannual Excess Emissions and Monitoring Systems Performance Reports.
Tracking Fuel Gas Sulfur Content: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right
Accurate fuel gas sulfur tracking is critical in the oil and gas industry to meet regulatory standards, protect equipment, and reduce environmental impact. This blog explores challenges in monitoring sulfur content, methods like Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and how advancements in technology help industries achieve precise and reliable sulfur management.
Understanding the Data Assessment Report (DAR) for CEMS Audits
The Data Assessment Report (DAR) is a crucial but often overlooked component of CEMS audit compliance. This guide breaks down what needs to be included, from quarterly accuracy results to EPA audit sample requirements, helping you keep up with regulations and streamline your reporting process.
Tail Gas Treatment Units (TGTUs): Essential for Sulfur Recovery
Read this post to discover how Tail Gas Treatment Units (TGTUs) help refineries meet stringent sulfur recovery and emissions control standards. This blog covers essential TGTU technologies, regulatory requirements, and the vital role that TGTUs play to improve sulfur recovery efficiency.
PM CEMS and PS-11 Compliance Explained: Best Practices for Reliable Particulate Matter Monitoring
Read this post for a deeper understanding of the certification requirements for PM CEMS, with a special emphasis on the PS-11 Correlation.
The Importance of Staged Flares and Valve Positioning in Refining Processes
This blog explores the critical role of staged flares and valve positioning in refining operations, highlighting their impact on emissions monitoring, compliance with EPA regulations, and overall operational efficiency through the use of StackVision DAS.
Understanding Thermal Oxidizers and Their Role in Emission Control: Key Insights for the Refining Industry
Learn how thermal oxidizers operate alongside data acquisition systems to ensure EPA compliance and accurate data collection in refineries.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Data Acquisition System (DAS)
In today’s regulatory landscape, ensuring air emissions compliance is crucial. A reliable and robust Data Acquisition System (DAS) plays a pivotal role a Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). Upgrading your DAS offers numerous benefits, read more to explore the advantages of upgrading and what you can expect from the DAS changeout process.
Case Studies
StackVision™ Case Study: Pfizer Groton
Learn how the StackVision data acquisition system (DAS) helped Pfizer Groton comply with air regulations more efficiently.
StackVision™ Case Study: Delek-Tyler Refinery
Learn how the Delek-Tyler, TX refinery employed the StackVision Data Acquisition System to solve their complex needs and comply with RSR regulations.
RATAView Case Study: Evergy
Learn how Evergy used RATAView software and the 8864 Data Controller for stack testing and increased efficiency by 25% within a year.
StackVision™ Case Study: Coal-Fired Electric Utility
Learn how StackVision helped a Louisiana Coal-Fired Electric Utility comply with the Mercury & Air Toxics Standards (MATS).
Latest News
Alliance Technical Group Acquires ESC Spectrum, Cementing Global Leadership in Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS)
ESC Spectrum is now part of Alliance Technical Group, combining forces to deliver the most comprehensive CEMS and DAS compliance platform in the industry. This strategic acquisition strengthens our ability to serve customers with expanded resources, nationwide support, and end-to-end environmental solutions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenlights ESC Spectrum’s New Integrated Path CEMS (IP CEMS) Technology for Air Emissions Compliance
ESC Spectrum, a leading provider of environmental compliance solutions, is excited to announce the successful demonstration of Integrated Path CEMS for air emissions monitoring and reporting.
ESC Spectrum Launches Interim Reporting Services to Support Facilities with Temporary Reporting & Regulatory Help
ESC Spectrum is excited to introduce Interim Reporting Services, designed to help facilities maintain compliance during short-term staffing challenges. Our expert team provides support with data review, permit compliance, QA/QC management, and more—ensuring critical reporting obligations are met accurately and on time.
ESC Spectrum Academy Launches CEMS Training to Streamline Technician Education
Designed with technicians’ busy schedules in mind, the self-paced, online CEMS training empowers techs to learn best practices without interrupting daily operations.
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