Bag Leak Detection Blog

Any investment in new technology, maintenance process or a management system is usually evaluated by the likely return on investment. Triboelectric particulate monitoring systems are no different. Many facilities are required to use the technology for compliance. In others, however, investing in a triboelectric particulate monitor may be a business decision, the same as adding additional instruments and controls. The calculation of ROI can be more complex when considering detectors all the way down to the compartment and row level, and when investing in baghouse control systems.

This article explores the 4 main benefits of triboelectric monitoring of PM emissions and provides some tips on justifying the investment.

Just because...it's time

Many plants change their baghouse filters based on a firm schedule. Others prefer to wait until the filters begin to show signs of leaking and then they replace them. Others use differential pressure as a guide, replacing the filters once the DP begins to trend above a certain level. And others simply wait until a reportable event, citation from an air quality inspector or massive loss in system suction (process flow) before taking action. What is the best method for scheduling filter replacement? 

Best Reasonable Solution for Emissions Monitoring

Many plants continue to use EPA Method 9 visual observations as their primary dust collector monitoring methodology. Even as newer plants have already moved on to modern monitoring technologies, such as triboelectric dust monitoring, these plants continue to hold fast to their Method 9 CAM plans. Does triboelectric dust emissions monitoring really provide a realistic alternative to visual observation? In many cases, visual observations were the most accurate and feasible solution at the time the air permit was written. And many are still following this method today. But technology has advanced significantly and today visual observation is less reliable, less accurate and substantially more labor intensive compared to electronic instruments.

The "Alphabet Soup" of Industrial Dust Detection

Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems (COMS) for dust detection form an integral part of many facilities’ environmental control systems. While we don't sell COMS dust detection systems, we field a lot of questions from engineering and maintenance teams about how they compare to other solutions. This article will answer a few of the common questions.

In many facilities, COMS systems were required by early permits to monitor particulate matter emitted from the facility. They were the "go to" CPMS (Continuous Parameter Monitoring System) for several years until USEPA first amended the MACT standards to incorporate triboelectric instruments.

Most COMS dust detection systems are placed after the emissions control system(s) such as a fabric filter dust collector to monitor its operation and efficiency at all times. They were an early technology, however, and in recent years, the limitations and inherent drawbacks of COMS for dust emissions detection have led some to investigate new technologies. One such technology mentioned is PEMS or Predictive Emissions Monitoring System. 

Is the "Status Quo" Good Enough?

For many plants that make use of pneumatic conveying systems, maintaining the status quo seems sufficient. Many manufacturing plants have many years of service in them and many believe fully in the adage “if it aint broke, don’t fix it”. While it makes for a catchy slogan, when misapplied it can lead to stagnation and a gradual decline in quality and competitiveness over time. Because in many cases it actually is broken...but nobody has bothered to fret too much because there's been no good solution.

It's common to hear stories about blockages that cause unplanned downtime, quality problems with blending applications and wasted product during line restarts. Maintenance issues and product damage/loss are also common pain points.

The problem is that there's really never been an accurate way to measure actual particle speed. Calculations were made based on system parameters, and in some cases air/gas speed was measured. Those are substantially different than actual particle speed itself which will often determine which baked goods will crumble, which resin will smear and which products will create blockages.

To this end, many have seen the benefits of incorporating triboelectric monitoring systems into their dust collection and associated pneumatic conveying systems to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase reliability. Let’s consider 2 areas that are commonly overlooked where a triboelectric system can provide real benefits. 

1. Flow/No Flow and More Flow/Less Flow Monitoring Prevents Blockages in Pneumatic Conveying Lines

One thing engineers in countless industries often discover when integrating dust monitoring systems in their facilities is the need for an advanced software system for managing and organizing emissions data. Many monitoring suppliers actually produce their own data management software tools, compatible with their detection systems and others, that serve just this purpose.

When evaluating dust monitoring data software options, your best bet is a system that both meets your compliance reporting needs and your company’s individual needs; similar to selecting monitoring hardware, this shouldn’t be a bottom-line, “check-the-box” compliance decision.

Lots of information, but where to start?

As of Dec '16 we've published more than 75 articles on triboelectric dust detection technology and particulate emissions monitoring. They cover technical details, tips on use, suggestions to reduce downtime and operating cost and even how our technology is increasingly finding application in process industries for monitoring and control bulk dry goods conveying. 

We're committed to building this body of knowledge for emissions monitoring and process control experts worldwide. But with so much information, we know that sometimes folks new to the discipline may not know exactly where to start. So instead of boiling the ocean, here are three basic articles that we recommend reading first.

1. Triboelectric Dust Detection vs. Opacity Meters - Is there a difference?
2. Triboelectric instrumentation for process improvement
3. AC vs. DC - The role of signal Spectrum in triboelectric monitoring

Time to work together

Many fear the day when the air quality inspector comes to their plant. They might feel that no matter how much or how carefully they prepare, the inspector will always find fault with their operation and thus issue citations and fines. However, there is a way to make the inspector view your operation much more positively. What is it? 

Who needs one more PM task....

Many wonder if their triboelectric bag leak detection system needs any kind of calibration to function properly. That's entirely understandable since many are accustomed to working with opacity meters or other older generations of equipment. Opacity meters require an initial calibration along with periodic calibration and rebuilds at specified intervals in order to stay accurate. 

While many OEMs can quickly state that “triboelectric systems do not need calibration” it can be confusing when some incorrectly refer to certain actions as “calibrating” their triboelectric unit.

So what is the truth, do you need to calibrate your triboelectric detector? 

Current generation Triboelectric Bag Leak Detection Systems Do Not Require Periodic or Initial Calibration

When first visiting our website, some might feel overwhelmed by the number of different detection systems we currently offer. Especially because visitors often come with the question "What's the best triboelectric detector for my application" only to face another question "Which Auburn TRIBO is the right technical fit?"

With our main TRIBO line consisting of 8 different models plus additional options it can appear to be a complicated process to decide which one is correct for your application. In this article we thought it would be good to review some of the differences and help you understand why we have different models. Be assured that you need not feel intimidated by the selection of models we offer.