| Research
and Development
We’re developing new ideas all the time–process engineering, test methodology, equipment improvements–Clean Air Engineering is committed to innovation in air quality management. Where have we been? At Clean Air Engineering, it has been a long trip. Since 1972, Clean Air Engineering has led the way in the development of new technologies for air quality management. Some of our milestones are:
Clean Air Engineering, in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratories, is now able to offer a Fourier Transform Infrared Continuous Emissions Monitoring system (FTIR CEM) specifically designed to meet the Hazardous Air Pollutants monitoring requirements of the Title III of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment. The Department of Energy successfully funded this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to develop an FTIR system it could use to monitor the incineration of hazardous compounds at several of its facilities. The first prototypes of this project were tested in high temperature, high moisture environments with complex mixtures of very reactive and corrosive compounds. After meeting these sampling challenges, we have moved the product from the prototype to the commercial stage. The FTIR custom software meets the strict QA/QC standards of the EPA and ASTM and is flexible enough meet almost any testing protocol. FTIR has particularly good performance with VOC solvent vapors. FTIR testing is also applicable for cement kilns, chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and anyone burning hazardous waste as a fuel source. For more on Clean Air's FTIR testing, see our FTIR Information Page in the Field Services section. Product improvement can be as simple as redesigning an instrument case for shipping, or redesigning a meter box for use in new EPA test methods. At Clean Air Engineering, we have feedback from our customers, field test engineers and installation technicians to help us develop improvements to our existing product line. " When we consult, we don’t even think about what we offer, we think about the client, their problem and what we can do to solve it. Hopefully there’s a large overlap between the solution and our services, but not always–and obviously if there’s no overlap we’ll try to recommend someone else. But if there’s some overlap, we will team up with other companies to solve a customer problem." -- Scott Evans, Vice-president Regulatory Affairs Providing services and equipment to our customers is our business. Part of Clean Air’s commitment to research and development is to try new ways of solving customer problems. When a customer had water droplets forming inside a stack with SO2 in the gas stream the resulting sulfuric acid began to deteriorate the stack interior. Our engineering team designed the specifications for "mist eliminators" to eliminate the stack moisture problem. We partnered with a plastic manufacturer to develop the die forms and injection molds. Mist Eliminators are now a part of our regular product offering. The most important part of service and equipment excellence is realizing when you need to bring in outside experts to collaborate on research and development projects. Clean Air Engineering is proud to have Teamwork agreements with these fine companies. "We've done Method 2F calibrations of 3-D probes for our Clean Air Engineering field test department, several outside customers and the 3D Pitot manufacturer we purchase our probes from. We’re planning on integrating calibration data management services into our 3D probe calibration services–this should be especially helpful for companies with EMS concerns." -- Don Allen, Clean Air Instrument Rental Owners and operators of utilities subject to the Acid Rain Program of the Clean Air Act must use an approved test method to periodically calibrate the flow volume monitors that are a part of their SOx and NOx emissions monitoring systems. On July 13, 1999, EPA Methods 2F, 2G and 2H became approved test methods for the calibration of volumetric monitoring equipment– methods that correct for the flow overstatement bias of the older EPA Method 2. In response, Clean Air Engineering designed a wind tunnel at its Palatine, IL facility, for the calibration of 3-D volumetric probes. We now offer "3-D Pitot" calibration to Method 2F as new addition to our regular Calibration Services.
Clean Air Engineering’s initial website offering went online in 1995 and is continually developing into what we hope will be the premier offering of air management information and services on the Internet. From online Calibration Gas certificates to the Clean Air Store, we are continually developing ideas for using the resources of the Internet and our IS/IT technical staff. Clean Air Engineering’s Online Environmental Performance program is a way for us to offer air quality management data collection and data reporting services in new and innovative ways.
-- Bill Walker, Clean Air Engineering President Where are we going? Forward. Clean Air Engineering plans to continue its tradition of excellence by developing new test methods, new products, product improvements, new partnerships and innovative ways to use Internet technology in the new millennium. Our aim is to be recognized, worldwide for providing the highest value products and services for air quality management. We can only do this with your help. Let us know what you think about the products and services we provide, and tell us what you want to see Clean Air Engineering offer for future products and services. Send your questions and comments to contact@cleanair.com. With your help, we can go anywhere. |
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