Advanced environmental monitoring in an energy industry – China
Year
2021
Location
CHINE
Sector(s)
Heavy and manufacturing industries
Issues
A coal-fired power generation company located in an industrial region of China faces significant challenges related to gas, particulate, and odor emissions. Surrounded by other industrial activities such as painting, priming, polymers, and wastewater treatment, the site must monitor its own emissions while distinguishing them from those of neighboring sites to prevent potential local complaints.
SOLUTION
In 2021, an advanced environmental monitoring solution was proposed and implemented for a coal-fired power generation company. A WT1 Pro system equipped with multiple gas sensors (CO, O₃, NO₂, SO₂), particulate sensors (PM2.5), and noise monitoring was installed.
This system enables real-time monitoring of emissions from the site as well as from neighboring businesses. After an adaptation phase, the WT1 Pro successfully quantified and identified emissions not only from the company itself but also from the surrounding industries. The identification of emission sources relies on a combined analysis of univariate data (gases, noise levels) and multivariate data (odors, particulate profiles).
KEY RESULTS
The concrete results achieved include:
- Real-time monitoring of gas emissions (CO, O₃, NO₂, SO₂), noise, and particulate matter (PM2.5), enabling proactive management of environmental conditions.
- Accurate identification of emission sources, facilitating rapid problem resolution and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Effective response to environmental monitoring requirements with high temporal and spatial resolution, minimizing impact on the surrounding area.
- Enhanced protection against potential complaints by demonstrating the correct origin of emissions.
Additionally, initial results highlighted the need for continuous monitoring of PM2.5, which exceeded acceptable limits for over 53% of the time. Variations in PM concentrations confirmed the presence of multiple sources such as combustion, vehicle exhausts, and incinerators, requiring specific identification. The system quickly alerted site managers to abnormal activities, suggesting thorough investigations to pinpoint specific sources. Data from local devices and weather stations were shared to reduce PM levels.
As for CO, NO₂, and SO₂ gases, they were generally detected at concentrations below the lower limits for over 90% of the time, confirming regular compliance with existing environmental standards.
This project demonstrates the effectiveness of the WT1 Pro environmental monitoring system in a complex industrial context, contributing to improved environmental management while optimizing operations to minimize the impact on the local environment.
