Portable emissions analyzers in the mining field
Significant levels of CO, CO2, NOx (NO+NO2), SO2, H2S, CxHy can be emitted at any mine site causing serious damage to the environment. For this reason, emissions regulations become more stringent year after year in an attempt to stem the production of greenhouse gases .
In addition to the typical emissions that are generated by the numerous combustion sources present in mines, the extracted minerals themselves cause the emissions to be particularly dirty and corrosive.
Mining: processes and dangers
Various industrial combustion processes are involved in mining. The actors involved, e.g. industrial engines, boilers and foundries often emit highly toxic gases that are dangerous for both health and the environment.
- HEALTH HAZARD : Need to ensure a healthy environment for employees.
- DANGER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT : Monitor emissions into the atmosphere to comply with the limits set by current regulations.
- EFFICIENCY AND MAINTENANCE : Optimize the performance of extraction operations.
Health and safety
A high concentration of carbon monoxide in the air can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and even death in extreme cases.
NOx, especially NO2, can cause serious respiratory problems, and unburned hydrocarbons can pose a safety risk, as they can ignite at high concentrations.
In this sense the regular monitoring of emissions at key points through the use of portable analyzers can promptly alert personnel of potential dangerous situations.
Performance optimization
Measuring O2 and CO levels, for example in the exhaust of machinery or generators, can provide an indication of how rich or lean the combustion is and therefore how efficient the process itself is.
The analysis can therefore be used to regulate industrial engines, boilers, foundries, etc., in order to maximize their performance, with a consequent optimization of extraction processes, and saving time and money.
Our solution: the Chemist 900 emissions analyzer
Chemist 900 is a complete portable analyzer which can measure up to 9 gases, including O2, CO, CO2, NOx (NO+NO2), SO2, H2S, CxHy, and can be equipped with a additional NDIR bench for the analysis of an additional 3 gases. The Chemist 900 can also be used with a Peltier cell condensation unit to dehumidify and purify gases for more accurate analysis of water-soluble gases such as SO2 and NO2.
To make the condensing unit more efficient, it is advisable to use a special probe with a heated head and/or heated tube for gas sampling. This is also particularly suitable for environments such as mining sites where we are in the presence of high temperature gases, dust, ash and particulates.
