PROPOSAL:
Execute Sole Source Purchase Order for Flame Ionization Detector
Capable of Measuring VOCs in Source Stack Gases
SYNOPSIS:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from a variety of sources
and have traditionally been measured using stack sampling methods followed
by laboratory measurement techniques. Recent concerns regarding the level
of VOCs being emitted from various sources on a continuous basis have been
expressed. Staff has evaluated three newly developed technologies believed
capable of measuring VOCs in real time in source stacks. This action is to
execute a sole source purchase order in an amount not to exceed $26,000
with VIG Industries Inc. for the purchase of a field portable flame
ionization detector. Sufficient funds are available for this purchase in
the FY 2005-06 Budget.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, March 10, 2006, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Issue purchase order with VIG Industries, Inc. for the purchase of a
Model 210 field portable flame ionization detector analyzer at a cost not
to exceed $26,000 from the District General FY 2005-06 Budget, Unbudgeted
Capital Outlay Major Object.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Due to recent odor complaints near facilities where combustion materials
lead to emissions of VOCs, staff has been evaluating sampling approaches to
measure VOCs at the stack. The cause of the neighborhood odor complaints is
often difficult to trace to a specific emissions source. Staff believes that
a flame ionization detector (FID) analyzer can monitor a single stack and
determine if there are any VOC emission spikes during an odor event. This
information can subsequently be used for mitigation purposes. Staff
evaluated several FIDs to determine the appropriateness of such a device for
in-stack sampling and is recommending that a FID should be purchased to
conduct stack testing. The FID analyzer would be used to detect total
non-methane/non-ethane organic compound emissions from process stacks.
Proposal
Staff proposes the purchase of a FID analyzer and installing the analyzer
in an existing Transportable Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (Trans-CEMS).
The Trans-CEMS is a temperature controlled trailer that can be parked at a
facility for extended periods. The Trans-CEMS conditions sample gases,
records the emissions, and performs calibrations, such that only periodic
monitoring by AQMD staff is needed. The analyzer can also be used for the
following applications:
- Stationary and mobile source exhaust gas analyses,
- Stack gas emissions monitoring (source test or continuous),
- Ambient air monitoring at elevated concentration levels,
- Efficiency monitoring of VOC control equipment, and
- Provides real-time VOC information.
Staff evaluated various commercially-available FID analyzers in terms of
capabilities and cost, including those supplied by the following vendors:
- California Analytical Instruments – Model 600M – Cost: $16,400
- JUM Engineering – Model 109A – Cost $21,300
- VIG Industries – Model 210 – Cost $23,550
In the past, FIDs measured total hydrocarbons necessitating laboratory
analyses in order to subtract methane and ethane concentrations from the
total organic compound mass. Large subtractions can result in large
measurement errors. The VIG Industries Model 210 represents newer technology
in that a gas chromatograph column is used to separate methane and ethane,
commonly occurring in natural gas applications, and is performed
automatically and semi-continuously. This model was determined to be the
only FID analyzer on the market with the ability to remove the methane and
ethane simultaneously and minimize the potential error due to their
subtraction. The Model 210 analyzes VOCs using two FIDs to measure total
hydrocarbons and non-methane/non-ethane VOCs directly.
The California Analytical Instrument Model 600M uses a catalytic oxidizer
to remove methane and has one FID. The unit is guaranteed to remove only 90%
of the methane in a gas stream and does not exclude ethane. The Model 600M
measures the non-methane components by subtracting a methane reading and is
subject to potential errors of both the methane and total hydrocarbon
results particularly when these readings are similar.
The JUM Engineering Model 109A uses a catalytic oxidizer to remove
methane only and has two FIDs. Simultaneous total hydrocarbon and
non-methane VOCs can be measured. However, there is no guarantee that the
catalyst will not destroy other VOCs present.
Staff recommends that the Board execute a sole source purchase order for
the purchase of a Model 210 FID analyzer at a cost not to exceed $26,000,
which covers tax and shipping. This request is not budgeted in the current
fiscal year budget. As such, staff is requesting that this purchase be made
from the FY 2005-06 District General Budget, Undesignated Capital Outlay
Major Object.
Sole Source Justification
Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four
major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This
request for sole source purchase is made under provisions B.2.b. – Public
health or property may be endangered by delay; and B.2.c.(1) – The unique
experience and capabilities of the proposed contractor or contractor team.
Public concerns regarding facilities such as RSR Quemetco, Inc, which
incinerate materials that result in VOC emissions can be monitored more
effectively and on a continuous basis with the proposed FID analyzer.
Traditional source test sampling requires that samples be collected in the
field over long integrated time periods, followed by laboratory analysis.
Operational fluctuations may result in emissions spikes which may not be
discerned in integrated samples. These emission spikes may be the source of
odors and, if detected, may be tied to odor complaints.
Under, Section B.2.c.(1) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure, the VIG
Industries, Inc. possesses the unique capabilities to subtract methane and
ethane concentrations from the total hydrocarbon mass on a real-time basis,
which the other instruments do not have. Accurate measurements of exempt
compounds such as methane and ethane are necessary to properly calculate VOC
emissions. The VIG Industries, Inc. Model 210 FID analyzer is the only
field portable technology capable of accurately measuring low level, real
time VOC emissions with the capability to subtract methane and ethane
concentrations from the total hydrocarbon mass among the vendors that staff
evaluated. The other instruments evaluated use a catalytic oxidizer to
remove methane but do not exclude ethane. Further, these models measure the
non-methane components by subtracting a methane reading and are subject to
potential errors of both the methane and total hydrocarbon results,
particularly when these readings are similar.
Benefits to AQMD
The acquisition of the FID analyzer will provide the AQMD capability to
better characterize VOC emissions from source stacks. The information can be
used in conjunction with odor complaints to determine if the source is the
cause of the complaint. In addition, the FID analyzer can be used to analyze
stationary and mobile source exhaust gases and elevated levels of VOCs in
real time in ambient air.
Resource Impacts
Due to the urgency to conduct source testing at facilities where VOCs are
emitted, staff proposes that the recommended FID be purchased at a cost not
to exceed $26,000 from the FY 2005-06 District General Budget, Undesignated
Capital Outlay Major Object. Sufficient funds are available in this major
object to cover the cost of the recommended purchase.
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