Title 40

SECTION 92.129

92.129 Exhaust sample analysis.

§ 92.129 Exhaust sample analysis.

(a) The analyzer response may be read by automatic data collection (ADC) equipment such as computers, data loggers, etc. If ADC equipment is used the following is required:

(1) The response complies with § 92.130.

(2) The response required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be stored on long-term computer storage devices such as computer tapes, storage discs, or they may be printed in a listing for storage. In either case a chart recorder is not required and records from a chart recorder, if they exist, need not be stored.

(3) If the data from ADC equipment is used as permanent records, the ADC equipment and the analyzer values as interpreted by the ADC equipment are subject to the calibration specifications in §§ 92.118 through 92.122, as if the ADC equipment were part of the analyzer.

(b) Data records from any one or a combination of analyzers may be stored as chart recorder records.

(1) The use of “software” zero and span is permitted. The process of software zero and span refers to the technique of initially adjusting the analyzer zero and span responses to the calibration curve values, but for subsequent zero and span checks the analyzer response is simply recorded without adjusting the analyzer gain. The observed analyzer response recorded from the subsequent check is mathematically corrected back to the calibration curve values for zero and span. The same mathematical correction is then applied to the analyzer's response to a sample of exhaust gas in order to compute the true sample concentration.

(2) The maximum amount of software zero and span mathematical correction is ±10 percent of full scale chart deflection.

(3) Software zero and span may be used to switch between ranges without adjusting the gain of the analyzer.

(4) The software zero and span technique may not be used to mask analyzer drift. The observed chart deflection before and after a given time period or event shall be used for computing the drift. Software zero and span may be used after the drift has been computed to mathematically adjust any span drift so that the “after” span check may be transformed into the “before” span check for the next mode.

(d) For sample analysis perform the following sequence:

(1) Warm-up and stabilize the analyzers; clean and/or replace filter elements, conditioning columns (if used), etc., as necessary.

(2) Leak check portions of the sampling system that operate at negative gauge pressures when sampling, and allow heated sample lines, filters, pumps, etc., to stabilize at operating temperature.

(3) Optional: Perform a hang-up check for the HFID sampling system:

(i) Zero the analyzer using zero air introduced at the analyzer port.

(ii) Flow zero air through the overflow sampling system, where an overflow system is used. Check the analyzer response.

(iii) If the overflow zero response exceeds the analyzer zero response by 2 percent or more of the HFID full-scale deflection, hang-up is indicated and corrective action must be taken.

(iv) The complete system hang-up check specified in paragraph (f) of this section is recommended as a periodic check.

(4) Obtain a stable zero reading.

(5) Zero and span each range to be used on each analyzer used prior to the beginning of the test sequence. The span gases shall have a concentration between 75 and 100 percent of full scale chart deflection. The flow rates and system pressures shall be approximately the same as those encountered during sampling. The HFID analyzer shall be zeroed and spanned through the overflow sampling system, where an overflow system is used.

(6) Re-check zero response. If this zero response differs from the zero response recorded in paragraph (d)(5) of this section by more than 1 percent of full scale, then paragraphs (d) (4), (5), and (6) of this section should be repeated.

(7) If a chart recorder is used, identify and record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.

(8) If ADC equipment is used, electronically record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.

(9) Measure (or collect a sample of) the emissions continuously during each mode of the test cycle. Indicate the start of the test, the range(s) used, and the end of the test on the recording medium (chart paper or ADC equipment). Maintain approximately the same flow rates and system pressures used in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.

(10)(i) Collect background HC, CO, CO2, and NOX in a sample bag (optional).

(ii) Measure the concentration of CO2 in the dilution air and the diluted exhaust for particulate measurements.

(11) Perform a post-analysis zero and span check for each range used at the conditions specified in paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Record these responses as the post-analysis values.

(12) Neither the zero drift nor the span drift between the pre-analysis and post-analysis checks on any range used may exceed 3 percent for HC, or 2 percent for NOX. CO, and CO2, of full scale chart deflection, or the test is void. (If the HC drift is greater than 3 percent of full-scale chart deflection, hydrocarbon hang-up is likely.)

(13) Determine HC background levels (if necessary) by introducing the background sample into the overflow sample system.

(14) Determine background levels of NOX. CO, or CO2 (if necessary).

(e) HC hang-up. If HC hang-up is indicated, the following sequence may be performed:

(1) Fill a clean sample bag with background air.

(2) Zero and span the HFID at the analyzer ports.

(3) Analyze the background air sample bag through the analyzer ports.

(4) Analyze the background air through the entire sample probe system.

(5) If the difference between the readings obtained is 2 percent or more of the HFID full scale deflection:

(i) Clean the sample probe and the sample line;

(ii) Reassemble the sample system;

(iii) Heat to specified temperature; and

(iv) Repeat the procedure in this paragraph (e).