How to Prepare for a Test

A basic outline of the steps to prepare for your emissions testing

    Determine Necessity for test

    • Decide on data required
    • Determine what testing is needed to determine required data

    Determine the Test Objectives

    • Regulatory compliance
    • Process design data
    • Process evaluation

    Design the Test Experiment

    (Contact DEECO for help)

    • Develop sampling approach
    • Select test method(s) to meet test data objectives
    • Determine adequate gas sample volumes
    • Evaluate possible errors and biases, correct approach if necessary
    • Determine time required for test with margin for delays
    • Estimate the cost of the test and economize when possible or necessary

    Prepare Sampling Location(s)

    • Inform plant operators of test objectives and requirements for successful completion
    • Determine accessibility to duct.
      • Does the location have sampling ports installed?  If not, please see our figure of placement of sampling ports for a Round duct or for a Rectangular duct. If the type of sampling you need involves manual (eg. Isokinetic) AND continuous emissions monitoring, you will need to install an additional CEM sampling port (see the figure).
      • Remove obstructions of beams or guardrails
      • Install monorail brackets above each manual sampling port. Please see our drawing of a monorail bracket for details of what it would look like.
      • Check if sampling ports can be opened
      • Check for in-stack obstructions, such as an opacity monitor
      • Check for sufficient space for personnel AND equipment.
      • Check for lighting
      • Verify scaffolding meets OSHA requirements
      • Is a man-lift available?  (when proper or reasonable access is unachievable by any other means)
    • Locate Electrical Power (preferably within 50 feet of the sampling location)
      • One 20A 115V circuit for each sampling train operating at the same time.
      • One 30A 480V circuit for each sampling trailer. (Note this is a DEECO specific requirement, other companies will have different requirements)
    • Evaluate safety requirements
      • What type of PPE (personal protective equipment) will be necessary?
        • Fall protection?
        • Protective clothing? (eg. long sleeve shirt, splash protection, safety glasses, hard hat)
        • Breathing protection?  (eg. dust mask, respirator, supplied air, SCBA)
    • Note any special equipment needed

    Submit test plan to Agency (if necessary)

    • Many States require a 30-day advance submittal of this document.
    • There could also be a regulatory requirement (e.g. PC MACT 60 days)

    Set test dates

This is a basic outline. Please contact DEECO for more help