What exactly is EN 14181?

A new CEN standard - Quality Assurance of Automated Measuring Systems. Automated Measuring System (AMS) being the new European term for CEMS (continuous emissions monitoring system). The most significant change in the emissions monitoring arena in recent times.

How does EN 14181 effect the operation of your plant?
If your plant falls under the LCPD or WID you will be required to operate a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System - CEMS (soon to be named Automated Measuring System - AMS). Selection, commissioning and operation of this system will be subject to EN 14181.

Failure to comply with the requirements of EN 14181 may well result in the contravention of operating permits with obvious consequences, and also expensive revalidation of the installed systems.

Compliance with EN 14181 is a legal requirement under both the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) and the Waste Incineration Directive (WID).
 
 
What does this mean in practical terms?

•  YOU should ensure that you purchase EN 14181 compliant equipment, insisting on receiving QAL 1 statements from vendors prior to purchase. 

•  YOU need to arrange extensive and independent validation of the installed systems in line with EN 14181's QAL 2 requirement. 

•  YOU should operate a fully documented and quality assured operation and maintenance regime for all aspects of the installed systems in line with QAL 3 requirements.

•  YOU need to arrange annual surveillance tests to confirm measurement validity remains acceptable and to audit system maintenance and plant operational parameters.

 How the process for emissions monitoring systems works

How we can help you meet the EN 14181 standard

Automated QAL 1 assessment
By using an automated QAL 1 assessment method we can quickly assess the suitability of monitoring equipment for your specific application. Our automated QAL 1 assessment system gives quick and definitive statements on product suitability. QAL1 compliance is specific to each individual site.

The impact on Data Acquisition and Reporting
The inherent flexibility of our data acquisition and reporting systems (DAS), enable the reporting of measurement data to be tailored to meet exact requirements. Amongst others, the following standards and directives have all been considered when designing our DAS packages:

• EN 14181 - specific features to assist operators comply with QAL2 and QAL3 requirements
• BS EN ISO 14956
• Large Combustion Plant Directive - 2001/80/EC
• Waste Incineration Directive - 2000/76/EC
• ISO Standards - ISO 12039, ISO 10849, ISO 7935

LAND is ready and available to assist plant operators in meeting QAL 1 requirements by providing a comprehensive range of both MCerts and TÜV approved continuous emissions monitoring equipment.

Does your CEM need to meet QAL 1 of EN 14181 ?
To comply with EN14181 a Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) / Automated Measurement System (AMS) must be shown to meet QAL 1 requirements, that is it must meet certain performance characteristics (as stipulated in BS EN ISO 14956). Instrument performance must be validated in ALL cases by a field trial. MCerts and TÜV testing both provide this validation and meet the required standard. The certified instrument must also meet the monitoring requirements of the specific process or application.
 

 Need more Information on the impact in your own country?
All EU countries effected by the LCPD and WID have to comply with EN 14181. If you require assistance in your own country, please contact our nearest office or distributor.
 

UK
In the UK, two documents (produced by the UK Environment Agency) exist which provide further detailed information on BS EN 14181. Here we are providing you with our view of the key points for operators to consider and rules that AMS suppliers must follow. The complete documents are available by following the links given below.

Technical Guidance Note TGN M20
Key Points - Impact on Operators and AMS supplier

• QAL 2 Project Manager must be independent from AMS supplier
• Lowest certified range no greater than 1.5 x ELV for WID; 2.5 x ELV for LCPD (ELV - Emissions Limit Value)
• Sampling position must be proved before installation
• Downtime associated with the functional tests not included in annual availability allowance
• O2 and H₂O CEMS must be MCerts certified

Method Implementation Document (MID 14181)
Key Points - Impact on Operators and AMS supplier
 

• MCerts certification for relevant range meets QAL 1 requirement
• EN 14181 ELV is taken as daily average with few LCPD exceptions of 48 hour average
• Raw data must be used by test company but maybe from CEMS or DAS
• Linearity test not required for QAL 2 but recommended to allow possible range extension
• Downtime associated with the functional tests not included in annual availability allowance
• An AST may replace 2nd QAL 2 if: emissions < 50% of ELV (30% for dust) and no major plant changes
• Peripheral CEM measurements: H2O and O2 validation required. Full QAL2 if variability test fails
• For O2 use 21 % ELV and 10 % - 95 % CI; For H2O use 30% ELV and 30% - 95% CI (Confidence Intervals)
• Following AMS repair; monitor QAL 3 data to determine whether new QAL 2 required
• QAL 3 auto correction not recommended but permitted if still complies with QAL 1
• CEM supplier can implement any system that confirms zero and span drift compliance