Probe choking in an analyser causing inaccurate and distorted readings? Best way to prevent this downtime and ensure accurate data flow

Maintaining uptime in emission monitoring equipment is crucial not just for compliance, but also for ensuring environmental accountability. While there are several contributors to analyser downtime, one of the most common and often underestimated issues is probe choking. The probe is designed to allow the flue gas into it through the sintered filters by diffusion process, and any disruption in its function can lead to inaccuracies.

When filter assembly on the probe becomes choked with particulate matter (or any contamination), the system no longer allows the diffusion of flue gas. This may be due to unavailability of instrument air. As a result, the analyser begins to show distorted readings, which can lead to incorrect emission data being reported. The analyser also gets slow in its response due to choked filters. If this condition remains unchecked and unresolved, the probe itself can get unusable and require replacement, a repair that is not only expensive but also time-consuming, resulting in extended system downtime.

This is where Forbes Marshall Digital’s EverSense for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) solution provides a decisive advantage. By continuously monitoring the health of the probe, our system identifies early signs of choking, before it becomes a critical issue. The data collected is used to guide users with timely SOPs for cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the filter assembly is kept in optimal condition. This empowers maintenance teams with foresight and control, allowing them to schedule cleaning or part replacements during planned shutdowns instead of reacting to sudden failures.