Moisture Removal Techniques for a Continuous Emission Monitoring System: A Review

Abstract

A continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) is a well-known tool used to analyze the concentrations of air pollutants from stationary sources. In a CEMS, the presence of a high moisture level in a sample causes a loss of analytes due to artifact formation or absorption. This issue brings about a bias in the measurement data. Thus, moisture removal is an important pretreatment step. Condensation and permeation methods have been widely employed to remove moisture from the CEMS for gaseous compounds. In terms of particulate matter, dilution methods have been applied to reduce the moisture level in the gas stream. Therefore, condensation, permeation, and dilution methods are critically reviewed in this work. The removal efficiencies and recovery rates of analytes are discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Furthermore, the suitable applications of each technique are determined. Condensation methods have not been well documented so far, while permeation and dilution methods have been continuously studied. Many types of permeation materials have been developed. The limitations of each method have been overcome over the years. However, the most reliable technique has not yet been discovered.