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M aking accurate measure- ments from an industrial chimney is a complex and exacting task. Implementing a quality system only goes part of the way to ensuring that measurement uncer- tainties are under control. Participat- ing in proficiency testing (PT) schemes provides the added assurance that the measurement method being performed is fit for purpose and is performing within specification. In- deed, accreditation to ISO 17025 re- quires participation in PT schemes where these are available. Proficiency testing is also needed so that Regulators and Process Operators can have confidence that data from different measurement service providers are comparable. STA has worked with NPL over the years to develop PT Schemes and now NPL offers two ISO17043 accredited Proficiency Testing Schemes tailored to the requirements of the Stack Emissions Testing Industry. ese schemes test both instrument performance and team competence. Gas Measurement is is a two-part scheme involving making measurements from gas cylinders containing either binary or multi-component mixtures, and making measurements of hot and wet test gases from an artificial stack. e cylinder component gives information on instrument calibra- tion and performance, while measurements from the artificial stack give additional information on sampling. Whilst the use of certified reference materials is important for test- ing calibration proficiency they do not test sampling proficiency, which is a key component of the accredited measurement service that stack testing companies provide. By participating in both types of sampling test it allows participants to determine possible causes of poor performance should it occur, i.e. good performance in the cylinder test and poor performance in the artificial stack test would indicate good instrument performance and calibration but problems with sampling and subsequent sample conditioning. New cylinder test gases accre dited to ISO17043 for 2014 will be: 10 ppm propane + 10% oxygen mixture in nitrogen, which is re- quired for BS EN12619, NO + NO 2 mixture in nitrogen for conver ter efficiency testing and a CO 2 in nitrogen mixture for critical measurements related to Emissions Trading Schemes. e gas measurement scheme is run once a year in July. Particulate Measurement is is a two-part scheme involving the weighing of metal shims of a similar weight to typical filters used in stack testing, and the evaporation and weighing of a simulated probe washing solution. e metal shims give an indication of operator performance and balance calibration. e simulated probe washing allows sample con- ditioning to be assessed along with a participant's ability to determine a small change in mass similar to that required when making stack measurements. Experience has shown that the probe washing solution can highlight significant poor performance. e particulate measure- ment scheme is run twice a year in June and November. Scheme Registrations plus Additional Information Further information and registration for both schemes is via the fol- lowing website: www.stack-pt-schemes.net Participant test protocols and nominal test concentrations can be downloaded from the scheme specific pages. PT Scheme Register At the end of each year a register will be available on the web site containing a list of participants and a summary of overall performance in the form: SO 2 : 20 Participants achieved a satisfactory z score 5 Participants achieved a questionable z score 1 Participant achieved an unsatisfactory z score Participants will receive their results, but no companies' individual results will be publically available. n Proficiency testing – the benefits Source TeSTing ASSociATion | Annual Guide 2014 14 Uncertainty in emission monitoring ere seems to be nothing more uncertain in the emission monitoring industry than calculating uncertainty. It is a requirement of accreditation to ISO17025. It is a requirement from the regulators in regard to the European Directives. It is a requirement from clients who want to know how good the numbers are. e one-day training courses expel some of the myths around this very difficult topic and provide participants with the tools to understand and provide a consistent approach to uncertainty figures based on STA guidance. Course content • What is uncertainty? • How does it arise? • Why is it important? • Expressing uncertainty of measurement • Error versus uncertainty • Basic statistics on sets of numbers n Average n Spread – Standard Deviation n Exercise – calculation of standard deviation • Where do errors and uncertainties come from? • General kinds of uncertainty in measurement n Random or systematic n Distribution, normal, uniform or rectangular distribution, others • n What is not a measurement uncertainty? • Calculating uncertainty of measurement n Type A and Type B evaluations n Calculation steps. MCERTS Personnel competency When the MCERTS scheme for personnel was introduced in 2002 the membership requested that the STA provide a series of courses to assist personnel with the examination process. e first was a series of one day revision courses designed to give the candidate the knowledge as to the depth that was required to enter into the examination process. ese one day courses are still being run and cover: • TE1 – particulate monitoring • TE2 – trace element sampling • TE3 – gaseous monitoring by manual methods • TE4 – gaseous monitoring by instrumental methods. As new people enter the industry the develop- ment of full training courses became a requirement and the STA now offer Level 1 technician; 2 day training course and Level 2 team leader; 3 day training course. Courses are generally held at our training facility in Hitchin however day courses can be arranged on site. Bespoke courses can also be provided to members on request. For details of all STA training visit www.s-t-a.org n STA Article 4-5 WP.indd 14 05/02/2014 20:05 SUPPORTING ASSOCIATIONS: ORGANISED BY: sustainabilitylive.com @Suslive linkedin.com_sustainabilitylive2014 facebook.com/Sustainabilitylive OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS: ● New for 2014! Top level speakers on the Keynote Stage – hear from leading experts on how the latest sustainability policy and practice will affect your business. ● Practical case-study and discussion led seminars –the latest advice, updates and best practice that you can use in your working environment ● New for 2014! Technology Pitch product showcases – your chance to see the most innovative new products ● More than 250 exhibiting companies offering the latest range of sustainable and resource effi cient solutions – fi nd the products and services to help drive your organisation forward ● Networking opportunities – with thousands of industry professionals all in one place, take the opportunity to meet your peers and make new business contacts SHOW FEATURES INCLUDE: For more information on exhibiting or sponsorship contact Iona Spencer +44 (0)1342 332098, iona.spencer@fav-house.com Pre-register for FREE entry now at www.sustainabilitylive.com ● ENERGY FROM WASTE ● BIOENERGY ● ANAEROBIC DIGESTION ● SusLive-VisitorAd3-LAWR.indd 1 12/12/2013 09:58 STA p15.indd 15 05/02/2014 19:44

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