Contrôle des rejets atmosphériques

Emissions regulations

Atmospheric emissions: emissions or channeled emissions can be treated as continuous emissions and connected to a stack for continuous measurement.

In order to comply with regulations on the emission of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs), manufacturers must have measurements carried out by competent inspection bodies.

forme jaune avec Tom la mascotte de Quad-lab avec un masque à gaz pour les rejets atmosphérqiue

Tailored services

The laboratory has adapted its services to best meet the recommendations of this guide and to assist control bodies in optimising their sampling.
In the same vein, Quad-Lab has developed two turnkey analysis packages that meet the requirements of the ministerial decree of 2 February 1998 (the ‘Annex III’ package and the ‘Annex IV’ package).

This type of measurement involves increasingly complex sampling, which is often carried out in difficult conditions.

This is why AFNOR published a guide (FD X43-319) in December 2010 with the aim of reviewing the techniques used by organisations carrying out checks on piped gas emissions from industrial facilities.

Exemples illustrant la diversité de notre panel d’analyse :

the aldehydes on 2,4-DNPH
the mercaptans on mercuric acetate bubbling
phenol on XAD 7
Amines on H2SO4 or tubes
hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) on cadmium acetate bubbling
hydrogen (H₂), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂) on aluminium bag or bulb
the search for compounds without a predefined list (screening) for other volatile organic compounds on activated carbon is typically conducted by collecting samples and analyzing them using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

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What types of pollutants can be measured in emissions?

Measurements may include:
• Dust,
• Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO),
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
• Acids (HCl, HF),
• Ammonia (NH₃),
• Heavy metals and mercury,
• Dioxins, furans and PAHs,
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other specific gases depending on the activity.

How are atmospheric emissions measured?

Samples are taken and analyses carried out:
• By an inspection agency or specialist research organisation, which brings specific equipment for measuring emissions to the site.
• Using standardised, regulated methods and highly qualified personnel.
• A detailed report is then produced.

Do the checks only concern the exhaust stack?

No. Inspections may also cover:
• The environmental impact in the vicinity of the facility,
• Dust fallout,
• Smoke opacity,
• Diffuse or specific emissions depending on the site, etc.

What regulations govern atmospheric emissions?

The main reference texts are:
• The prefectural decree authorising operation,
• The ministerial decrees for the sector,
• The amended decree of 2 February 1998,
• The standard decrees applicable to facilities subject to declaration,
• Article L220-2 of the Environment Code.

How are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) collected?

VOCs are trapped on absorbent tubes or cartridges, or bubbling solutions for the most concentrated ones or if humidity is high, to be analysed by chromatography in most cases. This method allows a wide range of VOCs to be identified and quantified, including non-targeted ones (screening)

Why use multiple methods to analyse pollutants in discharges?

Each pollutant has its own chemical or physical characteristics. Laboratories combine different methods to obtain a complete and accurate picture of discharge quality, which is essential for regulatory compliance and public health.