EPA PS-15 Explained | Extractive FTIR CEMS Certification Guide
Master US EPA Performance Specification 15 (PS-15) for Extractive Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems in stationary sources. This technical training video breaks down the full path for validating multi-gas extractive systems, analyte spiking, and compliance verification. Perfect for field technicians, plant engineers, source testers, and professionals preparing for their QSTI certification exams.
In this guide, we deep dive into the complex testing and calibration specifications outlined under 40 CFR Part 60 Appendix B for FTIR technology:
* FTIR CEMS Core Applications: Tracking multi-gas emissions including Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), Ammonia (NH3), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
* The Validation Protocol: Why PS-15 relies on explicit analyte spiking techniques (using EPA Method 301 principles) rather than traditional gas cylinder RATA audits.
* Calibration Transfer Standards (CTS): Understanding how a CTS gas (like Ethylene or Methane) is used to verify the operational stability and spectral resolution of the interferometer.
* Data Quantitation & Retrospective Analysis: How FTIR software processes infrared absorption spectra using reference libraries to calculate dry basis gas concentrations.
The Spiking Standard: Highlight that unlike PS-2 or PS-3, which focus heavily on standard Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA), PS-15 leans heavily on analyte spiking to validate the system matrix. The expected recovery of the spiked analyte must typically be within 90% to 110%.
CTS Frequency: Explain that the Calibration Transfer Standard gas must be introduced into the system regularly to confirm that the instrument’s optical alignment and cell volume have not drifted.
Zero/Span Checks: Emphasize that because the baseline is spectral, zero checks require a non-absorbing gas (typically ultra-high purity Nitrogen) flowing through the entire extractive system path.
Whether you are configuring your sample transport lines to prevent condensation, managing a complex analyte spike test, or building your source testing foundation, this video provides a clear step-by-step compliance breakdown.
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