Air Quality Data Processor

Introduction

Increasing pace of industrialization is leading to release of ever rising levels of various pollutants to the environment. Major sources for release of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide are fertilizer plants, thermal power stations, refineries, automobiles and a host of chemical industries. In order to evaluate strategies for pollution abatement, it is very essential to monitor pollutant levels in normal as well as emergency situations around such industries. Air quality monitoring system (AQMS) has been designed for this purpose. 

It (AQMS) consists of sulphur dioxide monitor, oxides of nitrogen monitor, ozone monitor, carbon monoxide monitor and air quality data processor. Oxides of nitrogen monitor and ozone monitor are based on the principle of chemiluminescence. In nitric oxide monitor, reaction takes place between internally generated ozone and nitric oxide in air sample, whereas in ozone monitor reaction occurs between ethylene gas supplied from a cylinder and ozone present in the air sample. Carbon monoxide monitor utilizes exothermic reaction of carbon monoxide and air in the presence of a catalyst and thermistros are used to measure the rise in temperature. Coulometric titration of iodine with sulphur dioxide in air sample is utilized in sulphur dioxide monitor. Outputs from the monitors are fed to air quality data processor. The processor computes hourly average of the data from different monitors and provides the output of the maximum the minimum and the average concentration with the time, month and the date. 

The detection levels of the instruments are suitable for measuring ambient levels of the pollutants. The system can be used for continuous monitoring for the criteria pollutants mentioned above. It has been extensively used in Trans Thane Creek Area, New Mumbai. With suitable modifications, the system can be used for monitoring releases of the above pollutants from different industries.

• For further information please contact

 Head, Technology Transfer & Collaboration Division,
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai- 400 085
Tel : 091-022-25593897
Fax : 091-022-25505151 / 25519613
Email : headttcd@barc.gov.in