BOARD MEETING DATE: April 7, 2006
AGENDA NO. 11

Execute Sole Source Purchase Order for Flame Ionization Detector Capable of Measuring VOCs in Source Stack Gases

SYNOPSIS:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from a variety of sources and have traditionally been measured using stack sampling methods followed by laboratory measurement techniques. Recent concerns regarding the level of VOCs being emitted from various sources on a continuous basis have been expressed. Staff has evaluated three newly developed technologies believed capable of measuring VOCs in real time in source stacks. This action is to execute a sole source purchase order in an amount not to exceed $26,000 with VIG Industries Inc. for the purchase of a field portable flame ionization detector. Sufficient funds are available for this purchase in the FY 2005-06 Budget.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, March 10, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Issue purchase order with VIG Industries, Inc. for the purchase of a Model 210 field portable flame ionization detector analyzer at a cost not to exceed $26,000 from the District General FY 2005-06 Budget, Unbudgeted Capital Outlay Major Object.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Due to recent odor complaints near facilities where combustion  materials lead to emissions of VOCs, staff has been evaluating sampling approaches to measure VOCs at the stack. The cause of the neighborhood odor complaints is often difficult to trace to a specific emissions source. Staff believes that a flame ionization detector (FID) analyzer can monitor a single stack and determine if there are any VOC emission spikes during an odor event. This information can subsequently be used for mitigation purposes. Staff evaluated several FIDs to determine the appropriateness of such a device for in-stack sampling and is recommending that a FID should be purchased to conduct stack testing. The FID analyzer would be used to detect total non-methane/non-ethane organic compound emissions from process stacks.

Proposal

Staff proposes the purchase of a FID analyzer and installing the analyzer in an existing Transportable Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (Trans-CEMS). The Trans-CEMS is a temperature controlled trailer that can be parked at a facility for extended periods. The Trans-CEMS conditions sample gases, records  the emissions, and performs calibrations, such that only periodic monitoring by AQMD staff is needed. The analyzer can also be used for the following applications:

• Stationary and mobile source exhaust gas analyses,
• Stack gas emissions monitoring (source test or continuous),
• Ambient air monitoring at elevated concentration levels,
• Efficiency monitoring of VOC control equipment, and
• Provides  real-time VOC information. 

Staff evaluated various commercially-available FID analyzers in terms of capabilities and cost, including those supplied by the following vendors:

• California Analytical Instruments – Model 600M – Cost: $16,400
• JUM Engineering – Model 109A – Cost $21,300
• VIG Industries – Model 210 – Cost $23,550

In the past, FIDs measured total hydrocarbons necessitating laboratory analyses in order to subtract methane and ethane concentrations from the total organic compound mass. Large subtractions can result in large measurement errors. The VIG Industries Model 210 represents newer technology in that a gas chromatograph column is used to separate methane and ethane, commonly occurring in natural gas applications, and is performed automatically and semi-continuously. This model was determined to be the only FID analyzer on the market with the ability to remove the methane and ethane simultaneously and minimize the potential error due to their subtraction. The Model 210 analyzes VOCs using two FIDs to measure total hydrocarbons and non-methane/non-ethane VOCs directly.

The California Analytical Instrument Model 600M uses a catalytic oxidizer to remove methane and has one FID. The unit is guaranteed to remove only 90% of the methane in a gas stream and does not exclude ethane. The Model 600M measures the non-methane components by subtracting a methane reading and is subject to potential errors of both the methane and total hydrocarbon results particularly when these readings are similar.

The JUM Engineering Model 109A uses a catalytic oxidizer to remove methane only and has two FIDs. Simultaneous total hydrocarbon and non-methane VOCs can be measured. However, there is no guarantee that the catalyst will not destroy other VOCs present.

Staff recommends that the Board execute a sole source purchase order for the purchase of a Model 210 FID analyzer at a cost not to exceed $26,000, which covers tax and shipping. This request is not budgeted in the current fiscal year budget. As such, staff is requesting that this purchase be made from the FY 2005-06 District General Budget, Undesignated Capital Outlay Major Object.

Sole Source Justification 

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for sole source purchase is made under provisions B.2.b. – Public health or property may be endangered by delay; and B.2.c.(1) – The unique experience and capabilities of the proposed contractor or contractor team. Public concerns regarding facilities such as RSR Quemetco, Inc, which incinerate materials that result in VOC emissions can be monitored more effectively and on a continuous basis with the proposed FID analyzer. Traditional source test sampling requires that samples be collected in the field over long integrated time periods, followed by laboratory analysis. Operational fluctuations  may result in emissions spikes which may not be discerned in integrated samples. These emission spikes may be the source of odors and, if detected, may be tied to odor complaints.

Under, Section B.2.c.(1) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure, the VIG Industries, Inc. possesses the unique capabilities to subtract methane and ethane concentrations from the total hydrocarbon mass on a real-time basis, which the other instruments do not have. Accurate measurements of exempt compounds such as methane and ethane are necessary to properly calculate VOC emissions. The VIG Industries, Inc. Model 210 FID analyzer  is the only field portable technology capable of accurately measuring low level, real time VOC emissions with the capability to subtract methane and ethane concentrations from the total hydrocarbon mass among the vendors that staff evaluated. The other instruments evaluated use a catalytic oxidizer to remove methane but do not exclude ethane. Further, these models measure the non-methane components by subtracting a methane reading and are subject to potential errors of both the methane and total hydrocarbon results, particularly when these readings are similar.

Benefits to AQMD

The acquisition of the FID analyzer will provide the AQMD capability to better characterize VOC emissions from source stacks. The information can be used in conjunction with odor complaints to determine if the source is the cause of the complaint. In addition, the FID analyzer can be used to analyze stationary and mobile source exhaust gases and elevated levels of VOCs in real time in ambient air.

Resource Impacts

Due to the urgency to conduct source testing at facilities where VOCs are emitted, staff proposes that the recommended FID be purchased at a cost not to exceed $26,000 from the FY 2005-06 District General Budget, Undesignated Capital Outlay Major Object. Sufficient funds are available in this major object to cover the cost of the recommended purchase.