Performance Monitoring

As with the operation of any piece of equipment, performance monitoring and recordkeeping
are essential to establishing a good operation and maintenance program. The key to any monitoring
program is establishing an adequate baseline of acceptable ranges that is used as a reference
point. Then, by monitoring and recording key operating parameters, the operator can
identify performance problems, need for maintenance, and operating trends.
Typical parameters that can be monitored include:
• Voltage/current
• Opacity
• Gas temperature
• Gas flow rate and distribution
• Gas composition and moisture
In addition, site-specific data on process operating rates and conditioning system (if used)
should also be documented. Operators should not rely on just one parameter as an indicator of
performance—trends for a number of parameters gives a clearer picture. Let's briefly look at
the ways these parameters affect performance and the techniques used to measure them. Much
of this information was extracted from Operation and Maintenance Manual for Electrostatic
Precipitators (U.S. EPA 1985).