What is the main purpose of a data acquisition system in CEMS?

The main purpose of a data acquisition system in Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) is to automatically monitor and control system performance. This function is critical because CEMS are utilized to continuously track the emissions of pollutants from various sources, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. By automatically gathering real-time data on emissions, these systems enable operators to maintain efficient operations and quickly respond to any deviations or exceedances in emission levels.

Automated monitoring allows for consistent and reliable data capture, which can be used to assess the performance of emissions control technologies, provide feedback for adjustments, and support regulatory reporting. In essence, the ability to control system performance through this continuous monitoring is paramount for both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

While adjusting specific parameters of gases, performing physical analyses, and encapsulating data for future reference are related activities, they do not encompass the overall primary function of the data acquisition system in the context of CEMS. The focus is specifically on real-time monitoring and systems management.