Industry first data acquisition system proficiency test

ABB’s CEM-DAS is the first data acquisition and handling system (DAHS) on the market to successfully pass testing in line with EN 17255, the first international standard for DAHS in emissions monitoring. With the successful completion of the tests, ABB has become the first company to offer a complete package of continuous gas analysis and DAHS systems fully compliant with international standards.

DAHS are computer-based systems that collect and process information on air pollutants measured by continuous emissions monitoring systems. The measurements are processed to produce reports demonstrating compliance with regulatory emissions limits.

The new standard allows plant operators across industries such as power, oil & gas, waste-to-energy, cement and chemicals to choose DAHS that have been assessed by an independent testing laboratory and certified by an independent certification body.

“ABB’s CEM-DAS is a key system for reporting emissions to authorities,” said Jean-René Roy, Global Business Line Manager, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “The fact that CEM-DAS is now successfully tested according to the first international DAHS standard provides plant operators with the same confidence that they have in ABB’s certified continuous emission monitoring systems. At a time of increasing environmental awareness and tightening regulatory requirements, CEM-DAS is crucial for ensuring environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.”

Carried out over a period of six months, the tests were conducted by TÜV Rheinland Energy Environment, GmbH, an accredited laboratory that tests, inspects and certifies technical systems and facilities. The tests showed that CEM-DAS’s emissions reporting provided reproducible results regardless of vendor-specific data processing methods.

It is expected that the EN 17255 standard will improve the quality of data acquisition and handling system reporting globally by providing standardised protocols for data collection, validation and reporting. It will also help ensure consistency and accuracy across different systems and regions. This will enhance data integrity, facilitate regulatory compliance, and give plant operators confidence in the reliability of their emissions monitoring systems.