RATA Testing

Plant continuous emissions monitors (CEMs) are subject to drifting and other causes which can render them inaccurate. It is occasionally necessary to test these CEMs to determine if if performance specifications for relative accuracy are met. ESA conducts these Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA Testing) to verify and certify the accuracy of plant CEMS.

RATA testing involves installing sampling probes into the flue gas stream near the plant CEM probes. The flue gas is drawn and analyzed with ESA's mobil emissions lab in accordance with EPA reference methods as well as methods prescribed by state and local government. The tests involve pre- and post-test calibrations with EPA approved calibration gases, sampling system bias checks, and twenty minutes of flue gas analysis. Multiple tests are run for each CEM probe location. After testing, ESA performs data analysis and determines if the CEM is within compliance.

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