Performance Standards for

Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems

Performance standards for
gaseous emissions, particulates, temperature,
pressure and flow rate

Environment Agency
Version 2, Revision 1
April 2003

Foreword
The Environment Agency (the Agency) has established its Monitoring Certification Scheme,
MCERTS, to deliver quality environmental measurements. The scheme is based on
international standards and provides for the product certification of instruments, the
competency certification of personnel and the accreditation of laboratories. MCERTS is
progressively being extended to cover all regulatory monitoring activities.
This document contains the performance standards for continuous emission monitoring
systems (CEMs). CEMs are instruments that are used to make measurements in the hostile
environments of industrial chimney stacks, flues and ducts, often over widely varying process
operating conditions.
MCERTS for CEMs:

makes available a certification scheme that is formally recognised within the

UK and is acceptable internationally;

gives confidence to regulatory authorities that instrumentation, once certified,

is fit for purpose and capable of producing results of the required quality and
reliability;

gives confidence to users that the instrumentation selected is robust and

conforms to performance standards that are accepted by UK regulatory
authorities;

supports the supply of accurate and reliable data to the public;

provides instrument manufacturing companies with an independent

authoritative endorsement of their products, which will facilitate their access
to international markets and increase the take-up of their products in the UK.

The MCERTS performance standards for CEMs described in this document are based on
relevant sections of a number of international ISO or CEN standards, as well as taking into
account other relevant national standards.
The determinands covered by the scheme include common pollutants, greenhouse gases and
physical parameters. They are the most important emission and physical parameters when
monitoring from a wide range of industrial processes. However, as MCERTS develops, the
performance standards will be expanded to cover other determinands and industrial
processes.
MCERTS provides a formal scheme operating under the requirements of European standard
EN 45011 for the product certification of continuous monitoring systems conforming to these
standards. The Agency has appointed Sira Certification Service (the Certification Body) to
operate MCERTS on its behalf.

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Revision 1, April 2003

The Certification Body has a governing body made up of nominated representatives from the
various interests served, with no one interest being predominant. The membership includes
CEM manufacturers trade associations, CEM users and the Agency. The governing body is
responsible for ensuring that the performance of the Certification Body meets the
requirements of EN 45011.
Laboratory and field testing under MCERTS must be carried out by laboratories and test
organisations that are accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025. The evaluation of the results
obtained during the laboratory and field tests will be carried out by the Certification Body,
using a group of independent experts known as the Certification Committee.
The Agency has also been working with the German environmental regulator, the
Umweltbundesamt (UBA) to align the German and MCERTS performance standards for
CEMs. The performance standards in this document reflect this alignment. Furthermore, the
Agency has developed and published a procedure for the acceptance of German test reports
for instruments having approval in Germany. For such instruments, this results in a
significant reduction of testing requirements for certification under MCERTS.
MCERTS certification will also be recognised in Germany, subject to two instruments being
tested, with both instruments meeting all requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the certification process, or would like further
information on how to make an application, please contact:
Sira Certification Service
South Hill
Chislehurst
Kent BR7 5EH

Tel:
Fax:

+44 (0)208 467 2636

+44 (0)208 295 1990

If you have any general questions about MCERTS, please contact:

Environment Agency
Monitoring & Assessment Process
Lutra House
Dodd Way, off Seedlee Road
Walton Summit
Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 8BX

Tel:
Fax:

+44 (0)1772 714362

+44 (0)1772 714360

or visit the MCERTS website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/mcerts/

Dr Mick Pearson
Process Manager: Monitoring & Assessment Process
April 2003

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Revision 1, April 2003

ii

Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Unique identification of CEMs ............................................................................... 2
1.3 Modifications to certified CEMs............................................................................. 3
1.4 Previous performance tests...................................................................................... 3
1.5 Certificate validity................................................................................................... 4
2. Scope................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Legal drivers............................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Scope of the MCERTS scheme ............................................................................... 4
3. References ........................................................................................................................ 5
4. Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 6
5. General CEM requirements........................................................................................... 9
5.1 General requirements for all CEM systems ............................................................ 9
5.2 Operating conditions ............................................................................................. 10
5.3 Certification range................................................................................................. 11
5.4 Zero and span drift ................................................................................................ 12
6. Determinand specific requirements............................................................................. 13
6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Gas monitoring CEMs........................................................................................... 13
6.3 Total organic compound monitoring CEMs.......................................................... 14
6.4 Particulate monitoring CEMs................................................................................ 15
6.5 Flow monitoring CEMs......................................................................................... 15
6.6 Temperature and pressure monitoring CEMs ....................................................... 16
7.

Status of this document ................................................................................................ 16

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Revision 1, April 2003

iii

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Revision 1, April 2003

iv

Performance Standards for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems

1.

Introduction

1.1

Background

1.1.1

The Environment Agency established its Monitoring Certification Scheme

(MCERTS) to focus initially on the product certification of certain categories of
continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMs) used for the measurement of
atmospheric emissions from industrial processes via chimney stacks. The scheme is
now being expanded to cover all areas of regulatory monitoring.

1.1.2

This document specifies the MCERTS performance standards for CEMs. The
determinands covered include, but are not restricted to:

sulphur dioxide (SO2);

oxides of nitrogen (principally NO and NO2, but also N2O);
carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2);
hydrogen chloride (HCl);
hydrogen fluoride (HF);
methane (CH4);
sulphur hexafluoride (SF6);
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs);
mercury (Hg);
formaldehyde;
benzene;
volatile organic compounds, expressed as total organic compounds (TOCs);
oxygen (O2);
water vapour (H2O);
particulate matter;
gas temperature, pressure and flow rate.

1.1.3

The performance standards cover a range of emission levels for large combustion
plant, including gas turbines, waste incineration and solvent-using processes.

1.1.4

The general CEM requirements and performance standards to be met by CEMs for
each characteristic are presented in Sections 5 and 6. The requirements for
compliance testing to evaluate the performance of CEMs for conformance to the
MCERTS performance standards are given in the document entitled Procedures and
General Requirements for the Compliance Testing of Continuous Emission
Monitoring Systems.

1.1.5

The main CEM performance characteristics against which a CEM will be assessed
by a combination of laboratory and field testing are:

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

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1.1.6

1.1.7

linearity;
cross-sensitivity to likely components of the stack gas other than the
determinand;
influence of sample pressure and sample temperature;
response time;
detection limit;
influence of ambient conditions on zero and span readings;
performance and accuracy of the CEM against a standard reference method
(SRM) under field conditions;
reproducibility under field conditions (for particulate monitoring CEMs);
availability and maintenance interval under field conditions;
time-dependent zero and span drift under field conditions;
susceptibility to physical disturbances;
design features.

Product certification comprises three phases. These are:

Laboratory testing used to determine performance characteristics, where

such testing requires a highly controlled environment.

Field testing which is at least three months long. The field test is carried out
on processes representative of the intended industrial sectors and applications.

Product certification which comprises an audit of the manufacturing process

to confirm that the manufacturer has provisions to ensure manufacturing
reproducibility and to control any design changes to ensure that they do not
degrade performance below the MCERTS standards.

Test laboratories shall have accredited procedures that comply with the requirements
of EN ISO/IEC 17025 and the requirements of the MCERTS scheme.
NOTE:

If laboratories carried out performance testing on CEMs before March 2002, then procedures that
comply with the requirements of EN 45001 and the requirements of the MCERTS scheme are
acceptable.

1.1.8

Throughout this document, the terms MCERTS certificate and certificate refer
to the MCERTS product conformity certificate.

1.2

Unique identification of CEMs

1.2.1

All MCERTS certified CEMs shall have a unique designation that unambiguously
identifies the equipment as a certified model.

1.2.2

All MCERTS certified CEMs shall have a means of showing the scope of
certification.
NOTE:

1.2.3

This could be an identification plate that shows the type of analyser, serial number, certified
determinands and their ranges.

Any changes in the design that have an effect on the performance of the CEM must
be reflected in the unique designation of the CEM.
NOTE:

For example, a CEM that has been modified shall be given a new model designation or number to
distinguish it clearly from previous models.

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

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1.3

Modifications to certified CEMs

1.3.1

Modifications to certified measuring systems are allowable so long as manufacturers

can demonstrate that these design changes do not degrade the performance of the
CEM below the MCERTS performance standards.

1.3.2

Manufacturers must keep detailed records and drawings of all design changes to
CEMs, and have provisions for design verification, inspection and testing to ensure
that the CEMs still meet the required performance standards.

1.3.3

The Certification Body will conduct a regular audit of the design changes to CEMs
to meet the requirements of product certification. Manufacturers must notify the
Certification Body of any modifications to equipment that may have a significant
effect on CEM performance.
NOTE:

The audit frequency would typically be annually, but may be every two or three years depending on
circumstances.

1.3.4

Design modifications or extensions to the range of application of a CEM may

require renewed conformance testing. The extent of this renewed testing will depend
upon the nature of the modifications to the CEM.

1.3.5

If there is evidence that a modification has only limited effects on the performance
of the CEM, then it would not be necessary to retest a CEM completely. In such
cases, only a supplementary test would be required to the applicable MCERTS
performance standards.

1.3.6

In the case of modifications to software particularly in measuring instruments

detailed documentation (for example, source code) must be presented to the
Certification Body indicating the nature of the modification as well as resultant
effects on operation and functionality. The Certification Body will then decide if
further testing is required.

1.3.7

The certificate will specify a type of sample conditioning system for extractive
CEMs. Sample conditioning systems different from those which were tested during
certification are allowable so long as the CEM continues to meet the required
performance standards and there is independent, verifiable data from a suitably
accredited laboratory to support this.

1.4

Previous performance tests

1.4.1

MCERTS is developing in line with the evolving requirements of European

legislation and international standards. These developments in turn are influencing
the alignment of national certification and type-approval schemes. This means that,
if CEMs have been approved by other schemes, and such schemes are compatible
with MCERTS, then some or all of the previous test results may be acceptable for
MCERTS certification, depending upon the scope of certification required.

1.4.2

The German environmental regulator, the Umweltbundesamt (UBA), operates a

type-approval scheme where most of the testing is performed by TV test
laboratories.

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The Agency and the UBA have formally agreed to align their respective schemes,
mutually recognising the testing carried out under both schemes, and to cooperate in
the development of wider international developments, for example, in CEN.
1.4.3

Manufacturers that have test reports to demonstrate conformance with the

requirements of the UBAs type-approval scheme for their CEMs are encouraged to
submit test reports along with their application for MCERTS certification. The
Agency has a formal procedure, MCERTS - Guidance on the Acceptance of German
Type Approval Test Reports for CEMs, for assessing the test results for compliance
with the MCERTS performance standards.
NOTE:

Test reports produced to demonstrate conformance with other national schemes may also be
acceptable.

1.5

Certificate validity

1.5.1

MCERTS certificates are valid for five years. After this time, the certification is
reviewed and any necessary retesting will be identified to maintain the certification.

2.

Scope

2.1

Legal drivers

2.1.1

MCERTS for CEMs is designed to meet the requirements of EC Directives and the
mandatory standards cited within these Directives. The Directives are:

Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from
large combustion plants (2001/80/EC).
Directive on the incineration of waste (2000/76/EC).
Directive on the incineration of hazardous waste (1994/67/EC).
2.1.2

New Directives for incineration and large combustion plants require monitoring and
calibration to be performed according to the requirements of CEN or national
standards, while Directives 2000/76/EC and 2001/80/EC require compliance with
ISO and international standards as well. Therefore, existing or developing CEN or
ISO standards applicable to CEMs indirectly become legal requirements, and, as
MCERTS product certification is based on these mandatory standards, it provides a
means of demonstrating compliance with these legal requirements.

2.1.3

CEN is also developing a new standard for quality assurance of CEMs, which will
require monitoring equipment to be independently certified or type-approved to
international and national standards. MCERTS meets this requirement.

2.2

Scope of the MCERTS scheme

2.2.1

The scope of processes within the MCERTS scheme for CEMs is as follows:

Incineration processes, including those for hazardous waste, co-incineration,

municipal waste and clinical waste. In short, those processes covered by the
Directive on the incineration of waste (2000/76/EC).

Combustion processes covered by the Directive on the limitation of emissions

of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (2001/80/EC).

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

Page 4 of 16

 Solvent-using processes covered by the Solvent emissions Directive

(1999/13/EC).

Gas-fired turbines. While covered by Directive 2001/80/EC, there is evidence

that gas turbines are highly specialised and demanding applications for
monitoring, particularly regarding the measurement of low concentrations of
nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
2.2.2

CEMs will ordinarily be tested on a highly demanding process, such as a large coalfired power station, municipal waste incinerator or a gas-fired turbine, depending on
the intended application. The premise is that, if the CEM performs acceptably on
these applications, then experience has shown that CEMs will generally perform
well on 95% of other processes. However, there will always be exceptions, and it is
the responsibility of the manufacturer in conjunction with the user to ensure that the
CEM will perform adequately on a specific process.

3.

References

3.1

Normative references
a)
b)
c)

3.2

BS EN 45001:1998. General criteria for the operation of testing laboratories.

BS EN ISO/IEC 17025 (2000). General requirements for the competence of
testing and calibration laboratories.
Procedures and General Requirements for the Compliance Testing of
Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems The Environment Agencys
Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS), Version 2, Revision 1, April
2003.

General references
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)

BS 6069 Section 4.4 (1993). Stationary source emissions Determination of

the mass concentration of sulphur dioxide Performance characteristics of
automated measuring methods. Also known as ISO 7935.
BS EN 12619 (1999). Determination of the mass concentration of TOC at low
concentrations in flue gases.
BS EN 13526 (2002). Determination of the mass concentration of TOC at high
concentrations in flue gases.
BS EN 50081-1 (1992). Electromagnetic compatibility. Generic emission
standard. Residential, commercial and light industry.
BS EN 50081-2 (1994). Electromagnetic compatibility. Generic emission
standard. Industrial environment.
BS ISO 6879 (1995). Air quality Performance characteristics and related
concepts for air quality measurements.
BS ISO 10155 (1995). Stationary source emissions Automated monitoring
of mass concentrations of particles Performance characteristics, test methods
and specifications.
BS ISO 14164 (1999). Stationary source emissions Determination of volume
flow rate of gas streams in duct automated method.
ISO 9169 (1994). Air quality Determination of performance characteristics
of measurement methods. Also Amendment 1 (CD) (1998).

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

Page 5 of 16

m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
s)

ISO 10396 (1993). Stationary source emissions Sampling for the automated
determination of gas concentrations.
ISO 10849 (1996). Stationary source emissions Determination of mass
concentration of nitrogen oxides Performance characteristics of automated
measuring systems.
ISO 12039 (2001). Stationary source emissions Determination of the
volumetric concentration of CO, CO2 and oxygen Performance
characteristics and calibration of an automated measuring system.
BS EN 60359 (2002). Electrical and electronic measurement equipment.
Expression of performance
MCERTS Guidance on the Acceptance of German Type Approval Test
Reports for CEMs, Environment Agency, 2001.
VDI 4203, Part 1 (2002). Testing of automated measuring systems. General
concepts.
VDI 4203, Part 2 (2002). Testing of automated measuring systems. Test
procedures for measuring systems of gaseous and particulate emissions.

4.

Definitions

4.1

Accuracy: The closeness of agreement between a single measured value of the

determinand and the true value (or an accepted reference value).

4.2

Analysis function: Statistical relationship between the starting variable (signal

measured) of the measuring system and the associated measurement result
(measured value) simultaneously determined at the same point of measurement
using a standard method of reference measurement.
NOTE 1: The analysis function is normally calculated using linear regression.
NOTE 2: ISO 10155 uses the term calibration function instead of analysis function. This use of the term
calibration function conflicts with other ISO standards (for example, ISO 6879) and VDI. Within
MCERTS, the term analysis function is used to avoid such inconsistencies.

4.3

Availability: The fraction of the total monitoring time for which data of acceptable
quality have been collected.

4.4

Averaging time: The period of time over which an arithmetic or time-weighted

average of concentrations is calculated. [Ta is the averaging time used by the CEM.
Tra is the required data averaging period, e.g. prescribed by legislation.]

4.5

CEM: Acronym for a continuous emission monitoring system. Entirety of all

measuring instruments and additional devices for obtaining a measurement result.
NOTE 1: Apart from the actual measuring device (the analyser), a CEM includes facilities for taking samples
(e.g. probe, sample gas lines, flow meters and regulator, delivery pump), for sample conditioning (e.g.
dust filter, pre-separator for disturbing components, cooler, converter) and for recording. This
definition also includes testing and adjusting devices that are required for functional checks and, if
applicable, for commissioning.
NOTE 2: CEM is an alternative term for automated measuring system (AMS), which is the term typically
used elsewhere in Europe.

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4.6

Certification range: The determinand values over which the instrument is to be

tested, bounded by specified upper and lower limits. Testing takes place within the
certification range.

4.7

Converter efficiency: The efficiency with which the internal converter unit of a
NOx analyser reduces NO2 to NO.

4.8

Cross-sensitivity: Response of the CEM to determinands other than those it is

designed to measure. See Interference.

4.9

Detection limit: This is the concentration value of the determinand below which
there is at least a 95% level of confidence that the measured value corresponds to a
sample free of that determinand.

4.10

Delay time, T10: The time taken for the output reading of the CEM to reach 10% of
the total change in instrument response.

4.11

Expanded uncertainty: Quantity defining a level of confidence about the result of

a measurement that may be expected to encompass a specific fraction of the
distribution of values that could reasonably be attributed to a determinand.
NOTE:

4.12

The level of confidence would typically be 95%.

Field repeatability: A measure of the 95% level of confidence of the difference of

measuring results from two CEMs used under identical conditions.
NOTE:

The term reproducibility is sometimes used instead of field repeatability.

4.13

Gas analyser: An analytical instrument that provides an output signal that is a

function of the concentration, partial pressure, flow or temperature of one or more
components of a gas mixture.

4.14

Integral performance: The integral performance is defined as a measure of the

working accuracy of the CEM. The integral performance is derived from the
differences in pairs of measured values of the determinand by the CEM and the
SRM. There must be a sufficient number of paired measurements spread over the
period of unattended operation. It is calculated according to the formula for standard
deviation.
The difference in uncertainties between the measurements from the CEM and the
reference methods is defined in equation (1):
2

I F = SD SC

(1)

where SD is derived from the uncertainty in the differences between the CEM and
SRM measurements using equation (2):

SD =

2
1 n 2 1 n

Z
Z

i
i
n 1 i =1
n i =1

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

(2)

Page 7 of 16

where
Zi = Xi Yi;
Xi = individual result obtained by the SRM;
Yi = mean result obtained by the CEM over the same time period as that taken to
perform SRM measurement;
n = number of measurement pairs;
SC = known standard deviation in the results obtained by the SRM.
4.15

Interference: A negative or positive effect that a substance has upon the output of
the instrument when that substance is not the target determinand.

4.16

Interferent: Component of the sample, excluding the measured constituent, that

affects the output signal.

4.17

Limiting conditions: The extreme conditions that an instrument can withstand

without damage and any decrease in its abilities to perform reliable measurements
when it is working under its rated operating conditions.

4.18

Linearity: Measure of fit of the instruments response to a straight line using a

number of samples of approximately equally distributed concentrations of a
pollutant and a zero concentration.

4.19

Linearity error: The maximum deviation between the actual analyser readings and
the best-fit line (linear regression line).

4.20

Maintenance interval: Maximum admissible interval of time for which the

performance characteristics will remain within a predefined range without servicing,
e.g. refill, calibration or adjustment.

4.21

Output: A reading, or a digital or analogue electrical signal, generated by an

instrument in response to a determinand.

4.22

Performance characteristic: One of the quantities (described by values, tolerances,

range) assigned to equipment in order to define its performance.

4.23

Reference conditions: A specified set of values (including tolerances) of influence

variables, delivering representative values of performance characteristics.

4.24

Reference material: A substance or mixture of substances, with a known

composition within specified limits. One or more of the properties of the reference
material are sufficiently well established over a stated period of time to be used for
the calibration of an apparatus, for the assessment of a measuring method, or for
assigning values to materials.

4.25

Repeatability: The ability of a CEM to provide closely similar indications for

repeated applications of the same determinand under the same conditions of
measurement.

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4.26

Response time, T90: The time taken for the output indicator reading of the CEM to
reach 90% of the total change in CEM response.

4.27

Span: Difference of the instrument readings between zero and a stated determinand
value. By convention, this determinand value is chosen to be 70% to 80% of the
upper limit of the measurement.

4.28

Span drift: The change in instrument reading in response to a specified value of a

determinand over a stated period of unattended operation.

4.29

Stable test gas mixture: A mixture of gases where the component to be measured is
known and neither reacts with the containment system, nor is adsorbed on to it (e.g.
a cylinder).

4.30

Standard uncertainty: Uncertainty of the result of a measurement expressed as a

standard deviation.

4.31

Uncertainty: The parameter associated with the result of a measurement that

characterises the dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the
determinand.

4.32

Zero gas: A gas mixture used to establish the zero point of a calibration curve when
used with a given analytical procedure within a given calibration range.

4.33

Zero drift: The change in instrument reading in response to a zero value of the
determinand over a stated period of unattended operation.

5.

General CEM requirements

5.1

General requirements for all CEM systems

5.1.1

The performance standards within this document apply to complete CEM systems,
unless specified otherwise. Where manufacturers do not produce all of these
components themselves, they should supply components from other manufacturers
that they consider suitable for the required purpose(s).

5.1.2

The CEMs shall conform to all applicable EC Directives. These include:

Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC and its amendments

92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC.
Directive 72/23/EEC (known as the Low-Voltage Directive and its amendment
93/68/EEC) covering electrical equipment designed for use within certain
voltage limits.
CEM manufacturers or suppliers shall supply independently verifiable and traceable
evidence of conformity to all the relevant Directives applicable to the equipment.
NOTE:

5.1.3

Equipment within the scope of the Hazardous Atmospheres Directive falls outside the scope of this
document.

CEMs shall comply with the requirements of BS EN 60359, Expression of the

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

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performance of electrical and electronic measuring instruments. Manufacturers

shall provide evidence of compliance.
5.1.4

All CEMs shall have a means of protection against unauthorised access to analyser
control functions.

5.1.5

The zero point of a CEMs display of response shall be located between 10% and
20% of the full-scale deflection (FSD). The reference point for span gases shall be
located at approximately 70% of chosen range.

5.1.6

The indicating range of the CEM shall be adjustable to the task in hand.

5.1.7

The CEM shall have a means of connecting an additional indicating and recording
device.

5.1.8

The CEM shall have a means of displaying its operating status, for example, normal
operations, stand-by, maintenance mode, malfunctions. The CEM shall also have a
means of communicating the operational status to a remote system.

5.1.9

Particulate CEMs under MCERTS must meet the performance standards for field
repeatability.

5.1.10

CEMs that use a cross-stack optical method as the measuring principle shall have
provisions for either prevention of soiling of the optical system or compensation for
its effects.

5.1.11

In the event of an excursion of the measurement beam in cross-stack CEMs, the

allowable effect on performance shall be no greater than 2% of the indicating range
for a maximum allowable deviation angle range of 0.3.

5.1.12

Under MCERTS for gas monitoring CEMs, one CEM is required for both laboratory
and field testing, while for particulate monitoring CEMs, two CEMs are required for
field testing. Under the German scheme, two CEMs are required for the laboratory
and field tests for both gas monitoring and particulate monitoring CEMs.
The two CEMs must pass all applicable tests. Manufacturers wishing to have the
MCERTS certification accepted in Germany will need to meet these requirements.

5.2

Operating conditions

5.2.1

Typical, new emissions limits and associated stack gas parameters for a variety of
process, waste incineration and large combustion plant are listed in Table 1. These
ranges are based on legal requirements within recent and developing EC Directives.
The MCERTS tests are designed to take these conditions into account. Ranges for
certification should be based on fixed multiples of daily emissions limit values,
using the lowest typical limits from EU Directives.

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Table 1

Lower emissions limits and combustion parameters, from processes regulated

under key EU Directives

Determinands

Incineration

Co-incineration

Solid
fuels

Liquid
fuels

Gaseous
fuels

Gas
turbines

Sulphur dioxide
Oxides of nitrogen
Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen fluoride
Total organic carbon
Particulates
Oxygen (% volume)
Water vapour
Flow (m s-1)

50
200
502
10
1
10
10
11
15
20

50
200
502
10
1
10
30
11
15
20

200
200
502

30
6
12
20

200
400
502

30
3
15
20

351
200
502

5
3
20
20

50

15
20
20

5.2.2

Solventusing
processes

500

21
10
15

The limit of 35 mgm-3 is for gaseous fuels in general, whereas a 5 mgm-3 limit is set for liquefied gas.

EU Directives 2001/80/EC and 2000/76/EC allow regulators to set limits. A theoretical limit of 50 mgm-3 is suggested for
setting ranges.

The data in Table 1 give an indication of:

the conditions with which a CEM might have to contend, and the possible
interfering components that may coexist with the determinand;

values for different physical parameters (e.g gas flow velocity) that could be
encountered in practice;

the water-soluble acidic-gases that are generally present in the flue gas, since
acid condensation could occur if the temperature within the CEM and/or its
associated sampling line falls below the dew point of these gases.

5.3

Certification range

5.3.1

The CEM manufacturer shall specify and agree with the Certification Body, for each
determinand to be measured, the certification range of concentrations over which
the CEM is to be tested. These ranges shall be chosen subject to the requirements of
paragraphs 5.3.25.3.9.

5.3.2

Each certification range will comprise a maximum and minimum value for each
determinand. These values must be agreed by the Certification Body as fit for the
purpose of the intended industrial process application and legal requirements.
NOTE 1: CEMs may have more than one certified range, although additional ranges will require supplementary
testing to that required for one range alone.
NOTE 2: The MCERTS certificate will list all ranges certified and will state explicitly the performance criteria
tested for each range.

5.3.3

Manufacturers wishing to have the MCERTS certification accepted in Germany

should ensure that the certification range meets the requirements of the relevant
German legislation governing incineration and combustion processes.
NOTE:

5.3.4

Here, the maximum in each range is typically 1.5 to 3.0 times the emissions limit for each
determinand. For incineration processes, the range should be 1.5x the daily average limit value.

The minimum value of the certification range will usually be zero, if the CEM is
able to measure a zero value. For some determinands (for example, temperature,
pressure) and for some CEMs, a zero measurement is not possible, and in this case
the agreed lower limit of the certification range will be non-zero.

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5.3.5

The performance standards presented in Section 6 are generally expressed as a

percentage of the maximum of the certification range for each determinand. Thus a
single percentage value of the maximum of the certification range, expressed in the
appropriate units, is adopted as the largest permitted deviation allowed for each test,
regardless of the absolute value of the determinand quantity used in the test.

5.3.6

Optical cross-stack CEMs generally measure in units of determinand concentration

multiplied by the length of the optical path. In this case the certification range will
be defined in such units, but the path length used for testing will be stated on the
MCERTS certificate.

5.3.7

Where the CEM has user-selectable settings (for example, gain and range), these
will be chosen by the manufacturer, in conjunction with the test-house, to be
appropriate to the certification range. It is likely that in practice the CEM range
selected will be similar to the certification range, although this is not essential.
However, the CEM will be tested only over the certification range. The CEM
settings, once chosen, will not be altered during the tests. If certification is granted,
the settings used will be stated on the certificate.

5.3.8

If a manufacturer wishes to demonstrate performance over a different range from the

agreed certification range, additional testing will be required over each range.

5.3.9

The maximum testable values of the certification ranges, given in Table 2, have
been set according to peak values that may be experienced within industries. It may
be possible to test higher values, if required, by agreement with the Certification
Body and the chosen test-house(s).
Table 2

Maximum testable values of determinands

Determinand
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Nitric oxide (NO)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
Total organic compounds (propane equivalent)
Oxygen (O2)
Water vapour
Particulate
Temperature
Pressure
Flow velocity

Maximum determinand value

10,000 mg m3
3,000 mg m3
1,000 mg m3
1,000 mg m3
30% vol
2,000 mg m3
1,000 mg m3
30% vol
50% vol
500 mg m3
600 C
1,100 mbar
30 m s1

5.4

Zero and span drift

5.4.1

The CEM shall have a means of calibration and readjustment for zero and span drift.
If such adjustments cannot bring the CEM within a normal operational range, then
the CEM shall have a means of communicating this status to a remote system.

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5.4.2

The manufacturer shall provide a description of the technique used by the CEM to
determine zero and span drift. The technique must be sensitive to drift in as many of
the active components of the CEM as possible. If the CEM cannot measure zero
values, then the drift shall be measured at the lower limit of the certification range.

6.

Determinand specific requirements

6.1

Introduction

6.1.1

This section defines the determinand specific requirements for CEMs. The values
for individual parameters given in these sections are expressed as a percentage of the
maximum of the certification range of the CEM under test, with the exception of
availability and analysis function.

6.2

Gas monitoring CEMs

6.2.1

Table 3 shows the performance standards for CEMs monitoring gaseous

determinands.
Table 3

Performance standards for gas monitoring CEMs

Performance characteristic
Linearity
Cross-sensitivity
Zero shift due to ambient temperature
change of 1 C (T = 10 C)
Span shift due to ambient temperature
change of 1 C (T = 10 C)
Response time (seconds)
Detection limit (% of range)
Detection limit (% of emissions limit)2
Analysis function/integral performance
Availability
Zero drift (weekly)
Span drift (weekly)

Gases1 other than

HCl, HF and O2
<2%
<4%
<0.3%

HCl and HF

O2

<2%
<4%
<0.3%

<0.3% vol
<4%
<0.5% vol

<0.3%

<0.3%

<0.5% vol

<200
<2%
<5%
>95%/<10%
>95%
<2%
<4%

<600
<2%
<5%
>95%/<10%
>95%
<2%
<4%

<200
<0.2%

>95%/<5%
>95%
<0.2% vol
<0.2% vol

NOTE 1: The gases will ordinarily include SO2, CO2, NO, NO2, H2O, CO, N2O, SF6, CH4, perfluorocarbons and
hydrofluorocarbons. However, other gases or vapours may be included, such as formaldehyde,
mercury vapour and benzene.
NOTE 2: This is not applicable to gases where there is not a set emissions limit, for example, greenhouse gases
such as perfluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons.

6.2.2

CEMs that use extractive sampling systems shall have provisions for filtration of
solids, avoidance of chemical reactions within the sampling system, entrainment
effects and effective control of water condensate.

6.2.3

When required by the Certification Body, the effect of sample pressure and
temperature shall be tested and the results reported on the certificate. However, there
are no performance standards for these parameters.

6.2.4

NOx ordinarily means nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Manufacturers
must specify which of these determinands require certification. CEMs for measuring
emissions from gas turbines shall be capable of measuring both NO and NO2.

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6.2.5

CEMs that measure total NOx by means of an NO2-to-NO converter shall have a
converter efficiency of at least 95%.

6.2.6

The nominal temperature range is 20 C to +50 C, unless assemblies are installed

within temperature-controlled environments, in which case the required range is
+5 C to +40 C. The manufacturer submitting a CEM for testing may specify other
operational ranges, as specified in BS EN 60359.

6.2.7

Manufacturers submitting CEMs for certification for greenhouse gases shall specify
which perfluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons are to be included in the scope of
certification.

6.3

Total organic compound monitoring CEMs

6.3.1

The performance standards for CEMs monitoring total organic compounds (TOCs)
are given in Table 4. There are two different standards one for CEMs measuring
TOCs with concentrations of less than 20 mg C.m3 of total carbon and another for
those measuring carbon concentrations up to 500 mg C.m3.
NOTE:

The standard for the low range of TOC meets the requirements of the Directive on the incineration of
waste, 2000/76/EC and the Directive on the incineration of hazardous waste, 1994/67/EC. The
standard for the higher ranges of TOC meet the requirements of the Directive on the limitation of
emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and
installations, 1999/13/EC.

Table 4

Performance standards for TOC monitoring CEMs

Performance characteristic

Low range
020 mg C.m3

High range
0500 mg C.m3

Detection limit
Linearity1
Response time
Effect of oxygen
Range of response factors:
aliphatic hydrocarbons
aromatic hydrocarbons
dichloromethane
aliphatic alcohols
esters and ketones
organic acids
Cross-sensitivity
Zero drift, period of unattended operation
Span drift, period of unattended operation
Temperature-responsive zero drift, per 1 C (T = 10 C)
Temperature-responsive span drift, per 1 C (T = 10 C)
Availability
Reproducibility, RD

<0.4 mg C.m3
<0.4 mg C.m3
<60 s
<0.8 mg C.m3

10% of range1
5% of range1
<60 s
5% of range1

0.901.10
0.851.1
0.751.15
0.71.0

<1.0 mg C.m3
<2%
<4%
<0.3%
<0.3%
>95%
30

0.901.10
0.81.1

0.71.0
0.71.0
0.51.0
<4%
<2%
<4%
<0.3%
<0.3%
<95%
30

NOTE 1: Ordinarily based on the emissions limit.

6.3.2

When required by the Certification Body, the effect of sample pressure and
temperature shall be tested and the results reported on the certificate. However, there
are no performance standards for these parameters.

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6.4

Particulate monitoring CEMs

6.4.1

The CEM performance standards for particulate monitoring CEMs are given in
Table 5. There are separate standards for CEMs used for indicative purposes and
those used for quantitative purposes.

6.4.2

When required by the Certification Body, the effect of sample pressure and
temperature shall be tested and the results reported on the certificate. However, there
are no performance standards for these parameters.

6.4.3

CEMs for quantitative measurements shall have the means of setting at least two
alarm thresholds throughout the entire measuring range.
Table 5: Performance standards for particulate monitoring CEMs

Performance characteristic
Linearity
Zero shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T =
10C)
Span shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T =
10C)
Response time (seconds)
Detection limit - % of range
Detection limit - % of emissions limit
Analysis function1
Integral performance
Availability
Voltage effect, at 15% from the norm
Zero drift (weekly)
Span drift (weekly)
Reproducibility, RD

Quantitative, range Quantitative, range

>20mg.m-3
<20mg.m-3
<2%
<2%
<0.3%
<0.3%

Qualitative
<2%
<0.3%

<0.3%

<0.3%

<0.3%

<200
<2%
<5%
>95%
<10%
>95%
<2%
<2%
<2%
>50

<200
<2%
<5%
>90%
<20%
>95%
<2%
<3%
<3%
>30

<200
<2%
<5%
>90%
<20%
>95%
<2%
<2%
<3%
>30

NOTE 1: Compliance with an ISO 10155 level of confidence (95%) of 10%.

6.5

Flow monitoring CEMs

6.5.1

Performance standards for gas flow monitoring CEMs are specified in Table 6.

6.5.2

When required by the Certification Body, the effect of sample pressure and
temperature shall be tested and the results reported on the certificate. However, there
are no performance standards for these parameters.
Table 6

Performance standards for flow monitoring CEMs

Performance characteristic
Linearity
Cross-sensitivity
Detection limit
Zero shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T = 10 C)

Requirements
<3%
<4%
20% of indicating range
<0.3%

Span shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T = 10 C)

Response time (seconds)
Reproducibility, RD
Integral performance
Availability

MCERTS Performance Standards for CEMs, Version 2, Rev1, April 2003

<0.3%
10 s
30
<5%
95%

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6.6

Temperature and pressure monitoring CEMs

6.6.1

The performance standards for temperature and pressure monitoring CEMs are
specified in Table 7.

6.6.2

When required by the Certification Body, the effect of sample pressure shall be
tested on temperature monitoring CEMs and the effect of sample temperature shall
be tested on pressure monitoring CEMs. There are no performance standards for
these parameters, but the results shall be reported on the certificate.

Table 7

Performance standards for temperature and pressure monitoring CEMs

Performance characteristic
Linearity
Cross-sensitivity
Zero shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T = 10 C)
Span shift due to ambient temperature change of 1 C (T = 10 C)
Response time (seconds)
Detection limit
Integral performance
Availability
Maintenance interval
Zero drift (per week)
Span drift (per week)

Pressure
<2%

Temperature
<2%

<4%
<0.3%

<4%
<0.3%

<0.3%

<0.3%

<10 s
<2%

<10 s
<2%
<5%
>95%
*
<2%
<4%

7.

Status of this document

7.1

These MCERTS performance standards may be subject to review and amendment

following publication of this document. The latest version of the standard, together
with guidance on the scheme, is available on the Agencys website at:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/mcerts/

7.2

If you have any questions regarding the certification process, including how to make
an application, please contact the Certification Body at the address given in the
foreword.

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