Mobile Monitoring 101: Data on the Go with Advanced Mobile Monitoring

October 9, 2024— 

Unlike stationary laboratories, mobile labs offer flexibility by allowing for immediate data collection and analysis wherever needed. Mobile laboratory monitoring brings versatility and efficiency to environmental testing by bringing advanced analytical capabilities to various locations for on-site environmental testing. This method is increasingly valuable for real-time analysis of air, water, and soil samples, allowing for immediate data collection and responsiveness to environmental conditions. The following blog highlights key advantages of mobile monitoring as well as some best practices and an overview of how this mobile technology works.

Key Advantages of Mobile Monitoring

Mobile monitoring is designed to provide comprehensive, real-time emissions monitoring across a wide range of locations. The flexibility and mobility of these monitoring options bring numerous advantages:

    • Immediate Data Collection: Provides real-time insights, enabling critical, informed decision-making. It enables swift responses to environmental challenges, all while minimizing reliance on fixed testing facilities.
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    • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamline the testing process and reduce delays by eliminating the need to transport samples to stationary labs, leading to cost savings and quicker responses to environmental issues.
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    • Regulatory Compliance Support: Ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations by leveraging advanced technologies in mobile labs for real-time data collection and analysis, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Best Practices & Monitoring Techniques

While mobile monitoring simplifies emissions testing, it’s essential to follow these best practices to maximize accuracy and effectiveness.

Selecting the right location is critical, as proximity to emission sources and ease of access greatly influence the quality of data collected. Maintaining properly calibrated equipment ensures precise measurements throughout the monitoring process. In addition, leveraging real-time data analysis and integrating various inputs such as meteorological and GPS data, allows mobile labs to provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental conditions, resulting in quicker and more informed decisions.

Integrated Mobile Monitoring Technology: PTR Vans

Sensible EDP's Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) Mobile Laboratory (PTR Van) is an advanced on-the-go solution that revolutionizes real-time detection of organic and inorganic compounds at ultra-low levels. PTR Vans are equipped with multiple technologies that enable precise and thorough environmental monitoring including:

    • Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS): This advanced technology allows for the real-time detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. The PTR-TOF-MS is critical for industries that require highly sensitive and accurate environmental monitoring.
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    • Gas Chromatography (GC) Interface: The integrated gas chromatograph separates complex mixtures into individual compounds before detection, improving data quality and allowing for detailed chemical analysis.
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    • Primary Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Analyzers: SO2, NOX, and CO trace-level analyzers from ThermoFisher Scientific, Methane, CO2 and CO cavity ring down spectrometers for Greenhouse Gas distributions and mapping.
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    • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): The MKS Instruments Model 2030 G MultiGas™ Analyzer uses FTIR technology to detect and quantify multiple gas species, making it ideal for monitoring stack emissions and ambient air quality.
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    • Weather and GPS Integration: The Columbia Weather Systems Magellan MX 500 Weather Station provides meteorological data, such as wind speed and direction, which, combined with GPS data, helps pinpoint the exact location of emissions sources.
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    • Real-Time Triangulation and Multivariate Analysis (MVA): These advanced data collection and analysis capabilities enable detailed evaluation of compound sources and odor allocations, leading to more effective and timely interventions.

How the PTR Van Works

Our approaches are designed to address the needs of sectors such as petrochemical and industrial VOC monitoring, emergency response testing, as well as community and fenceline monitoring. We also specialize in source emission testing, vapor intrusion analysis for indoor air quality, and industrial hygiene assessments. The system enables real-time, on-site testing for a variety of compounds.

Below is a brief overview of how the Sensible EDP PTR-TOF-MS Mobile Laboratory operates:

Air is sampled from outside the vehicle using the mobile lab’s collection system. The collected sample gas is then mixed with a reagent gas that reacts with the target compounds. The mixed gas is introduced into an ionization chamber, where energy is applied to ionize the molecules.

The ionized molecules are then separated based on their mass using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. The separated ions are counted and quantified to determine the concentration of different compounds. GPS and meteorological data are integrated to map out pollutant concentrations and pinpoint their sources.

For odor projects, a multivariate analysis (MVA) program is used to identify correlations and causations among different compounds.

Fixed Location 24-hour Air Sampling

Air quality is monitored continuously at fixed sites in the communities near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill and two background locations with air samples collected over consecutive 24-hour periods. Canisters are replaced daily for testing.

Explore Mobile Monitoring with Sensible EDP

Sensible EDP’s real-time data platform enables customers to follow the PTR Van's route via dynamic dashboards, with environmental data continuously updated throughout the monitoring process. This immediate access to real-time data allows for swift analysis and decision-making. By providing clear, actionable insights as they happen, the platform enhances operational efficiency and supports proactive environmental management.

Partner with Montrose Environmental Group and Sensible EDP to leverage advanced mobile monitoring solutions for your environmental testing needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology and support to ensure your compliance with evolving regulations and enhance operational effectiveness.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit sensible-edp.com or contact us at info@sensible-edp.com

Need help with a mobile air monitoring project? Email our team of experts at info@sensible-edp.com. Ready to see the platform? Use the form below to schedule a demo today!