#TechTalk: Passing with Confidence

Preparing for Source Testing Success

Why Choosing the Right Testing Firm Matters?

For many facilities, a source test is viewed as a routine compliance requirement. However, the accuracy of the results depends not only on the performance of the air pollution control system, but also on the qualifications, experience, and methodology of the testing team conducting the evaluation.

Recently, we have encountered situations where source testing firms assigned technicians with limited experience on Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs) and VOC control systems. In several instances, improper sampling locations, incorrect operating assumptions, inadequate stabilization periods, or deviations from established testing procedures resulted in misleading data that did not accurately reflect actual system performance.

When this occurs, facilities can face unnecessary investigations, additional testing expenses, regulatory questions, and avoidable delays even when the control equipment is operating as designed.

A successful stack test begins long before the testing crew arrives onsite. Proper planning, communication, and preparation are essential to obtaining reliable and representative results. Understanding process conditions, production schedules, airflow characteristics, solvent loading, and control device operating parameters helps ensure that testing is conducted under conditions that accurately reflect normal operation.

To help protect our customers and support a smooth testing process, Ship & Shore Environmental strongly recommends notifying our team whenever a source test is scheduled. Specifically, we encourage facilities to provide:

1. The name of the source testing company performing the evaluation
2. The scheduled testing date
3. A review of the test procedure and protocol

This information allows our engineers to review system history, discuss testing considerations, and help identify any operational factors that may influence the outcome of the test. In many cases, a brief pre-test review can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that testing procedures align with the design and operating characteristics of the equipment.

Independent testing remains a critical component of environmental compliance, but the quality of the results depends on the quality of the testing process itself. Selecting a qualified testing firm with experience in thermal oxidizers and VOC destruction systems can make the difference between obtaining meaningful performance data and generating results that require unnecessary follow-up.

At Ship & Shore Environmental, we help customers achieve reliable compliance and performance. When it comes to source testing, preparation is key to accurate results.

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