Oil and gas production facility emissions sensing and alerting device, system and method

An emission detection system an enclosed combustion device stack is disclosed. The detection system has a sampling line having a first end exposed to a combusted gas passing through the stack exit port, to receive an undiluted gas sample from the stack exit port. The detection system has an electrostatic particulate matter sensor coupled to a second end of the sampling line, the second end positioned lower than and downstream of the first end, to analyze the undiluted gas sample. The detection system has an exhaust outlet coupled to and downstream of the electrostatic particulate matter sensor, to receive the undiluted gas sample from the electrostatic particulate matter sensor and feed the undiluted gas sample to the primary gas intake line upstream of the enclosed combustion device stack burner.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the oil and gas industry. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to providing early detection of visible emissions from an oil and gas well enclosed combustion device (“ECD”).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydraulic fracturing (“frocking”) is an oil and gas extraction technique that has seen an extraordinary increase in use during the last decade. Dining frocking, underground rock is fractured through the introduction of a highly-pressurized mixture of water, chemicals, and sand. The oil and gas within the rock is then released to the ground through the rock fractures. With the increased use of frocking methods to extract oil and gas, concern over how fracking affects the surrounding environment has increased as well. Such concern has led to federal, state, and local regulatory efforts to stein the release of emissions from production facility sites. For example, oil and gas operators may be fined for visible emissions, aka black smoke, emitted from an emission control device.

In the year 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated rules requiring routine visible inspection of flare sites for “visible emissions”. Since that time, oil and gas companies have struggled to comply with these rules, due to the nature of the industry—namely, many well sites are located in remote, difficult-to-reach locations. Currently, the only visible emission detection process used by oil and gas operators comprises employing visual inspection of well sites.

Oil and gas companies need an efficient solution to monitor remote well sites, and other new and inventive improvements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary emission detection system for an enclosed combustion device stack having a lower portion with an enclosed combustion device stack burner and a primary gas intake line, and an upper portion with a stack exit port is disclosed. The exemplary detection system has a sampling line having a first end exposed to a combusted gas passing through the stack exit port, the sampling line configured to receive an undiluted gas sample from the stack exit port. The exemplary detection system has an electrostatic particulate matter sensor coupled to a second end of the sampling line, the second end positioned lower than and downstream of the first end, the electrostatic particulate matter sensor positioned and configured to analyze the undiluted gas sample. The exemplary detection system has an exhaust outlet coupled to and downstream of the electrostatic particulate matter sensor, the exhaust outlet port configured to receive the undiluted gas sample from the electrostatic particulate matter sensor and feed the undiluted gas sample to the primary gas intake line upstream of the enclosed combustion device stack burner.

An exemplary method of retrofitting an enclosed combustion device stack with an emissions detection system is disclosed, for an enclosed combustion device stack having a lower portion with an enclosed combustion device stack burner and a primary gas intake line, and an upper portion with a stack exit port. The exemplary method includes exposing a first end of a sampling line to combusted gas passing through the stack exit port, the sampling line configured to receive an undiluted gas sample from the stack exit port. The exemplary method includes positioning a second end of the sampling line lower than the first end. The exemplary method includes coupling an electrostatic particulate matter sensor to the second end of the sampling line, the second end downstream of the first end, the electrostatic particulate matter sensor positioned and configured to analyze the undiluted gas sample. The exemplary method includes coupling a first end of an exhaust outlet to and downstream of the electrostatic particulate matter sensor, the exhaust outlet port configured to receive the undiluted gas sample from the electrostatic particulate matter sensor. The exemplary method includes coupling a second end of the exhaust outlet to the primary gas intake line upstream of the enclosed combustion device stack burner. The exemplary method includes feeding the undiluted gas sample to the primary gas intake line.

An exemplary oil or gas facility has an enclosed combustion device stack having a lower portion with an enclosed combustion device stack burner and a primary gas intake line, and an upper portion with a stack exit port. The exemplary facility has an emissions detection system. The emissions detection system has (a) a sampling line having a first exposed to a combusted gas passing through the stack exit port, the sampling line configured to receive an undiluted gas sample from the stack exit port; (b) a electrostatic particulate matter sensor coupled to a second end of the sampling line, the second end positioned lower than and downstream of the first end, the electrostatic particulate matter sensor positioned and configured to analyze the undiluted gas sample; and (c) an exhaust outlet coupled to and downstream of the electrostatic particulate matter sensor, the exhaust outlet port configured to receive the undiluted gas sample from the electrostatic particulate matter sensor and feed the undiluted gas sample to the primary gas intake line upstream of the enclosed combustion device stack burner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before providing a more detailed description of the invention, it is expedient to provide an overview for a better understanding by the reader. As previously mentioned herein, oil and gas companies are straggling to comply with the Rules set forth by the EPA, including Method22, which requires monitoring for visible emissions. In particular, oil and gas companies are faced with the daunting task of monitoring remote sites for visible emissions. Currently monitoring for visible emissions generally requires a human presence—either so that a person can physically monitor the site, or to maintain the equipment conducting the monitoring. Specifically, attempts to provide automatic or remote viewing are problematic for remote sites, because currently-available devices require significant maintenance, which demands a human presence. Additionally, even where a site is accessible by humans for direct monitoring, such direct monitoring is quite unreliable, due to how the visibility of emissions are affected by wind, temperature, humidity, and cloud conditions. Moreover, most remote sites were installed long before the EPA initiated the previously-mentioned Rules, such that retrofitting remote sites for remote monitoring is a separate daunting task.

It is also noted that some sensor technology is generally known from other fields, or, in sonic cases, is currently available, or could be available to the oil and gas industry. This sensor technology is generally not suited to solve the problems at hand.

For example, in optical sensors, a laser (visible or infrared) is projected across the expected smoke path or area. A receiver is placed at the end of the laser path or inside the transmitter housing, and smoke is detected when the laser path is interrupted, or the laser light is reflected back into the receiver. This technology works well indoors and in other industries but can be difficult to implement outdoors. For example, weather (e.g. high winds, extreme fog, or rain) or animals (birds) could cross the laser path and trigger a false positive resulting in unnecessary responses, a false negative resulting in environmental damage, and/or a need for more “smart” technology to eliminate false positives or false negatives. That is, the oil and gas companies are only looking for “visible emissions” which translates to black smoke only. White or translucent smoke (clouds, fog) would still trigger an optical sensor to some degree which is undesirable. Additionally, if an optical sensor was attached directly to the combustion chamber it would need to have a lens to see through, and the lens would become dirty with carbon after a black smoke event. This would require manual maintenance, defeating the purpose of remote monitoring.

In theory, the different gas byproducts of combustion could be sensed with various gas sensors (Oxygen, NOx, CO, etc.) to detect the combustion efficiency. These gas sensors work well in automotive applications, but do not translate well to oil and gas applications. First, these gas sensor cannot withstand the high temperatures of a well site, and the measurements can vary with temperature dramatically. Additionally, some gas sensors measurements drill over time, known as “zero span drift” so they need to be regularly recalibrated over time, defeating the purpose of remote monitoring. Most gas sensors can also be poisoned when exposed to high levels of hydrocarbons or other gases, such as carbon monoxide, which are present at very high levels in oil and gas systems, such that, at best, gas sensors would require significant maintenance or a dilution level that would introduce inaccuracies in the results.

Also, in theory, the sensor could be a “resistive accumulating” sensor. A resistive accumulating sensor, however, requires the buildup and burn-off of carbon directly on the sensor, with the problem resulting that other containments such as ash could build up on the sensor and lead to measurement drift and/or false positives.

The Applicant's device, as described herein, provides a means and method for autonomously monitoring well sites for visible emissions, so that the oil and gas companies can be quickly notified, so as to limit emissions having an environmental impact. A method of retrofitting is also described herein.

Turning first toFIG. 1, seen is one example of a sensing and reporting device100. One such sensing and reporting device100may be located at an oil and/or gas facility and may be used to control emissions from storage tanks or other emission-producing systems. For example, as seen inFIG. 1, the sensing and reporting device100is coupled to, and adapted to monitor and provide an alert related to visible emissions emitted from a stack exit port183of an enclosed combustion device stack102. The stack102may comprise an existing stack at an existing extraction site.

The sensing and reporting device100inFIG. 1comprises an exhaust receiving section104, an exhaust analyzing instrument106, and a control unit108. The exhaust receiving section104comprises an exhaust intake port101and a sampling line103.FIG. 2shows a close up of one example of the, exhaust intake port201. As seen e exhaust intake port201may comprise a pipe211and one or more pipe fittings221with a first of the one or more pipe fittings221′ comprising and opening231pointing in a direction241that ma comprise a direction241to towards the ground and/or towards an enclosed combustion device stack burner107, as seen inFIG. 1. The pipe211and all other piping described herein may conform to NPT standards and may comprise sizes varying from 114″ to 2″ NPT. As seen inFIG. 2, the exhaust intake port201may extend from a first location251external to the ECD through a bore in the ECD sidewall271and insulation281to a second location261internal to the ECD. It is contemplated that the bore in the ECD sidewall271and insulation281may be located proximal to the stack exit port183. As seen inFIG. 1, a first end113of the sampling line103may be coupled or integrated to the exhaust intake port101, while a second end123may be coupled or integrated to the exhaust analyzing instrument106. The term “coupled” and all similar terms as used herein refers to the connection of two separate and distinct objects, while the term “integrated” and all similar terms refers to a single, unitary object.

In some embodiments, the sampling line103is configured with a length that is sufficient to provide a temperature drop from the first end113to the second end so as to reduce the potential for a high temperature to damage the sensor357,466. In some embodiments, the length is selected to allow for evaporation of any condensation prior to the undiluted gas sample reaching the sensor357,466. In some embodiments, a catch pan (not illustrated) may be coupled to the sampling line103to capture condensation prior to the undiluted gas sample reaching the sensor357,466.

Turning now toFIG. 3A, seen is a portion of the sampling line303with a drip leg333and coupled to a sampling line inlet port316in a sampling block346. As seen inFIG. 4, the sampling block446comprises a section of the exhaust analyzing instrument406. For example, the exhaust analyzing instrument406may comprise an instrument housing426, a probe chamber436coupled to the instrument housing406and a sampling block446coupled to the probe chamber436. The sampling block446seen inFIG. 4comprises a top section444and a bottom section448. Coupled to and/or located within the housing426and/or probe chamber436may be one or more of the following sensors adapted to detect incomplete combustion or visible emissions within the exhaust sample received by the intake port101and sent to the instrument406. Each of these sensors may implement an electrostatic charge sensing particulate measuring principle. However, other sensing types are also contemplated such as, but not limited to, accumulating electrode, radio frequency diffision, through-beam, reflective, diffuse and optical sensing mechanisms. The sensors that may be implemented are particulate matter sensors a/k/a soot sensors; gas sensors for detecting carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NO3, etc.), hydrogen (H), methane (CH4), and/or Oxygen (O2); electro-optical or photoelectric sensors to detect black particulate matter in smoke, visible or infrared sensors; carbon detection sensors; and/or a generic hydrocarbon gas sensor (CxHx). In one embodiment, it is contemplated that a housing terminal side426faces the same direction as the primary gas inlet386.

In some embodiments, the probe chamber436or housing426may house a particulate matter sensor466(see also particulate matter sensor357inFIG. 3A. The particulate matter sensor may be configured to detect and/or carbon in the sample. Particulate matter sensors tend to be the most rugged with respect to high temperatures. In some embodiments, the particulate matter sensor may be an electrostatic particulate matter sensor. The electrostatic particulate matter sensor466may be configured to detect the carbon molecule between two electrodes. The electrostatic particulate matter sensor466may be an EmiSense PMTrac sensor, which was developed for the automobile industry.

Returning now toFIGS. 1-3Aand as also seen inFIG. 3B, as the exhaust from the burner107travels117up the stack102, the exhaust enters the opening231and moves114,314towards the inlet port316. Upon entering the sampling block346, the exhaust flows356towards the probe chamber436or sensor357, with a portion464of the probe chamber436being inserted and located in a sampling block bore454. As the exhaust proceeds through a probe chamber bore474, the exhaust analyzing instrument406detects a particulate matter level in the exhaust. It is contemplated that the exhaust analyzing instrument406may continuously sample the exhaust gas, for example, obtaining a measurement about every second. However, greater or lesser measurement amounts are contemplated—such as, but not limited to, one measurement every .01 s or one measurement every minute. As the exhaust exits the probe chamber bore474, the exhaust continues towards, and exits the sampling block346through, an exhaust outlet366. As seen inFIG. 1, the exhaust may proceed177to the enclosed combustion device stack102and enter the stack102proximal the enclosed combustion device stack burner107. The exhaust may exit the sampling block346through piping367coupled to the exhaust outlet366. It is contemplated that the probe chamber436may couple to a top section144of the sampling block446by, for example, a threaded coupling mechanism. The top section444may couple to the, bottom section448by one or more threaded bolts449coupled to threaded bores in the top section444and the bottom section448. As seen in FIG,4, the probe chamber436may also comprise a longitudinal axis481. It is contemplated that the for axis481is generally vertically-aligned during operation of the instrument406and that the instrument housing426is located at a vertically-higher location than the probe chamber436, as seen inFIG. 4.

Returning now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, as seen a gas line376is coupled to a primary gas inlet386on the sampling block346. Upstream from the sampling block346, a pressure regulator396is coupled to the gas line376downstream of a pilot light375and a solenoid valve385. The pressure regulator396is set so that the gas line376pressure enables the flow356of the exhaust from the exhaust intake port201, through the sampling block346and to the enclosed combustion device stack102. Gas line376pressure is preferably set from about 15 psi to about 60 psi, more preferably set from about 17.5 psi to about 35 psi and most preferably set from about 20 psi to about 25 psi. The gas line376may comprise 114″ NPT in one embodiment, with the sampling line103and exhaust piping367comprising 1h″ NPT. Upon entering the sampling block346, the gas will also exit the sampling block346through the exhaust outlet366to the stack102.

In some embodiments, the sensor357,466is intentionally positioned to promote flow of the undiluted sample. Specifically, the sensor357,466is positioned lower than, and distal from, the stack exit port183, so as to promote flow in a passive manner using a pressure differential between the combusted gas entering the sampling line103and the primary gas entering the combustion chamber. Because the sample is mixed with the primary gas after analysis, the pressure differential promotes flow between the two points. Additionally, a temperature differential between the two positions may be provided, further improving flow of the sample in a passive manner.

Returning now toFIG. 1, as the exhaust is monitored by the exhaust analyzing instrument106, the exhaust analyzing instrument106may provide a signal to the control unit108. One such control unit108may be adapted to receive a signal from ten separate exhaust analyzing instruments106. In one embodiment, the exhaust analyzing instrument106may provide a first signal118to the control unit108when the exhaust analyzing instrument106has determined that the exhaust comprises a specified amount of visible emissions (i.e., black smoke) above a threshold level. For example, the first signal118, that is continuously emitted front the instrument106to the control unit108, may comprise a less than 5 nA (nanoAmp) sipial while the instrument fails to detect visible emissions. However, if visible emissions are detected, the first signal118may increase to about a 5 nA signal, or greater. In on embodiment, the 5 nA signal maybe emitted when the instrument determines that there is about 1-2 mg of soot per m 3 of exhaust. However, other values are contemplated. The black smoke may comprise soot due to incomplete combustion in the enclosed combustion device stack102. The first signal118may comprise first information and may be received by a signal receiving portion of the control unit108such as, but not limited to, a two-wire communication system, one wire comprising a positive (+) communication and one wire comprising a negative (−) communication. Therefore, to receive communications from a plurality of instruments106, the control system108may comprise a plurality of communication port pairs139. Other communication types are contemplated. Upon receiving the first signal118from the exhaust analyzing instrument106, the control unit108may output a second signal128. One second signal128may inform one or more automation systems138of the emission level in the exhaust. The second signal128may be emitted from a signal emitting portion of the control unit108and may comprise second information related to the first information. One such signal emitting portion may comprise a MODBUS RTU 2-wire, RS-485 output. However, like the first signal118, other second signal128types known in the art are contemplated. In one embodiment, the second signal128may only be emitted when the first signal comprises 5 nA or greater. In alternative embodiments, like the first signal118, the second signal128may be continuously emitted and may comprise a value that initiates an alert148when the second signal value comprises a threshold value. For example, the alert148may be sent when the second signal128comprises a 5 mA, or greater, signal It is also contemplated that the automation system138and control unit108may comprise a single device. The automation system138may be configured to provide a real-time alert148regarding the visible emission level in the exhaust. For example, the automation system138may provide an email message to one or more designated email addresses or a text message to one or more designated telephone numbers. Other alerts148known in the art are also contemplated. Such alerts may enable oil and gas operators to avoid visible emission regulatory actions such as, but not limited to, fines. It is further contemplated that the control unit108may comprise a power receiving port124for receiving power from an external source.

With, again, reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the sample is acquired by a suction or vacuum, which is generated by creating high pressure at the gas inlet386and low pressure at exhaust outlet366which in turn causes negative pressure at inlet port316and therefore all through sampling line103up to opening231where the system releases to atmosphere. An important distinction is that the suction or vacuum effect is generated passively meaning that there are no moving parts or electronics that are subject to wear and tear or breaking down in remote locations. The system described herein is therefore less complex that currently-available options, but provides the end user with a consistent sample gas flow across, the sensing device105. While those skilled in unrelated arts may recognize this as aspirator effect technology, it is noted that this has not well known in the oil and gas industry in the past.

It is also noted herein that the system described does not mix the sample gas with the primary gas. That is, the primary gas at gas inlet386is decoupled (separate) from the volume of gas sampled at the exhaust flow356. This decoupling eliminates the need for a computerized calculation of dilution rates, and also improves the accuracy of the emissions detection, because any inaccuracy in the dilution rate would affect the accuracy of the emissions detection to a higher degree. The decoupling also eliminates the need for a separate supply of dilution air (e.g., compressed air), which improves the ability for oil and gas companies to retrofit their systems.

In some embodiments, the system mixes the sample gas and primary gas together downstream of the sensing element or chamber436at exhaust outlet366and piping367. This mixture is then directed back into the main system upstream of the combustion chamber107. Returning the mixture in this manner allows the ability to burn off the primary gas, which was the original intention for the gas. This return differs from all currently-available systems, which vent the sample back into the exhaust chamber or atmosphere.

It is contemplated that the alert148may only be issued after the second signal128informs the automation system138that the instrument106has found that visible emissions in the exhaust after a specified period of time. For example, a delay of four minutes may be set in the automation system138prior to issuing the alert148in order to prevent an alert148being issued based on an inaccurate reading. Greater or lesser delays such as, but not limited to, a delay of ten minutes or a delay of one minute may be implemented.

Turning now toFIG. 5, seen is one method590of obtaining a visible emission alert associated with an enclosed combustion device such as, but not limited to, the alert148and enclosed combustion device stack102described with reference toFIGS. 1-4. The method starts at591and at592comprises obtaining an exhaust sample from the enclosed combustion device. For example the exhaust sample may be obtained by employing the system described with reference toFIGS. 1-4. At593the method590comprises measuring a particulate level in the exhaust sample such as, by rising the system described with reference toFIGS. 1-4. At step594the method590comprises providing a signal when the particulate level is above a designated threshold. For example, the first signal118and/or second signal128may be provided.

Although not seen inFIG. 5, in one method590, obtaining an exhaust sample from the enclosed combustion device may comprise receiving the exhaust sample into an opening231of a pipe211with the opening231being located proximal the stack exit port183. Additionally, measuring a particulate level in the exhaust sample may comprise connectively coupling the exhaust analyzing instrument106to the pipe211(e.g., through the sampling line103) and coupling the gas line176to the exhaust analyzing instrument106. The gas line pressure may be set through the pressure regulator396so that the gas line pressure creates a pressure difference between the pipe211and the exhaust analyzing instrument106, and that pressure difference may enable the exhaust sample to flow to the exhaust analyzing instrument106. Additional method590steps not shown inFIG. 5may comprise exiting the exhaust sample and gas from the exhaust analyzing instrument106to the enclosed combustion device proximal an enclosed combustion device burner107, for example, through piping367seen inFIG. 3.

The readings from the instrument may be stored, analyzed, and modified in the automation system138. The computing devices described herein may also be referred to as a computing system or a computer system. For example,FIG. 6shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a computer system600within which a set of instructions can be executed to cause a device to store such readings and/or perform or execute any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure. The components inFIG. 6are examples only and do not limit the scope of use or functionality of any hardware, software, firmware, embedded logic component, or a combination of two or more such components implementing particular embodiments of this disclosure. Sonic or all of the illustrated components can be part of the computer system600. For instance, the computer system600can be a general purpose computer (e.g., a laptop computer) or an embedded logic device (e.g., an FPGA), to name just two non-limiting examples.

Computer system600includes at least one processor601such as a central processing unit (CPU) or an FPGA to name two non-limiting examples. Any of the subsystems described throughout this disclosure could embody the processor601. The computer system600may also comprise a memory603and a storage608, both communicating with each other and with other components, via a bus640. The bus640n also link a display632, one or more input devices633(which may, for example, include a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, touch screen, etc.), one or more output devices634, one or more storage devices635, and various non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medial medium636with each other and with one or more of the processor601, the memory603, and the storage608. All of these elements may interface directly or via one or more interfaces or adaptors to the bus640. For instance, the various non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media636can interface with the bus640via storage medium interface626. Computer system600may have any suitable physical form, including but not limited to one or more integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), mobile handheld devices (such as mobile telephones or PDAs), laptop or notebook computers, distributed computer systems, computing grids, or servers.

Processor(s)601(or central processing unit(s) (CPU(s))) optionally contains a cache memory unit602for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. Processor(s)601are configured to assist in execution of computer-readable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium. Computer system600may provide functionality as a result of the processor(s)601executing software embodied in one or more non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media, such as memory603, storage608, storage devices635, and/or storage medium636(e.g., read only memory (ROM)). For instance, instructions associated with at least a portion of the method590shown inFIG. 5may be embodied in one or more non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media. The non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media (or medium) may store software comprising instructions that implements particular embodiments and processor(s)601may execute the software. Memory603may read the software from one or more other non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media (such as mass storage device(s)635,636) or from one or more other sources through a suitable interface, such as network interface620. Any of the subsystems herein disclosed could include a network interface such as the network interface620.

The software may cause processor(s)601to carry out one or more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein. Carrying out such processes or steps may include defining data structures stored in memory603and modifying the data

structures as directed by the software. In some embodiments, an FPGA can store instructions for carrying out functionality as described in this disclosure. In other embodiments, firmware includes instructions for carrying out functionality as described in this disclosure.

The memory603may include various components (e.g., non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media) including, but not limited to, a random access memory component (e.g., RAM604) (e.g., a static RAM “SRAM”, a dynamic RAM “DRAM, etc.), a read-only component (e.g., ROM605), and any combinations thereof. ROM605may act to communicate data and instructions uni-directionally to processor(s)601, and RAM604may act to communicate data and instructions bi-directionally with processor(s)601. ROM605and RAM604may include any suitable non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media.

In some instances, ROM605and RAM604include non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage media for carrying out the method590. In one example, a basic input/output system606(BIOS), including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system600, such as during start-up, may be stored in the memory603.

Fixed storage608is connected hi-directionally to processor(s)601, optionally through storage control unit607. Fixed storage608provides additional data storage capacity and may also include any suitable non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media described herein. Storage608may be used to store operating system609, EXECS610(executables), data611, API applications612(application programs/interfaces), and the like. Often, although not always, storage608is a secondary storage medium (such as a hard disk) that is slower than primary storage (e.g., memory603). Storage608can also include an optical disk drive, a solid-state memory device (e.g., flash-based systems), or a combination of any of the above. Information in storage608may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated as virtual memory in memory603.

In one example, storage device(s)635may be removably interfaced with computer system600(e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)) via a storage device interface625. Particularly, storage device(s)635and an associated machine-readable medium may provide nonvolatile and/or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or other data for the computer system600. In one example, software may reside, completely or partially, within a machine-readable medium on storage device(s)635. In another example, software may reside, completely or partially, within processor(s)601.

Computer system600may also include an input device633. In one example, a user of computer system600may enter commands and/or other information into computer system600via input device(s)633. Examples of an input device(s)633include, but are not limited to, an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or touchpad), a touchpad, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), an optical scanner, a video or still image capture device (e.g., a camera), and any combinations thereof. Input device(s)633may be interfaced to bus640via any of a variety of input interfaces623(e.g., input interface623) including, but not limited to, serial, parallel, game port, USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT, or any combination of the above.

In particular embodiments, when computer system600is connected to network630, computer system600may communicate with other devices, such as mobile devices and enterprise systems, connected to network630. Communications to and from computer system600may be sent through network interface620. For example, network interface620may receive incoming communications (such as requests or responses from other devices) in the form of one or more packets (such as Internet Protocol (IP) packets) from network630, and computer system600may store the incoming communications in memory603for processing. Computer system600may similarly store outgoing communications (such as requests or responses to other devices) in the form of one or more packets in memory603and communicated to network630from network interface620. Processor(s)601may access these communication packets stored in memory603for processing.

Examples of the network interface620include, but are not limited to, a network interface card, a modem, and any combination thereof. Examples of a network630or network segment630include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet, an enter rise network), a local area network (LAN) (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a direct connection between two computing devices, and any combinations thereof. A network, such as network630, may employ a wired and/or a wireless mode of communication. In general, any network topology may be used.

Information and data can be displayed through a display632. Examples of a display632include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic liquid crystal display (OLED), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, and any combinations thereof. The display632can interface to the processor(s)601, memory603, and fixed storage608, as well as other devices, such as input device(s)633, via the bus640. The display632is linked to the bus640via a video interface622, and transport of data between the display632and the bus640can be controlled via the graphics control621.

In addition to a display632, computer system600may include one or more other peripheral output devices634including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral output devices may be connected to the bus640via an output interface624. Examples of an output interface624include, but are not limited to, a serial port, a parallel connection, a USB port, a FIREWIRE port, a THUNDERBOLT port, and any combinations thereof.

In addition or as an alternative, computer system600may provide functionality as a result of logic hardwired or otherwise embodied in a circuit, which may operate in place of or together with software to execute one or more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein. Reference to software in this disclosure may encompass logic, and reference to logic may encompass software. Moreover, reference to a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium may encompass a circuit (such as an IC) storing software for execution, a circuit embodying logic for execution, or both, where appropriate. The present disclosure encompasses any suitable combination of hardware, software, or both.

One or more steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the method590) may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, a software module implemented as digital logic devices, or in a combination of these. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium to own in the art. An exemplary non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium. In the alternative, the non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. In some embodiments, a software module may be implemented as digital logic components such as those in an FPGA once programmed with the software module.

Turning now toFIG. 7, a method700of retrofitting is now described.

The method700may include a method of retrofitting an enclosed combustion device stack with an emissions detection system, the enclosed combustion device stack having a lower portion with an enclosed combustion device stack burner and a primary gas intake line, and an upper portion with a stack exit port.

The method700may include exposing702a first end of a sampling line to combusted gas passing through the stack exit port, the sampling line configured to receive an undiluted gas sample from the stack exit port.

The method700may include positioning704a second end of the sampling line lower than the first end.

The method700may include coupling706an electrostatic particulate matter sensor to the second end of the sampling line, the second end downstream of the first end, the electrostatic particulate matter sensor positioned and configured to analyze the undiluted gas sample;

The method700may include coupling708a first end of an exhaust outlet to and downstream of the electrostatic particulate matter sensor, the exhaust outlet port configured to receive the undiluted gas sample from the electrostatic particulate matter sensor;

The method700may include coupling710a second end of the exhaust outlet to the primary gas intake line upstream of the enclosed combustion device stack burner; and

The method700may include feeding712the undiluted gas sample to the primary gas intake line.

Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.