86.1340-90—Exhaust sample analysis.

(a) The analyzer response may be read by automatic data collection (ADC) equipment such as computers, data loggers, etc. If ADC equipment is used the following is required:
(1) For bag analysis, the analyzer response must be stable at greater than 99 percent of the final reading for the dilute exhaust sample bag. A single value representing the average chart deflection over a 10-second stabilized period shall be stored. For the background bag, all readings taken during the 10-second interval must be stable at the final value to within ±1 percent of full scale.
(2) For continuous analysis systems, the ADC system must read at least two analyzer readings per second. A single value representing the average integrated concentration over a cycle shall be stored.
(3) The chart deflections or average integrated concentrations required in paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section may be stored on long-term computer storage devices such as computer tapes, storage discs, punch cards, or they may be printed in a listing for storage. In either case a chart recorder is not required and records from a chart recorder, if they exist, need not be stored.
(4) If the data from ADC equipment is used as permanent records, the ADC equipment and the analyzer values as interpreted by the ADC equipment are subject to the calibration specifications in §§ 86.1316 through 86.1326, as if the ADC equipment were part of the analyzer.
(b) Data records from any one or a combination of analyzers may be stored as chart recorder records.
(c) Software zero and span. (1) The use of “software” zero and span is permitted. The process of software zero and span refers to the technique of initially adjusting the analyzer zero and span responses to the calibration curve values, but for subsequent zero and span checks the analyzer response is simply recorded without adjusting the analyzer gain. The observed analyzer response recorded from the subsequent check is mathematically corrected back to the calibration curve values for zero and span. The same mathematical correction is then applied to the analyzer's response to a sample of exhaust gas in order to compute the true sample concentration.
(2) The maximum amount of software zero and span mathematical correction is ±10 percent of full scale chart deflection.
(3) Software zero and span may be used to switch between ranges without adjusting the gain of the analyzer.
(4) The software zero and span technique may not be used to mask analyzer drift. The observed chart deflection before and after a given time period or event shall be used for computing the drift. Software zero and span may be used after the drift has been computed to mathematically adjust any span drift so that the “after” span check may be transformed into the “before” span check for the next segment.
(d) For bag sample analysis perform the following sequence:
(1) Warm-up and stabilize the analyzers; clean and/or replace filter elements, conditioning columns (if used), etc., as necessary.
(2) Obtain a stable zero reading.
(3) Zero and span the analyzers with zero and span gases. The span gases shall have concentrations between 75 and 100 percent of full-scale chart deflection. The flow rates and system pressures during spanning shall be approximately the same as those encountered during sampling. A sample bag may be used to identify the required analyzer range.
(4) Re-check zero response. If this zero response differs from the zero response recorded in paragraph (d)(3) of this section by more than 1 percent of full scale, then paragraphs (d) (2), (3), and (4) of this section should be repeated.
(5) If a chart recorder is used, identify and record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.
(6) If ADC equipment is used, electronically record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.
(7) Measure HC (except diesels), CO, CO2. and NOX sample and background concentrations in the sample bag(s) with approximately the same flow rates and pressures used in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. (Constituents measured continuously do not require bag analysis.)
(8) A post-analysis zero and span check of each range must be performed and the values recorded. The number of events that may occur between the pre and post checks is not specified. However, the difference between pre-analysis zero and span values (recorded in paragraph (d) (5) or (6) of this section) versus those recorded for the post-analysis check may not exceed the zero drift limit or the span drift limit of 2 percent of full scale chart deflection for any range used. Otherwise the test is void.
(e) For continuous sample analysis perform the following sequence:
(1) Warm-up and stabilize the analyzers; clean and/or replace filter elements, conditioning columns (if used), etc., as necessary.
(2) Leak check portions of the sampling system that operate at negative gauge pressures when sampling, and allow heated sample lines, filters, pumps, etc., to stabilize at operating temperature.
(3) Optional: Perform a hang-up check for the HFID sampling system:
(i) Zero the analyzer using zero air introduced at the analyzer port.
(ii) Flow zero air through the overflow sampling system. Check the analyzer response.
(iii) If the overflow zero response exceeds the analyzer zero response by 2 percent or more of the HFID full-scale deflection, hang-up is indicated and corrective action must be taken.
(iv) The complete system hang-up check specified in paragraph (f) of this section is recommended as a periodic check.
(4) Obtain a stable zero reading.
(5) Zero and span each range to be used on each analyzer used prior to the beginning of the cold cycle. The span gases shall have a concentration between 75 and 100 percent of full scale chart deflection. The flow rates and system pressures shall be approximately the same as those encountered during sampling. The HFID analyzer shall be zeroed and spanned through the overflow sampling system.
(6) Re-check zero response. If this zero response differs from the zero response recorded in paragraph (e)(5) of this section by more than 1 percent of full scale, then paragraphs (e) (4), (5), and (6) of this section should be repeated.
(7) If a chart recorder is used, identify and record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.
(8) If ADC equipment is used, electronically record the most recent zero and span response as the pre-analysis values.
(9) Measure the emissions (HC required for diesels; NOX, CO, CO2 optional) continuously during the cold start cycle. Indicate the start of the test, the range(s) used, and the end of the test on the recording medium (chart paper or ADC equipment). Maintain approximately the same flow rates and system pressures used in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
(10) Collect background HC, CO, CO2. and NOX in a sample bag.
(11) Perform a post-analysis zero and span check for each range used at the conditions specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section. Record these responses as the post-analysis values.
(12) Neither the zero drift nor the span drift between the pre-analysis and post-analysis checks on any range used may exceed 3 percent for HC, or 2 percent for NOX, CO, and CO2. of full scale chart deflection, or the test is void. (If the HC drift is greater than 3 percent of full-scale chart deflection, hydrocarbon hang-up is likely.)
(13) Determine HC background levels for the cold start cycle by introducing the background sample into the overflow sample system.
(14) Determine background levels of NOX, CO, or CO2 (if necessary) by the bag technique outlined in paragraph (d) of this section.
(15) Repeat paragraphs (e) (4) through (14) of this section for the hot cycle. The post-analysis zero and span check for the cold start (or previous hot start) cycle may be used for the pre-analysis zero and span for the following hot start cycle.
(f) HC hang-up. If HC hang-up is indicated, the following sequence may be performed:
(1) Fill a clean sample bag with background air.
(2) Zero and span the HFID at the analyzer ports.
(3) Analyze the background air sample bag through the analyzer ports.
(4) Analyze the background air through the entire sample probe system.
(5) If the difference between the readings obtained is 2 percent or more of the HFID full scale deflection, clean the sample probe and the sample line.
(6) Reassemble the sample system, heat to specified temperature, and repeat the procedure in paragraphs (f) (1) through (6) of this section.
(g) For CH3 OH (where applicable), introduce test samples into the gas chromatograph and measure the concentration. This concentration is CMS in the calculations.
(h) For HCHO (where applicable), introduce test samples into the high pressure liquid chromatograph and measure the concentration of formaldehyde as a dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative in acetonitrile. This concentration is CFS in the calculations.

Code of Federal Regulations

[54 FR 14602, Apr. 11, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 34375, June 30, 1995]