A Portable System for Continuous Ammonia Measurement in the Field

Abstract

A portable and relatively low-cost monitoring unit (PMU) for continuous measurement ofammonia and carbon dioxide in CAFO (poultry in particular) applications has been developed andpartially compared with an EPA-approved measurement method. The PMU utilizes sampling and purgingcycles to overcome the sensor saturation characteristic of electro-chemical NH3 sensors. Preliminarycomparative results show that performance of the PMU is quite comparable to the sophisticated, highercost,and less portable mobile lab method. For the range of ammonia level typical of commercial poultrybuildings, the PMU is expected to produce emission rate data of reasonable quality when combined withproperly measured or determined building ventilation rate.