EMS WatchDog PS-1 EPA-Compliant Opacity/Dust Monitor
The EMS WatchDog PS-1 opacity and dust monitor meets or exceeds EPA regulation 40 CFR 60 Appendix B, PS-1, and ASTM D 6216. It is the definition of reliability, featuring an intuitive 5.7” color touchscreen user interface and a long-life, EPA-compliant LED light source.
The EMS WatchDog PS-1 utilizes dual-beam measurement and the highest-quality optics to assure accuracy and dependability. It features an electronically modulated, long-life, EPA-compliant LED light source, which is immune to ambient light and carries a lifetime replacement warranty.
Our 5.7” color touchscreen user interface includes five numeric display screens as well as three trend displays. This control unit performs all vital computations with a resolution of 0.1% opacity and provides outputs correlated to stack exit opacity.
Designed to mimic the ease-of-use of a smartphone, this intuitively designed controller gives the user many options for customization. Some of these options and features include:
- Output Definition Selection
- Password-Protected User and Technician Settings
- Real-Time Diagnostics (Sensor Simulation, Color-Coded Relay, and Fault Status)
- Selectable Auto-Cal Frequency
- Manual Calibration Initiation
- Selectable Early Warning and Delay Values
- Window Dust Alarm
The sensor and reflector are housed in NEMA 4 watertight enclosures and are designed to swing away from the air plenum for easier installation and service. Alignment adjustments use the EMS “Through the Lens” system with an integral three-point adjustment.
The smart service module in the stainless-steel weather cover passes signals between the transceiver and control unit, initiates maintenance zero and span cycles, and displays important information at the mounting location. This supports troubleshooting without requiring a second technician at the controller.
EPA-Compliant Continuous Opacity Monitoring
The WatchDog PS-1 is designed for facilities that require a continuous opacity monitoring system (COMS) for stack-opacity measurement under U.S. EPA 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix B, Performance Specification 1. Its dual-beam optical design, automatic zero and span functions, 0.1% opacity resolution and stack-exit-correlated outputs support accurate measurement, compliance documentation and process visibility.
WatchDog PS-1 Specifications
| Measurement method | Dual-beam opacity and dust measurement |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Meets or exceeds 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix B, PS-1 and ASTM D6216 |
| User interface | 5.7-inch color touchscreen with five numeric screens and three trend displays |
| Resolution | 0.1% opacity |
| Analog output | 4–20 mA |
| Stack-to-controller communication | RS-485 |
| Light source | Electronically modulated, long-life EPA-compliant LED with lifetime replacement warranty |
| Calibration functions | Automatic and manually initiated zero/span checks |
| Sensor and reflector enclosures | NEMA 4 watertight enclosures with swing-away mounting |
| Alignment | Through-the-lens, three-point adjustment |
WatchDog PS-1 Continuous Opacity Monitor Applications
The WatchDog PS-1 provides continuous opacity measurement for industrial stacks and ducts where operators need trend information, alarm thresholds and documented performance. EMS installations span power generation, industrial processes, food manufacturing, cremation and incineration.
Power Plants, Steam Plants and Large Commercial Boilers
The WatchDog PS-1 is used extensively at power plants, especially facilities that burn oil or coal or retain the capability to use those fuels. Applications also include airport steam plants and large commercial boilers. For customers selecting a boiler opacity monitor, EMS can review the process, stack configuration and monitoring requirements.
EMS performs quarterly opacity monitor audits at many regional power plants and provides startup, certification, maintenance and repair support. Explore PS-1 quarterly audits and opacity monitor service.
Industrial Furnaces, Kilns, Ovens and Food Processing
WatchDog PS-1 applications include foundry furnaces, cement kilns, industrial ovens and furniture manufacturing operations. Food manufacturing applications include deep-fat frying and potato-chip frying equipment. These installations extend continuous opacity monitoring beyond conventional power and boiler applications.
Multi-Chamber Crematory and Incinerator Systems
EMS has used the WatchDog PS-1 on multi-chamber crematory and incinerator installations that share one common smokestack. When discussing an application, provide the number of chambers, exhaust arrangement and monitoring location so EMS can help evaluate the configuration.
Equipment selection and the required audit and certification program depend on the installation and applicable permit requirements. EMS can help assess your application and recommend suitable continuous opacity monitoring equipment and service.
Request a WatchDog PS-1 quote for your application or arrange opacity monitor audits, maintenance or repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regulation and standard does the EMS WatchDog PS-1 address?
The system meets or exceeds U.S. EPA 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix B, Performance Specification 1 and ASTM D6216.
How is the WatchDog PS-1 different from the standard WatchDog?
Both are dual-pass opacity and dust monitors designed for industrial applications. The WatchDog PS-1 adds a 5.7-inch color touchscreen with expanded trends and diagnostics. The WatchDog PS-1 also performs automatic daily calibration checks and provides additional relays and outputs compared with the standard WatchDog.
What information is available on the controller?
The 5.7-inch color touchscreen provides five numeric display screens, three trend displays, real-time diagnostics, relay and fault status, and selectable user and technician settings.
How does the PS-1 communicate with other equipment?
It uses RS-485 communication between the stack equipment and controller and provides a 4–20 mA analog output for compatible plant systems.
How is routine maintenance simplified?
Swing-away NEMA 4 enclosures, through-the-lens alignment and the stack-mounted smart service module help technicians perform alignment, zero/span functions and troubleshooting efficiently.
PS-1 Documents, Audits and Service
Download the WatchDog PS-1 data sheet. Learn about opacity-monitor service, startup and certification or audit neutral-density-filter certification. For configuration assistance and pricing, contact EMS.
Contact us for a quote or more information.
