ISO 10396:2007

Overview

ISO 10396:2007 - "Stationary source emissions - Sampling for the automated determination of gas emission concentrations for permanently-installed monitoring systems" provides procedures and equipment guidance for representative sampling of stack and duct gases for automated monitoring systems (AMS). The standard applies to automated determination of O2, CO2, CO, SO2, NO and NO2 (and NO + NO2 as NOx) using permanently installed extractive or non‑extractive sampling systems. It defines principles to preserve sample integrity, ensure representative sampling and support reliable continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and limitations: Applicable to emissions monitoring for the specified gases; cautions for corrosive/highly reactive substances, wet flue gases, high temperature/pressure, vacuum, strong process fluctuations, gas stratification and very low concentrations.
• Sampling principles:
  • Extractive sampling: sample removal, conditioning (removal of aerosols/particulates), transfer and analysis while maintaining representative concentration.
  • Non‑extractive (in‑situ) sampling: direct measurement in the duct/stack with minimal conditioning (filtering at probe tip).
• Representative sampling factors:
  • Source characteristics (operation mode, fuel feed/composition, process variability).
  • Location and accessibility of sampling ports; avoidance of flow disturbances and obstructions.
  • Need for preliminary surveys of concentration, temperature and velocity under normal operating conditions.
• Stratification test: traverse at a minimum of 12 points (per ISO 9096), measure pollutant and diluent (CO or O2) for at least 2 minutes per point; concentrations are “nonstratified” if each point is within ±10% of the cross‑sectional average.
• Apparatus, operation and maintenance:
  • Recommended construction materials and components for extractive and non‑extractive systems.
  • Procedures for leak checks, calibration with certified gas mixtures, function checks, maintenance and documentation to maintain sample integrity.
• Documentation: required records of site surveys, system setup, calibrations and maintenance.

Applications and users

ISO 10396:2007 is intended for:

• Environmental engineers and emissions compliance officers implementing CEMS/CEMS-like systems.
• Stack monitoring technicians and plant operators responsible for continuous gas monitoring.
• Instrument manufacturers and integrators designing extractive or in‑situ gas sampling systems.
• Laboratories and auditors verifying representative sampling procedures for regulatory reporting.

Practical uses include stack emissions compliance, process control, performance verification of pollution control equipment, and design/validation of permanently installed monitoring systems.

Related standards

• ISO 10780 - Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate of gas streams in ducts (relevant when mass flow rates are required).
• ISO 9096 - Guidance for stratification and traverse sampling methodology (referenced in ISO 10396).

Keywords: ISO 10396:2007, stationary source emissions, automated monitoring systems, sampling, extractive sampling, non‑extractive sampling, stack gas, O2, CO2, CO, SO2, NO, NO2, CEMS, representative sampling.