Before you begin using the FEMS Smart System, is important to understand the functionality and purpose of the software. The FEMS Smart System is designed to automatically determine the monitoring frequency for a component based on the regulations defined for the component and the performance history of the component.
A monitoring frequency is the number of times (during a specific time period) a component must be inspected for regulatory compliance. Components often have many applicable regulations, and each regulation has its own monitoring frequency requirement. Specify which regulations apply to a component and the FEMS Smart System will set the strictest monitoring frequency of all the applicable regulations. For example, if one regulation requires monitoring once each year and another regulation specifies monthly monitoring, the monitoring frequency for the component is set to Monthly. A yearly monitoring frequency is more lenient than a monthly monitoring frequency.
The monitoring frequency for a new component is set to the strictest initial frequency required by the regulatory rules defined for the component.
Just the default frequencies shipped with the Emission Management software are supported by the FEMS Smart System. An (SS) designation identifies each Smart System frequency. The frequencies are listed below and can not be altered or deleted using the Frequencies validation form.
Weekly (SS)
Monthly (SS)
Quarterly (SS)
Semiannually (SS)
Yearly (SS)
Biennially (SS)
Once Every 4 Years (SS)
Once Every 8 Years (SS)
A weekly monitoring period runs from Sunday through Saturday. A monthly monitoring period starts on the first day of the month and ends on the last day of the month. A month is the basis for all other frequencies. For example, a quarterly monitoring period begins on the first day of the first month of the quarter and ends on the last day of the third month of the quarter.
The FEMS Smart System reviews performance data during partial as well as full monitoring periods to identify leaking components. However, when evaluating for frequency changes, only full and complete monitoring periods are considered.
The FEMS Smart System bases monitoring frequency on the following two compliance methods:
Regulatory Monitoring - The frequency for regulatory monitoring (i.e., instrument inspection) is based on regulatory rules for the component, the performance of the component or component group, and the current monitoring frequency level. If more than one regulatory rule applies, the strictest frequency will be applied to the component or component group.
Visual Inspections - The monitoring frequency for a visual inspection is based on the equipment category and type, chemical state, and applicable regulations. If more than one regulatory rule applies, the most restrictive frequency will be applied to the component.
Rule definitions are based on regulations and provide the FEMS Smart System with criteria to determine frequencies, such as regulatory monitoring and visual inspection details, compliance method rule types, leak definitions and calculation methods, repair delay and removed components credits, phase-in requirements for new components, and repair requirements. For additional information about the FEMS Smart System rule criteria evaluation process, refer to Rule Criteria Processing.
Rule definitions are set up on the Rule Definition form. One or more rule definition can be established for each regulation. The combination of the following values defines one unique rule definition:
Regulation Name
Effective date
Equipment Category
Equipment Type
Chemical State
Rule definitions are assigned to each applicable component in the Regulations section on the Tag form. The Equipment Category, Equipment Type and Chemical State values defined for the component must match the values defined for the rule definition in order for the system to determine monitoring frequencies for the component based on the rule definition. Use the Tag form to assign equipment categories, equipment types and chemical states to components.
An existing rule definition can be updated when necessary. The FEMS Smart System uses the most recent version of the rule definition to determine frequencies.
On the scheduled run date for each entity, the FEMS Smart System reviews the rule definitions assigned to each component and selects the ones with an equipment category, equipment type and chemical state that matches the component's. Based on the frequency requirements of each applicable rule definition, the FEMS Smart System calculates and sets the most restrictive monitoring frequency for the component. Monitoring performance data is evaluated when applicable. The system populates the Frequency field for the regulatory monitoring and/or visual inspection compliance method in the Compliance section of the Tag form. Use the Monitor Runs and Visual Inspection Runs forms to schedule inspections based on the frequency results set by the FEMS Smart System. For additional information about the FEMS Smart System evaluation process, refer to Rule Criteria Processing.
Define a FEMS Smart System run schedule for each entity using the Smart System Run Schedule form.
Note:
Any component with an Exempt compliance designation is not evaluated
by the FEMS Smart System.
|
|
|
|
|
