Installation and Custom Set-up

Merlin can install and configure your entire Ozone Precursor System from its original cartons. The entire process takes only 3-5 days with all the necessary gases and power requirements available. We recommend each site have two phone lines available for voice and modem connections for the standard installation or 3 phone lines if hourly data will be transmitted. For systems requiring hourly transmission, Merlin provides a second communications terminal. This isolates transmission activities from the system computer and reduces the potential for data losses due to transmission problems on the communications terminal.

In addition, based on our experience with the power requirements of the system, Merlin recommends at least 2 separate 25 amp circuits be available for the Gas Chromatograph and ATD. Separate 10 amp circuits should be provided for all ancillary equipment. Air Conditioning and other heavy equipment should be well grounded and isolated from the system to reduce line noise, which can adversely affect the electrometer signals.

Custom installation and configuration provides each field site with a complete monitoring system, which can be configured and tested as a complete system. Software from several sources and hardware from multiple vendors can all be integrated into an effective system from the initial installation. Miscellaneous site-specific problems can be effectively managed from the onset providing a problem free monitoring site.

Preliminary Qualification

Merlin will qualify each system for detection limits, separation efficiency, method optimization as well as response factors and humidified blank criteria. Guidelines used by Merlin for this qualification are accepted by EPA standards and are provided in our Quality Assurance Plan. A written certification is provided with each system for future reference that outlines all standards used, operational parameters and retention time road maps. Merlin will provide daily standards to be used with the blending system, which are certified and will last the duration of the operating season. Daily standards contain certified concentrations of Propane and Benzene for recovery calculations and up to 12 additional constituents used as reference peaks in the processing methods for the system. Additional EPA 56 component retention time standards and audit samples should be supplied by the customer at the time of installation to be incorporated into the certification document.

System Qualification offers users a comprehensive evaluation of the monitoring system from the onset of its deployment into a field setting. This data can provide operators with concise and detailed documentation by which they can evaluate the system’s subsequent performance. It also provides a standard, which can be used in the event of a system failure to guide operators and maintenance personnel in their efforts to return the system to a similar level of performance.

Operator Training

Merlin staff can provide on-site training for all operators on their Ozone Precursor systems. In conjunction with the operating procedures supplied with each system, operators will have a good working knowledge of the system and procedures in place for successful data collection on a continuous basis. In conjunction with the Quality Assurance Plan, each operator will be capable of evaluating the day-to-day performance of the system and implement changes necessary to maintain precise and accurate data throughout the measurement period. In addition to training on the general operation and day to day data collection, training in routine maintenance of the system such as trap replacement, column conditioning and valve maintenance is included. Troubleshooting techniques such as leak testing and methods for the evaluation of system contamination can offer operators valuable information in the event problems arise. Additional training can be supplied on more general topics such as Window95, Gas Chromatography or the Turbochrom data system.

Maintenance Contracts

Merlin offers yearly service contracts for agencies with multiple systems, which includes troubleshooting, repair and yearly preventative maintenance for each system in the field. Merlin can provide technical support for site operators in their day to day activities and technical evaluations of problems via modem connection. As a partner to you agency’s monitoring program, Merlin can help insure that your systems give the highest level of data return and minimize data reprocessing.