AQS Monitoring Tools 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a zero calibration check performed on an ambient air quality analyzer?

Accepted Answer

To verify the instrument reads correctly when sampling clean air with no target pollutant present

Answer

A zero check verifies the instrument output is at baseline (zero) when exposed to certified zero air, confirming no instrument drift or contamination.

Question 2

Under EPA 40 CFR Part 75, a SO2 CEMS must complete a Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) at what minimum frequency?

Accepted Answer

Annually

Answer

EPA Part 75 requires an annual RATA for SO2 CEMS to compare monitor data against a reference method and verify relative accuracy within 10% or 15 ppm.

Question 3

Per EPA regulations, what is the maximum allowable calibration drift for a SO2 CEMS over a 24-hour period?

Accepted Answer

2.5% of the span value

Answer

EPA 40 CFR Part 75 Appendix B limits the daily calibration drift of SO2 CEMS to ±2.5% of the span value to ensure data quality.

Question 4

Which EPA document (40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A) establishes network design and QA requirements for the SLAMS ambient air monitoring network?

Accepted Answer

Quality Assurance Requirements for SLAMS, PAMS, and NCore Monitoring

Answer

40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A sets QA requirements—including precision, accuracy, and completeness targets—for the SLAMS, PAMS, and NCore networks.

Question 5

A 'span check' in air quality monitoring involves introducing a certified gas at what approximate concentration level?

Accepted Answer

70–90% of the instrument's upper measurement range

Answer

Span checks use a certified calibration gas at 70–90% of the measurement range to verify the instrument's response at high concentrations is accurate.

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

AQS Monitoring Tools 2