E Instruments Sheds Light on the Critical Monitoring of Warehouse Ambient Air Quality and Forklift Emissions in Recent Case Study
Since 2001, our in-house designers, manufacturers, and marketers have ensured that our customers have the instrumentation and calibration equipment that they need in the field. Several of our patented indoor air quality monitors and combustion analyzers distinguish themselves as the most powerful, versatile, and portable devices, across the global market.
A Recent Case Study
Today we want to explore a case study that we recently completed, exploring all of the nuances and processes surrounding forklift emissions and warehouse ambient air quality. To accomplish this, we focused our efforts at the site of a local Pennsylvania warehouse, wherein a number of propane forklifts operate on a daily basis.
Our primary objectives going into the study were to investigate and gauge the varying effects of different engine conditions on exhaust gas emissions from forklifts; and the effect that emissions from said forklifts had on the ambient air quality of the warehouse in question.
Analyzing Exhaust Gases
Utilizing our E Instruments F5000 5 Gas Analyzer, experienced specialists measured the concentrations of Carbon Monoxide, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Hydrocarbons, and any Nitric Oxide near the exhausts of warehouse forklifts. As per industry regulations, the concentration of these five gases is regularly monitored when assessing the efficiency and safety of forklifts in a closed space like a warehouse. By maintaining forklift engines, operators can minimize the gas that emits from their exhausts, resulting in cleaner combustion and more efficient performance.
Analyzing Ambient Air Quality
In monitoring ambient air quality, a patented E Instruments AQ PRO was utilized to measure the concentrations of Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and other toxic gases. In assessments of engine exhaust, it is only logical that one should also monitor air quality, lest operators suffer the health risks of increased exposure to CO and NO2—causing headaches, fatigue, nausea, along with respiratory ailments.
Case Study Conclusions
After measuring all emission data obtained from the exhausts of forklifts, we soundly concluded that CO and HC levels increase significantly when engines shift from idle to load. As a result, we see an opportunity for forklift designers, manufacturers, and calibrators to optimize the efficiency of forklift engines.
Similarly, we also concluded that ambient air quality will decrease, as concentrations of CO and NO2 increase. Because of the degree to which toxic gases can accumulate within a warehouse, we see the necessity for periodic monitoring; and an associated ambient air quality protocol that will maintain the productivity, health, and safety of warehouse workers.