Measurement, calculation, dispersion modelling and assessment of emissions and ambient air quality

Immission measurements

Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH offers a wide range of services as an accredited and notified body in accordance with § 29b BImSchG (see ReSyMeSa) in the area of immission measurements of air pollutants, odours, noise and vibrations and electromagnetic fields as well as meteorological measurements.

Immision measurements are the key tool for monitoring ambient air quality. The measurement results of ambient air quality also serve as an important source of information for further improvements, e.g. in the context of air pollution control planning or land use and noise action planning.

The legal principles are the Federal Pollution Control Act (Federal Pollution Control Act) in connection with various regulations (e.g. BImSchV 16th, 18th and 39th BImSchV) and regulations (e.g. German Nois Ordinance (TA noise) and the German Clean Air Act (TA air)) for its implementation and various European Union directives (e.g., 2002/49/EC, 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC) and its transposition into national law. 

Air-borne pollutants

Continuous ambient air quality measurements of air pollution allows for the detailed interpretation and evaluation of air quality parameters in conjunction with emission-related information and meteorological data. These include the testing of emission values and other statistical parameters, cause analysis, tracer wind roses or the interpretation of typical daily, weekly and annual cycles of air pollutants.

With our qualified team and our efficient and innovative laboratory, we can carry out all relevant measuring tasks from the measurements of initial pollution levels according to the Clean Air Act during the licensing procedures, to the recording of air quality under the 39th BImSchV, and the realisation of special measuring tasks for research projects.

Typical components are:

  • Inorganic gaseous compounds such as SO2, NO/NO2/NOX, CO, NH3 und Hg
  • Dust and dust components, such as dust deposition, PM10, PM2,5, PM1 particles, as well as metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (including benzopyrene) as a component of the dust samples
  • Gaseous organic compounds (including BTEX (including benzol) and PAH (including benzopyrene)
  • Highly toxic organic compounds such as dioxins and furans, PCDD/F and PCB

All measurements can be carried out continuously or as a sample , as well as for concentration determination or deposition measurements. Müller-BBM also uses air-conditioned measuring containers in addition to field measurement systems suitable for rugged outdoor use in measurement network operations. Trace gas measurements can be supplemented by extensive meteorological measurements, in order to, for example, perform root cause analyses or to generate meteorological time series for use in dispersion modelling.

Noise

The proof of adequate sound insulation of a facility can be performed at the immission location by using noise measurements.

Among other things, we carry out ambient air quality measurements at the following facilities in accordance with established standards and guidelines such as the German Noise Ordinance, 18 BImSchV and any state-specific ordinances and prototype administrative regulations:

  • Facilities subject to licensing according to the 4th BImSchV
  • Facilities not subject to licensing
  • Sports facilities
  • Recreational facilities
  • Shooting Ranges

Other services include the measurement and assessment of low frequency sounds emissions (for frequencies below 90 Hz) based on DIN 45680 requirements and the set up of problem-specific continuous monitoring systems that can be equipped with remote access on request.

Vibrations

Buildings and other physical structures in an industrial environment, near public transportation systems (rail, road) and during construction (particularly in civil engineering work) are often stressed by exposure to vibrations that can result in restrictions in their usability and damage to the substance and the loss of the load-bearing capacity of their components. Furthermore, vibration emissions in residential and office buildings can lead to negative impacts on residents and users that can manifest as pain, loss of rent, or the lower market value of a property.

Müller-BBM performs metrological testing and assessments of affected facilities in accordance with established standards and regulations or according to specific requirements. When needed, we install continuously registering and warning monitoring systems, for example, in case of vibration-intensive construction works in the vicinity of sensitive buildings.

Electromagnetic fields

Measurements of electromagnetic fields can be performed across the entire frequency range between 0 Hz (static field) and 40 GHz. The electrical and/or magnetic field intensity is measured. Wideband sensors and test antennae with spectral analysers are available. All measurement equipment is portable and intended for outdoor use. The data can be recorded, subsequently displayed, and statistically analysed for all the measurements. All measuring devices have traceable calibration and are subject to in-house test equipment monitoring.

If measurements cannot be performed (e.g. during licensing procedures), then a field calculation programme (Winfield Enterprise) can be used. That way, even area-wide emission forecasts can be made both in the high and low frequency ranges (e.g. mobile phone base stations, transformers, high-voltage lines etc.).

With our multi-channel, mobile measurement equipment, we are able to reliably and economically carry out even extensive measuring tasks quickly for you.

The quality of the measurements is ensured by the comprehensive accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 as well as the subsequent notification as a notified measurement body according to § 26 BImSchG. We also specialise in the measurements of vibration emissions from continuous vibration or short-term shock events, and assess them with regard to the impact on individuals in buildings in accordance with DIN 41502 and on structures in accordance with DIN 41503.

With Mueller-BBM you have an efficient, competent and independent partner who supports you in realising your projects concerning immissions measurements of air pollutants, noise and vibration as well as meteorological measurements.

Feel free to contact us!

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