Best Practices for Stack Testing

Good just isn’t good enough when you are preparing for and examining the results of stack testing. When you want it done right, it’s imperative that you fall upon your EGSA certification and remember to adhere to the best practices learned during your coursework. At GenTech, our teams adhere to a rigid set of preparation and review procedures to ensure our stack testing results are spot on the money. This helps ensure accurate results and helps our clients minimize the cost of stack testing their power generation systems.

Take Your Time To Prep Correctly

Proper stack testing starts with thorough preparation. Among the steps taught during the EGSA certification process, we strongly advise the following:

  • Confirm the proper test method is applied and that it conforms with the applicable EPA regulations, etc.
  • Test the testing equipment. Always verify that probes, sensors, fuel flow meters, etc., are functioning correctly before starting the test.
  • Know the site. Make sure that you know the precise location of all available testing ports.
  • Operate the generator under load several days prior, and better, weeks prior to testing.
  • Schedule testing at the optimal time so as to create minimal disruption to operations or surrounding businesses, residences, etc.
  • Prepare and inspect any lifting or safety equipment required to perform the test.
  • Make sure to have sufficient fuel available to perform the test at full load for 6-7 hours.
  • Confirm the quality of the fuel prior to commencing the test. Poor quality fuel will produce inaccurate test results.
  • Ensure a stable, constant load throughout the testing process.
  • Take your time. Rushing a stack test can generate inaccurate results.

Study the Results Carefully

Never assume everything was done correctly. When you assume there is a potential for error; you will maintain a sharper focus and pass a more focused eye over the data you collect. As such, you should always check and confirm the data of both passing and failed stack tests. While you can expect small fluctuations, if you have differences greater than 5%, you should consider the potential that operator error, failure of the testing equipment, or both occurred.

As you wrap up the testing process, make sure the results are reproducible, the protocols were adhered to at everystage, and that boundary conditions, fuels, or lubricants didn’t skew the results. When you are confident that every factor and influence has been properly accounted for, only then can you be confident that your stack testing results are accurate.

We invite you to contact the team at Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at (800) 625-8324 to learn more about EGSA certification and the ways we use our training to ensure our clients receive accurate results they can depend on. It’s our pleasure to answer your questions and schedule testing of your systems.

Posted Under: egsa certification