Sawmills, joineries and chip production
Emission measurements at wood processing operations
We measure total suspended particulates (TSP) from extraction and filter systems and emissions from biomass boilers and dryers at sawmills, joineries and wood chip and pellet production.
- TSP from extraction and filters
- Biomass boilers and dryers
- Report for authorities and permits
Accredited laboratory No. 1599
View the documentsMeasurements
From a description of the operation to the report
What we measure at a wood processing operation
Most often this means TSP at the stack of the extraction and filtration system.
Emissions at the stack or dust in the workplace
Emission measurement and workplace air measurement are two different measurements with different purposes.
Service details
What we measure at a wood processing operation
Most often this means TSP at the stack of the extraction and filtration system. For a biomass boiler or a dryer the scope follows the permit of the source, and for drying chips and wood fibres TOC may be added.
Wood processing is a listed source at a total design material consumption of 150 m³ or more per year. In that case classification, emission limits, measurement obligations and the operating permit must be verified; at a smaller workshop, the workplace environment, noise and extraction are still addressed.
Emissions at the stack or dust in the workplace
Emission measurement and workplace air measurement are two different measurements with different purposes. The stack shows what leaves to the outdoor air, which matters to the regional authority, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) and the operating permit. Workplace air shows what the operator of a saw, sander or CNC centre breathes, which matters to the hygiene station (KHS) and job categorisation.
A filter that improves conditions in the hall does not yet demonstrate compliance with the emission limit at the stack. We therefore plan both views together according to the technology and the required output; employee exposure is covered by dust measurement in the workplace.
Scope and deliverables
We measure total suspended particulates (TSP) from extraction and filter systems and emissions from biomass boilers and dryers at sawmills, joineries and wood chip and pellet production. The scope follows the technology, the fuel and the operating permit, not a generic template.
What we measure within our accreditation
Within our accreditation we measure solid particulate matter (TZL) isokinetically, NOx, CO, SO₂ and O₂ with analysers, TOC and VOC, HCl and inorganic chlorine compounds, heavy metals (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Tl, V, Zn, Al, Fe, Si, Hg) and gas moisture, velocity and volume flow. The specific scope is determined by the permit for your operation.
We use the same procedure for other sources: boiler plants, paint shops, dryers, biogas plants, diesel generator sets, wood-processing plants, electroplating shops and other technologies. You will find the overview under Facilities and technologies.
Price, timing and scope of measurement
Price and quote
The price depends on the number of sources and substances measured, the difficulty of the measuring points and the distance. Send us your documents and we will prepare a non-binding quote. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
Date and report
We agree the measurement date according to your operation and the authority's requirement. The delivery date of the report will be stated in the quote.
What determines the scope
The scope and frequency of measurement are not set by us, but by the operating permit, the authority's decision or a request from the hygiene station (KHS) or the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP). Send them to us and we will verify exactly what is required of you.
How a project works
Review of documents
We review your documents, authority requirements and propose the best approach.
Scope and schedule
We clarify the scope of measurements, studies or documentation and plan timing.
Measurements and processing
We carry out measurements, calculations or document preparation as agreed.
Expert deliverable
We deliver a report, study or documentation ready for the next permitting step.
Frequently asked questions
When is a wood processing operation a listed source?
Wood processing, including joinery production and the production of wood chips and pellets, is a listed source at a total design material consumption of 150 m³ or more per year. Exceptions include sawmill operations in handling or dispatch warehouses (shortening of logs); we will verify your case from your documents.
What is measured at the stack of a wood processing operation?
Most often TSP from extraction and filters, and for drying of chips and wood fibres TOC may be added. For a biomass boiler the substances follow the permit of the combustion source; the exact scope is always set by the operating permit and the technology.
Is stack measurement enough, or do we also have to measure dust in the workplace?
These are two different things: the stack shows emissions to the outdoor air, while measurement in the breathing zone shows employee exposure. Which one you need depends on the requirement of the authority (regional authority, ČIŽP or KHS) and the nature of the operation; emission measurement does not replace exposure measurement.
May we burn chipboard offcuts in our own boiler?
Decree No. 415/2012 Coll. (Section 15(5)) allows chipboard, plywood, fibreboard or other glued wood to be burned only if it contains no halogenated organic compounds or heavy metals from treatment or surface finishes, and only in sources of a certain thermal input. Always verify the fuel against the permit and the decree, and state its exact type in the documents for the measurement.
How much does emission measurement cost?
The price depends on the number of sources and substances measured, the measuring points and the distance. After receiving your documents we will prepare a non-binding quote.
How soon will I receive the report?
The delivery date of the report will be stated in the quote according to the scope of measurement. Data from the report are notified to ISPOP within 60 days using form F_OVZ_JME.
Do you measure throughout the Czech Republic?
Yes. We carry out on-site measurement of emissions, the working environment, noise and other quantities throughout the Czech Republic. We have offices in České Budějovice, Prague 5 and Havlíčkův Brod.
Legal and methodological sources
- Act No. 201/2012 Coll., on Air Protection
Current wording in the e-Sbírka collection of laws, in particular the rules for one-off emission measurements.
- Decree No. 415/2012 Coll.
Requirements for determining emission levels and carrying out measurements.
- ISPOP: forms for one-off emission measurements
Official information on notifying the measurement date and the protocol data.