TECHNICAL APPROACH

2.1 Spike Manager © An Integrated Computer & Weigh Cell Technology

General Description: ESS has recently implemented the proprietary Spike Manager © software system which integrates the latest in computer technology with highly accurate and reliable mass flow meters and weigh cell technologies (See Figure 1). With this system, all spiking functions are continuously monitored and controlled by the computer under the supervision of ESS’ highly trained Spiking Technician(s):

• Spiking rate monitoring, alarms, & control;
• Data acquisition, analysis, &, archiving; and
• On-site spiking data output in printed, CD, &/or removable drive formats.

As demonstrated by the following table, the Spike Manager © (SM ©) Spiking System combines the advantages of computer control with the complimentary advantages of weigh cells and mass flow meters.

Advantages Spike Manager © Derives from:

The SM © computer continuously senses the weight loss versus time² and/or mass flow calculates the instantaneous spiking rate, compares that rate with the target spiking rate, and adjusts the pumping rate, as needed³ . Spiking rate results are displayed in real time trend chart(s) in mass/time or as a % of the corresponding target spiking rate for that spiking specie. The SM © software also provides for a range of flexible alarms at Adjustable % deviation levels.

System Accuracy: ESS uses only highly accurate Scale5 that are calibrated before the test and the calibration verified at the test site immediately before and after the test using ESS’ NIST Traceable Standards6.

Quality Assurance: Over the 2001 to 2004 time period, ESS has successfully developed and implemented a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) which covers all major aspects of ESS’ Spiking Materials Preparation and Spiking Materials & Services Delivery System. Included in the QA Program are QA Measures for:

• Equipment accuracy, operability, and reliability;
• Data acquisition, analysis, and reporting;
• Spiking material preparation and composition documentation; and
• Personnel training, testing, and certification.

As a result of these and other QA/QC measures described herein, ESS now offers the highest demonstratably accurate¹ spiking rate data currently available within the Industry.

ISO 9001:2000 Certification: All of these and numerous other efforts were preparatory steps which ESS to achieving ISO 9001:2000 Certification of ESS' Products Preparation and Products Results & Service Delivery System in May 2004.

1. The Terms “Tangible accuracy” and “Highest demonstratably accuracy” are used in the sense that you [the client] &/or the Agency Representative can see NIST Traceable

Standards being placed on a scale and see that the indicated weight matches this known weight within very tight error limits. This is in contrast, for example, to being told that a mass flow meter was calibrated off-site (typically with a weigh scale of unknown accuracy) prior to the test and that the equipment manufacturer “says” the equipment is accurate within a certain + % of the meters maximum range. ESS demonstrates the accuracy of our spiking rate results on-site,Immediately before and after the testing period.
2. Typically a drum (or tote tank or gas cylinder) of spiking material is placed on an appropriately sized weigh scale (see Figure 1) and connected with SS, drip-less, quick-connect fittings to the metering pump, which is similarly connected to the waste feed line. As the spiking material is pumped out of the drum and into the waste feed line, the mass on the scale drops.
3. ESS’ pumps are precision “metering” pumps with micrometer type adjustability and are designed to maintain constant flow regardless of normal variations in line pressure4. Once the desired spiking rate is achieved prior to a test, typically, only minor rate adjustments are required thereafter.
4. The pump through-put sensitivity to discharge line pressure is: -1.5%/100 psi, i.e., if line pressure were to increase by as much as 100 psi (a very unlikely occurrence), then pumping through-put would be reduced by only 1.5%.
5. Typically, the maximum error bounds of our weigh scales are + 0.005 to +0.01% of the scale’s capacity, or in terms of weight + 0.05 to +0.1 Lb for our most frequently used (1,000 Lb Max Capacity) scales.
6. ESS’ Weight Standards are certified annually by the state of Texas with direct traceability to NIST Primary Standards.