Best Practices for Creating Unique Calculations in Enablon AQS

Author: Julie Taccino

In Enablon, the Environmental Module (AQS) is designed for air templates that can be used repeatedly for similar emissions source calculations. However, most companies have some calculations which are truly unique and will not be used more than once. These sources may include emissions sources that have specific calculations based on permitting representation or unique calculations based on the available flow meters or stack test information. What are the best practices for creating emissions calculations for these “site-specific” or “one-off” use cases?

Even for unique calculations, all templates and information must be created and populated in AQS. In these cases, some approaches for creating and managing templates for unique emissions calculations include:

• Scoping the templates, materials, or parameters to just the site or entity where they apply. This scoping will help prevent users selecting the wrong template or calculation where the unique calculation does not apply.
• Grouping unique templates for equipment and units in a “Unique” template group. This grouping can help users only select a unique equipment template when it is needed and avoid those templates for more common calculations.
• If the emissions factor is source specific, then link it to a specific piece of equipment in the Emissions Factor table.
• Where appropriate, launch calculations as “Intermediate” by selecting this checkbox on the parameter. This prevents calculations from being visible on the data entry form, which can hide calculations that do not apply to a particular site. It also has the side benefit of reducing risk of exceeding the display limit on data entry form, which can prevent data entry parameters from displaying.
• Provide descriptions for calculated parameters. This might include what the formula source is (for example, state guidance, engineering knowledge, or testing) or where specific values within the calculation are sourced from. Clear documentation within Enablon can resolve or prevent future questions.

Most implementations have at least a few unique calculation sources which are not expected to be used more than once. These key best practices minimize risk that a unique template is accidentally used somewhere it does not apply and avoid confusion and questions from users and regulators.

AQS is a complex module. If you would like to discuss more about AQS implementation or upkeep, please contact our team, including Julie Taccino at jtaccino@all4inc.com or 281-201-1247.