Key Takeaways:
- Strict Limits on Industrial Burner Emissions: Enacted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to combat climate change and ground-level ozone (smog), Rule 1147 targets nitrogen oxide emissions created when fuel burns at high temperatures. For industrial burners, the regulation sets a strict limit of 30 ppm.
- Avoid the Pitfalls of Budget Equipment or Retrofits: Cheap burners are never a good deal; they wear out faster, demand more maintenance, and require frequent repairs to stay in compliance. Modifying legacy equipment can also trap your business in a year-long approval and testing cycle before gaining Rule 1147 certification.
- Streamlined Turnkey Compliance with Rely-On: Rely-On’s 1MBTU LoNox Burner comes pre-approved for Rule 1147 standards across all booth layouts (downdraft, semi-downdraft, cross draft). Rely-On manages the entire application process directly, keeping your shop fully compliant without grand opening delays.
For our Southern California clients (and future clients!), the gatekeeper to a successful installation is SCAQMD – South Coast Air Quality Management District. Every approved and licensed regulation that Rely On Technologies conducted in Southern California has met all requirements by AQMD. Naturally, we want to keep you up to date on all new policies to keep your booth running and your shop open!
Who is AQMD?
South Coast AQMD develops and enforces an Air Quality Management Plan for bringing the Southern California Basin into compliance with the clean air standards established by national and state governmental legislation. AQMD regulates all stationary sources of possible air pollution.
What do I need to know about SCAQMD Rule 1147?
The key policy to familiarize yourself with is SCAQMD Rule 1147. The rule regulates ovens, dryers, furnaces, afterburners, incinerators, and other equipment used for metal casting, forging, heat treating, coating and curing operations, drying, asphalt manufacturing, and printing operations.
When is my spray booth subject to Rule 1147 emission limits?
Per AQMD, “All new permitted spray booths rated at ≥325,000 BTU/HR are required to demonstrate compliance with the NOx emission limit. Existing permitted units with emissions less than 1 pound per day must demonstrate compliance with the emission limit at 35 years of age, when the combustion system is modified or replaced, or when the spray booth burner is replaced. However, there are a number of options available in the rule to delay compliance dates. These options for delaying compliance dates are found in the following sections of Rule 1147: (c)(15) and (c)(16) for < 1 pound/day units, and (c)(14) for any applicable units.”
What else do I need to know?
For further reading, please see the adjoining pamphlet that will answer all your questions!
Rest assured, Rely-On Technologies will be your guide to navigate through AQMD. Our reputation speaks for itself in ensuring that your installation process is seamless, up to code, and with ease!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SCAQMD Rule 1147, and why does it apply to my spray booth?
Short Answer: It is an air quality rule capping nitrogen oxide emissions from industrial burners at 30 ppm.
Explanation: Enacted to reduce ground-level smog and acid rain, Rule 1147 regulates stationary equipment that burns fuel at high temperatures. Because spray booth heating units fall under this classification, your burner must meet this strict 30 ppm limit during the baking cycle to operate legally in the district.
Can I modify my current burner to meet Rule 1147 standards?
Short Answer: Yes, but retrofitting existing equipment is costly and can take up to a year to get approved.
Explanation: Modifying legacy burners requires extensive testing and regulatory review, which can trap your business in an approval cycle lasting up to a full year. Installing pre-approved equipment allows you to bypass that testing downtime entirely and open on schedule.
How does Rely-On help my shop stay Rule 1147 compliant?
Short Answer: By supplying a pre-approved LoNox burner and managing the entire permit application for you.
Explanation: Rely-On installs a pre-approved 1MBTU LoNox Burner featuring digital controls, full bake capabilities, and VFD compatibility across all booth configurations. On top of providing certified equipment, Rely-On handles the regulatory application process directly so your shop achieves zero-guesswork compliance.
Alfonso Ortiz is the President and Chief Operations Officer of Rely-On, where he provides strategic leadership and oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, driving continued growth and operational excellence. Since joining the company in 2001, he has played an integral role in expanding the business, beginning in sales and administrative support before advancing into executive leadership. Today, Alfonso leads company operations while guiding sales, marketing, and customer relations, ensuring every project reflects Rely-On’s commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service.