As in every firing plant, a considerable amount of waste gas (flue gas) is emitted when waste is combusted because of the amount of combustion air required. Depending on the fuels and waste composition, this flue gas contains various concentrations of different gas components, dust (which may contain heavy metals, or organic compounds) and moisture. The concentrations of the gas components and dust as well as the volume flow values must be monitored at various sites in the plant, for example at:

In many countries, waste incineration plants are subject to stringent regulations that govern the emissions they release into the surrounding environment. Suitable measures (flue gas scrubbing) must be taken to ensure that the pollutants in the waste gas emitted by the plants do not exceed the permissible limit values.

Continously operting analyzers are used at several sites in a waste incineration plant. They are used for process control (e.g. incineration, denitrification, desulfurization or dedusting) or for emission monitoring. Depending on the requirements and local conditions in-situ as well as extraxtive measuring technology can be used. Part of the equipment is used for emission control purposes. In this case in many countries the devices must be especially tested and certified by the local authorities for this application.