Our History
Air Techniques, Inc. started business in 1979 by Wayne Norman, as a manufacturers’ representative for major air pollution control equipment. Within the first six months, he added stack testing services and grew that business in both volume and staff. In the 1980’s ATI was involved in more than 30 gas turbine projects for utility clients. These were the first ATI stack projects, although most were the short rectangular units typical of simple cycle turbine stacks. During this time a repeat stack test client needed a 120 ft. stack for a new boiler his company had purchased. He associated stack testing with stacks, so he asked Wayne if ATI could provide this. Not wanting to miss a business opportunity with a good client, the response was “of course” and thus the steel stack division of ATI was formed. That first stack was for Shaw Industries, who to this day still remains a loyal client.

That first stack was for Shaw Industries, who to this day still remains a loyal client. The stack business continued to grow through the 90’s with the addition of turn-key services for stack installation and erection and the addition of Nader Zarrabi, as Chief Engineer. Nader has been an active member of the ASME Steel Stack Code Committee, since his employment with ATI and has served on a number of committees, as member, chair and assistant chair.
In the late 80’s, ATI expanded again into the stack monitoring business, much like they had with stacks by building their first stack stationary continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS). A few years earlier the ATI stack test team built a mobile monitoring lab (mobile CEMS system) by installing stack monitoring instruments in a trailer that could be towed to a plant site and parked by the process to test by using sample line from the process to the trailer. And yes, similarly, a customer with an upcoming CEMS project again asked Mr. Norman if ATI could build a stationary CEMS system, like their mobile lab. Of course, the answer again was “of course” and the CEMS division of ATI was begun.
We at ATI think all of this is significant and of value to our clients because no other one firm has the three experiences or capabilities. (A) Stack design, delivery and installation, (B) Stack testing emission and (C) Continuous emission monitoring services. Today most all of our stack projects have facilities requiring testing and/or CEMS and we have answers to questions on these requirements and how all of this can be integrated into your new stack project.