Filterable and Condensable Fine Particulate Emissions from Stationary Sources

ABSTRACT

PM_2.5 emissions from stationary sources contain a filterable and condensable portion. In this study, USEPA Method 201A/202 are used to measure filterable and condensable PM_2.5 emissions from 5 stationary sources (power plants, boilers, brick manufacturing plant, incinerators and arc furnaces). The average filterable PM_2.5 concentrations for power plant, boiler, brick manufacturing plant, incinerator and arc furnace are 0.75, 16.9, 8.67, 0.15 and 2.12 mg/Nm³, respectively. The amount of PM_2.5 residue on the exit tube of cyclone and front half of the filter holder is significantly higher when the filterable PM_2.5 concentrations are low. It is necessary to collect both filter and the residue particulates to avoid underestimation of PM_2.5 emissions. The condensable PM accounts for 61.2%, 73.5%, 44.2%, 52.8% and 51.2% of total PM_2.5 for power plant, boiler, brick manufacturing plant, incinerator and arc furnace plant, respectively. The real PM_2.5 contribution to the atmosphere would be underestimated if condensable PM is not included. The condensable PM fraction increases as the exhaust temperature rises. The inorganic fraction accounts for 89.0%, 69.4%, 72.3%, 89.8% and 72.8% of condensable PM, respectively, for power plant, boiler, brick manufacturing plant, incinerator and arc furnace. The inorganic fraction is dominant in the condensable PM, which might be due to the high content of SO₄.