May 17, 2007

PM_2.5 will be Expensive and Challenging to Meet Say Participants in the Hot Topic Hour Yesterday

On May 17 the Hot Topic was PM_2.5 measurement and control. Even after CAIR is implemented in 2010 it is almost certain that many areas will not achieve the new NAAQS. As a result utilities will have to spend billions of dollars to further reduce their fine particulate emissions. Furthermore, new coal-fired plants are going to have to deal with tough limits and confusion relative to measurement techniques.

Summaries of the individual presentations are provided below along with links to the power point presentations which have been incorporated into the FGD and Particulate Decision Trees.

Ron Myers, EPA

Ron provided an overview of PM_2.5 legislation and concluded that there will be many areas which will exceed the NAAQS even after CAIR is implemented. EPA has a website devoted to fine tuning the means for accurate fine particulate (including condensibles) measurement. It is www.epa.gov/ttn/emc

He also subsequently submitted a number of good power points which are included in the Particulate Decision Tree below but were not part of the presentation.

May 17 presentation submitted in addition to the Hot Topic Hour.

http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/Particulate_Decision_Tree/subscriber/Tree/DescriptionTextLinks/Scott Evans, Clean Air - Demonstrating Compliance with sub-ppm Acid Mist Limits.htm

Dennis Shanahan – Indigo

The Indigo Agglomerator can be placed ahead of an existing electrostatic precipitator and substantially reduces fine particulate. The cost is far less than a new baghouse. A number of full scale installations have proven the value. The latest is at TVA and is still undergoing performance testing.

There is also the potential to utilize the agglomerator ahead of a baghouse to reduce pressure drop and increase bag life. The potential for the agglomerator as a solution to the high sulfur sticky dust problem was discussed by the participants.

Continuing Decision Process For: Products
 
 

The Fine Particulate Solution - The Indigo Bi-Polar Agglomerator

http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/Particulate_Decision_Tree/subscriber/Tree/DescriptionTextLinks/Dennis Shanahan Indigo Hot Topic PM 2.5.htm

Scott Evans – Clean Air Engineering

Method 8 for SO₃ measurement is not accurate as commonly performed, as there are a number of biases which are mostly positive. There are ways to improve this procedure and to make the method more relevant for demonstrating compliance with sub–ppm acid mist limits. However, much work is still needed. The problem of NH₃ is still unquantified.
 

Continuing Decision Process For: Mass Monitoring

Demonstrating compliance with sub ppm acid mist limits (presentation by Scott Evans May 17)

http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/Particulate_Decision_Tree/subscriber/Tree/DescriptionTextLinks/Scott Evans, Clean Air - Demonstrating Compliance with sub-ppm Acid Mist Limits.htm

Amy Evans- Marsulex

Modifications to the air heater and additive injection can greatly reduce SO₃ emissions. Dominion has selected this technology for one of its plants. There is some minor negative impact on discrete particulate where electrostatic precipitators are old or under sized, but the net reduction in fine particulate is still substantial.

Amy will be submitting a graph showing the net PM_2.5 reduction with various site specific cases.

Lutz Bergmann-Filter Media Consulting

ePTFE membranes can be used in dust collector bags to provide greater capture of sub micron particulate. These thin membranes are supported with a scrim of woven glass or synthetics such as P84 for high temperature applications. The membranes also provide superior cake release.