Fuels and Emissions Assessment | Fine Particulate Emissions Research
Canada is at the forefront of technology leadership after the successful development and field demonstration of a methodology to quantify and characterize the fine particulate matter (PM) emissions from fossil-fuel combustion.
Particulate matter emissions contain species like SO2 and NOX and are largely responsible for urban air pollution and ground-level ozone formation. In addition, they are strongly linked to adverse health effects, including reduced lung function and cardiopulmonary ailments. Monitoring and controlling these PM emissions is critical to attaining acceptable air quality and to meeting Canadian and international limits for ambient concentrations of the very fine particulate matters known as PM2.5 and PM10.
Existing industrial databases were developed using traditional source measurement techniques and so provide only total PM emission rates, without any details on the chemical nature or size characteristics of particulates. In order to provide this information and accordance with new regulatory frameworks, CanmetENGERY has developed the CETC-3 and CETC-4 prototypes to provide several source signature profiles for different research and field combustors using a variety of fuels. These prototypes have been demonstrated at two coal-fired electricity generation stations, one heavy oil-fired heating plant, and an industrial hog-fuel fired boiler.
Our research provides significant knowledge on the levels of fine PM contributions from specific source sectors and is a valuable scientific basis for achieving existing and future regulations. We have begun to participate in international standardization activities for a source PM2.5 measurement method at ASTM, ISO, and CEN. Ultimately, this work will contribute to the possible reduction of global pollution through emissions management at industrial sectors.
To find out more about our fine particulate emissions research, including our measurement prototypes and methodology for fine particulate matter, visit our publications section or contact us.
Particulate matter emissions contain species like SO2 and NOX and are largely responsible for urban air pollution and ground-level ozone formation. In addition, they are strongly linked to adverse health effects, including reduced lung function and cardiopulmonary ailments. Monitoring and controlling these PM emissions is critical to attaining acceptable air quality and to meeting Canadian and international limits for ambient concentrations of the very fine particulate matters known as PM2.5 and PM10.
Existing industrial databases were developed using traditional source measurement techniques and so provide only total PM emission rates, without any details on the chemical nature or size characteristics of particulates. In order to provide this information and accordance with new regulatory frameworks, CanmetENGERY has developed the CETC-3 and CETC-4 prototypes to provide several source signature profiles for different research and field combustors using a variety of fuels. These prototypes have been demonstrated at two coal-fired electricity generation stations, one heavy oil-fired heating plant, and an industrial hog-fuel fired boiler.
Our research provides significant knowledge on the levels of fine PM contributions from specific source sectors and is a valuable scientific basis for achieving existing and future regulations. We have begun to participate in international standardization activities for a source PM2.5 measurement method at ASTM, ISO, and CEN. Ultimately, this work will contribute to the possible reduction of global pollution through emissions management at industrial sectors.
To find out more about our fine particulate emissions research, including our measurement prototypes and methodology for fine particulate matter, visit our publications section or contact us.