ASTM D3685 / D3685M - 98(2005) Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Determination of Particulate Matter in Stack Gases

Significance and Use

The measurement of particulate matter and collected residue emission rates is an important test widely used in the practice of air pollution control. Particulate matter measurements after control devices are necessary to determine total emission rates to the atmosphere.

5.1.1 These measurements, when approved by federal and state agencies, are often required for the purpose of determining compliance with regulations and statutes.

5.1.2 The measurements made before and after control devices are often necessary as a means of demonstrating conformance with contractual performance specifications.

The collected residue obtained with these test methods is also important in characterizing stack emissions. However, the utility of these data is limited unless a chemical analysis of the collected residue is performed.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods describe procedures to determine the mass emission rates of particulate matter and collected residue in gaseous streams by in-stack test methods (Test Method A) or out-of-stack test methods (Test Method B).

1.2 These test methods are suitable for measuring particulate matter and collected residue concentrations.

1.3 These test methods include a description of equipment and procedures to be used for obtaining samples from effluent ducts and stacks, a description of equipment and procedures for laboratory analysis, and a description of procedures for calculating results.

1.4 These test methods are applicable for sampling particulate matter and collected residue in wet (Test Method A or B) or dry (Test Method A) streams before and after particulate matter control equipment, and for determination of control device particulate matter collection efficiency.

1.5 These test methods are also applicable for determining compliance with regulations and statutes limiting particulate matter existing in stack gases when approved by federal or state agencies.

1.6 The particulate matter and collected residue samples collected by these test methods may be used for subsequent size and chemical analysis.

1.7 These test methods describe the instrumentation, equipment, and operational procedures, including site selection, necessary for sampling and determination of particulate mass emissions. These test methods also include procedures for collection and gravimetric determination of residues collected in an impinger-condenser train. The sampling and analysis of particulate matter may be performed independently or simultaneously with the determination of collected residue.

1.8 These test methods provide for the use of optional filter designs and filter material as necessary to accommodate the wide range of particulate matter loadings to which the test methods are applicable.

1.9 Stack temperatures limitation for Test Method A is approximately 400C (752F) and for Test Method B is 815C (1500F).

1.10 A known limitation of these test methods concerns the use of collected residue data. Since some collected residues can be formed in the sample train by chemical reaction in addition to condensation, these data should not be used without prior characterization (see 4.4.1).

1.10.1 A second limitation concerns the use of the test methods for sampling gas streams containing fluoride, or ammonia or calcium compounds in the presence of sulfur dioxide and other reactive species having the potential to react within the sample train.

1.10.2 A suspected but unverified limitation of these test methods concerns the possible vaporization and loss of collected particulate organic matter during a sampling run.

1.11 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard within the text. The inch-pound units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance to this standard.

1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.