Prototype development and laboratory evaluation of an aerosol to hydrosol sampler

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/Nm^3, 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 SO_4.