Interim Particulate Matter Test Method for the Determination of Particulate Matter from Gas Turbine Engines

Abstract : The primary objective of this study was development of an EPA approved interim particulate matter (PM) test method for non-volatile PM that can be applied at the engine exit plane of military turbine engines. New particle (volatile) formation and condensation can occur in the sampling line as the sample gas temperature is lowered through interaction with the cooler sample line walls. A sampling process is defined by which non-volatile PM can be measured accurately by eliminating or accounting for the interference of new particle formation and condensation. A ground-level engine test campaign (Methodology Development Test) was conducted on an F100-220 military gas turbine engine in 2007 to experimentally investigate issues with sampling, instrument comparisons, instrument calibrations, sample line penetration and engine data representativeness. The test measurement protocol was demonstrated during the Validation Test in late 2009 using a different F100-220 engine and the diagnostics, probe-rake system, and sampling system developed for JSF applications.