Fine particulate

To examine a sample by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) or inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES) the sample must be transported into the flame of a plasma torch. Once in the flame, sample molecules are literally ripped apart to form ions of their constituent elements. These fragmentation and ionization processes are described in Chapters 6 and 14. To introduce samples into the center of the (plasma) flame, they must be transported there as gases, as finely dispersed droplets of a solution, or as fine particulate matter. The various methods of sample introduction are described here in three parts — A, B, and C Chapters 15, 16, and 17 — to cover gases, solutions (liquids), and solids. Some types of sample inlets are multipurpose and can be used with gases and liquids or with liquids and solids, but others have been designed specifically for only one kind of analysis. However, the principles governing the operation of inlet systems fall into a small number of categories. This chapter discusses specifically substances that are normally liquids at ambient temperatures. This sort of inlet is the commonest in analytical work. 

After desolvation, the remaining fine particulate matter and residual droplets are swept by the argon carrier into the plasma flame, where fragmentation and ionization occur. 

For inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) the sample is normally in solution but may be a fine particulate solid or even a gas. If it is a solution, this is nebulized, resulting in a fine spray or aerosol, in flowing argon gas. The aerosol is introduced into a plasma torch, illustrated in Figure 3.21. 

H. E. Hesketh, "Atomization and Cloud Behavior in Wet Sembbers," U.S.-USSR Symposium on Control of Fine Particulate Emissions,]an. 15—18,1974. 

Fine particulate slurries in concentrations up to 70 percent by weight are possible with standard channel spacings. Wide-gap units are used with larger particle sizes. Typical particle size should not exceed 75 percent of the single plate (not total channel) gap. 

The cost of an electric-drive rotaiy-cutter sample of the smallest size manufactured—suitable for gravity sampling of fine particulate solids or shiny flow—including timer and control unit was approximately 5,000 in 1996. 

In contrast to vacuum flotation, dissolved-air flotation units can be operated on a continuous basis by the application of pressure. This consists of pressurizing and aerating the process stream and introducing it into the flotation vessel that is maintained at the atmospheric pressure. The reduction of pressure results in the formation of fine air bubbles and the collection of fine particulates to be floated and removed as sludge. 

Ability to achieve high collection efficiencies on fine particulates (however, at the expense of pressure drop)... 

The electrostatic effect can be incorporated into wet scrubbing by charging the particulates and/or the scrubbing-liquor droplets. Electrostatic scrubbers may be capable of achieving the same efficiency for fine-particulate removal as is achieved by high-energy scrubbers, but at substantially lower power input. The major drawbacks are increased maintenance of electrical equipment and higher capital cost. 

Fhix-force-condensation scrubbers combine the effects of flux force (diffiisiophoresis and thermophoresis) and water-vapor condensation. These scrubbers contact hot, humid gas with subcooled liquid, and/or they inject steam into saturated gas, and they have demonstrated that a number of these novel devices can remove fine particulates (see Fig. 25-24). Although limited in terms of commercialization, these systems may find application in many industries. 

Although it is entirely possible for erosion-corrosion to occur in the absence of entrained particulate, it is common to find erosion-corrosion accelerated by a dilute dispersion of fine particulate matter (sand, silt, gas bubbles) entrained in the fluid. The character of the particulate, and even the fluid itself, substantially influences the effect. Eight major characteristics are influential particle shape, particle size, particle density, particle hardness, particle size distribution, angle of impact, impact velocity, and fluid viscosity. 

Entrainment of fine particulate matter such as sand and silt in cooling water can contribute significantly to erosion-corrosion. In these cases it is important to eliminate or reduce the amount of particulate by settling or filtration. It may also be necessary to reduce or eliminate entrained gas bubbles. 

FINE PARTICULATE SULFATE AND NITRATE > 0l-2.0>im DIAMETER NH4NO3 (NH4)2 SO4... 

Except for fine particulate matter (0.2 /xm or less), which may remain airborne for long periods of time, and gases such as carbon monoxide, which do not react readily, most airborne pollutants are eventually removed from the atmosphere by sedimentation, reaction, or dry or wet deposition. 

Opacity reduction is the control of fine particulate matter less than 1 ixm). It can be accomplished through the application of the systems and devices discussed for control of particulate matter and by use of combustion control systems to reduce smoke and aerosol emission. In addition, operational practices such as continuous soot blowing and computerized fuel and air systems should be considered. 

In other parts of the world, plywood adhesive fillers are obtained from local sources and may be quite different than those used in North America. In Southeast Asia, banana flour is quite important. In Europe, calcium carbonate (chalk) is often used. Nearly any fibrous material or fine particulate material capable of forming a functionally stable suspension can be made to work if the formulator is sufficiently skillful. However, the mix formulator will be very specific about the type and grade of filler to be used in a particular mix. Substitutions may lead to serious gluing problems. 

The particles most likely to cause adverse health effects are the fine particulates, in particular, particles smaller than 10 p and 2.5 mm in aerodynamic diameter, respectively. They are sampled using (a) a high-volume sampler with a size-selective inlet using a quartz filter or (b) a dichotomous sampler that operates at a slower flow rate, separating on a Teflon filter particles smaller than 2.5 mm and sizes between 2.5 mm and 10 mm. No generally accepted conversion method exists between TSP and PM,o, which may constitute between 40% and 70% of TSP. In 1987, the USEPA switched its air quality standards from TSP to PMk,. PM,q standards have also been adopted in, for example, Brazil, Japan, and the Philippines. In light of the emerging evidence on the health impacts of fine particulates, the USEPA has proposed that U.S. ambient standards for airborne particulates be defined in terms of fine particulate matter. 

Particulate emissions have their greatest impact on terrestrial ecosystems in the vicinity of emissions sources. Ecological alterations may be the result of particulate emissions that include toxic elements. Furthermore, the presence of fine particulates may cause light scattering, known as atmospheric haze, reducing visibility and adversely affecting transport safety, property values, and aesthetics. 

The main objective of air quality guidelines and standards is the protection of human health. Since fme particulates (PM,) are more likely to cause adverse health effects than coarse particulates, guidelines and standards referring to fine particulate concentrations are preferred to those referring to TSP, which includes coarse particulate concentrations. Scientific studies provide ample evidence of the relationship between exposure to short-term and long-term ambient particulate concentrations and human mortality and morbidity effects. However, the dose-response mechanism is not yet fully understood. Furthermore, according to the WHO, there is no safe threshold level below which health damage does not occur. 

Health effects attributed to sulfur oxides are likely due to exposure to sulfur dioxide, sulfate aerosols, and sulfur dioxide adsorbed onto particulate matter. Alone, sulfur dioxide will dissolve in the watery fluids of the upper respiratory system and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Sulfur dioxide reacts with other substances in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols. Since most sulfate aerosols are part of PMj 5, they may have an important role in the health impacts associated with fine particulates. However, sulfate aerosols can be transported long distances through the atmosphere before deposition actually occurs. Average sulfate aerosol concentrations are about 40% of average fine particulate levels in regions where fuels with high sulfur content are commonly used. Sulfur dioxide adsorbed on particles can be carried deep into the pulmonary system. Therefore, reducing concentrations of particulate matter may also reduce the health impacts of sulfur dioxide. Acid aerosols affect respiratory and sensory functions. 

EPA, 1998. U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, "Stationary Source Control Techniques Document for Fine Particulate Matter," EPA-452/R-97-001, Research Triangle Park, NC, October, 1998. 

---