Analysis of Organic Components of Condensable Particulate Matter Generated from Coal Combustion (Student Poster #27)

Abstract Description: Coal-fired power plants are one of the major sources of particulate matter emissions. The primary particulate matter emitted from coal-fired power plants can be divided into filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM). FPM is emitted as particulate form from stacks. On the other hand, CPM is emitted in a gaseous state, it is converted into particulate form through cooling and condensation in atmosphere. FPM exists as particulate form in flue gas while passing through air pollution control devices (APCDs) and can be effectively removed. However, CPM exists in a gaseous state and is not easily removed by APCDs. CPM can be divided into inorganic and organic components. According to previous studies, the organic components of CPM contain more than 140 different organic compounds. The composition and fraction of these organic compounds depend on combustion conditions, making their characterization challenging.
In this study, the organic components of CPM were quantitatively analyzed to determine its composition and concentration. Coal combustion experiments were conducted using a laboratory-scale pulverized coal combustion system to simulate coal-fired power plants. Sampling of CPM was performed at the point where the flue gas temperature exceeded 100°C. CPM was collected using the EPA Method 202, and it was recovered into inorganic and organic components. The organic components of CPM were quantified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID).

Keywords: Condensable particulate matter, Organic components, Coal combustion