7401ENG - Air Quality Monitoring and Control Assignment 1

Assignment Overview

In accordance with local requirements, a particulate emission from a circular stack with the diameter of

m must be annually monitored. Your company has been commissioned to carry out the test in accordance with the procedures set out in the Australian Standard AS 4323.2-1995:

Selection of sampling positions and measurement of velocity in stacks: AS 4323.1:2021. Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate in stacks: USEPA Method 2 (ISO 10780). Gas analysis for the determination of dry molecular weight: USEPA Method 3 Determination of moisture content in stack gases: USEPA Method 4.

Determination of particulate emissions from stationary sources: USEPA Method 5 or USEPA Method

17 (in-stack filtration method).

According to this method sampling must be isokinetic (Fig.1). The isokinetic sampling is a procedure to ensure that a representative sample of an aerosol enters the inlet of a sampling tube when sampling from a moving aerosol stream. Sampling is isokinetic when the inlet of the sampler is aligned parallel to the gas streamlines and the gas velocity (U) entering the probe is identical to the free stream velocity approaching the inlet (U0). If sampling is isokinetic there is no particle loss at the inlet regardless of particle size or inertia. Isokinetic sampling in no way ensures that the concentration and size distribution of the aerosol entering the tube is the same as that in the flowing stream. The sampling train must be assembled according to the US EPA Method 5 or 17 requirements. The sampling probe is attached to a filter assembly containing an ultrapure quartz microfibre filter. The filter assembly is attached to four impingers, the first

two of which contain water, the next is empty and the last contains silica gel. The impingers are submerged into the ice-bath and attached to the vacuum pump. All calculations have to be made according to the USEPA Method 5/17 requirements (AS 4323.2, 1995).

The following parameters were obtained:

1. Stack diameters downstream from flow disturbance –
2. Stack diameters upstream from flow disturbance -
3. Number and location of traverse points ( to be estimated according to Table 1, page 3)

1. Average temperature - °C

1. Dew point - °C

1. CO2 concentration - %v/v

ΔPp at each traverse point

1. Velocity pressure at traverse points (Pa)

1. Static pressure - 759 mm Hg
2. Sampling time minutes per each traverse point.
3. Filter weight before the procedure - g
4. Filter weight after the procedure - g

Parameters to be calculated:

1. Moisture content (kg/kg) and molecular weight (as additive) of the gas carrier
2. Gas carrier velocity (according to 1) and flowrate
3. Sampling flowrate to ensure isokinetic conditions for the nozzle with ⸏_ mm
4. Total sample volume in normal cubic meters
5. Concentration of particles per normal cubic meter of exhaust gas

Results

Structure of the Assignment report:

1. Introduction (description of the monitoring method).
2. Main chapter (calculations and Results table).
3. Conclusions and
4. List of references

Assessment Requirements – Brief Summary

The assignment focused on monitoring particulate emissions from a circular stack in line with Australian and US EPA standards. The requirements included:

• Standards/Methods to Follow:

  • AS 4323.1:2021 – Selection of sampling positions and velocity measurement.

  • USEPA Method 2 – Velocity and volume flowrate measurement.

  • USEPA Method 3 – Gas analysis for molecular weight.

  • USEPA Method 4 – Moisture content determination.

  • USEPA Method 5/17 – Particulate emission sampling and calculations.

• Core tasks to be performed/calculated:

  1. Identify traverse points (sampling locations) in the stack.

  2. Collect required parameters (temperature, dew point, CO₂ concentration, pressures, filter weights, etc.).

  3. Calculate:

     • Moisture content & molecular weight of carrier gas.

     • Gas velocity & flowrate.

     • Sampling flowrate for isokinetic conditions.

     • Total sample volume (Nm⊃3;).

     • Particle concentration (mg/Nm⊃3;).

  4. Present results in a structured report:

     • Introduction (monitoring method & standards).

     • Main Section (calculations, results, tables).

     • Conclusions.

     • References.

Step-by-Step Approach Guided by the Academic Mentor

Step 1 – Understanding the Assignment Context

The mentor began by clarifying the importance of stack emission monitoring and the need for isokinetic sampling to ensure accuracy. The standards (AS 4323.1, USEPA Methods 2–5/17) were explained so the student understood the compliance requirements before starting calculations.

Step 2 – Structuring the Report

The student was guided to break down the assessment into clear sections:

• Introduction: Explain isokinetic sampling and the regulatory framework.

• Main Body: Present raw data, perform calculations, and tabulate results.

• Conclusion: Summarise findings and compliance implications.

• References: Cite standards and methods used.

Step 3 – Data Interpretation & Preparation

The mentor instructed the student to carefully extract and arrange all raw data inputs (stack diameters, pressures, temperatures, CO₂ concentration, filter weights, etc.) and match them against the required parameters for calculation.

Step 4 – Performing Calculations

Each calculation step was explained with reference to the appropriate standard:

• Moisture Content & Molecular Weight → Using USEPA Method 3 & 4 equations.

• Gas Velocity & Flowrate → Derived from velocity pressure data (Method 2).

• Isokinetic Sampling Flowrate → Ensured by adjusting nozzle size and matching probe velocity to stack gas velocity.

• Sample Volume → Converted to normal conditions (Nm⊃3;).

• Particle Concentration → Based on filter weight difference and sample volume.

The mentor ensured that the student not only carried out the formulas but also understood why each step was required.

Step 5 – Presenting Results

The mentor guided the student to compile results into a clear results table, showing input parameters, intermediate calculations, and final values. This provided transparency and easy verification.

Step 6 – Writing the Conclusion

The student was encouraged to interpret results in context:

• Did the isokinetic condition hold true?

• Was the particulate concentration within expected regulatory limits?

• What practical insights can be drawn from the monitoring process?

Step 7 – Referencing Standards

Finally, the mentor helped the student list all references properly (Australian Standard AS 4323.1/2, USEPA Methods 2–5/17, ISO 10780), reinforcing academic integrity and technical credibility.

Outcome & Learning Objectives Covered

By following this structured guidance, the student achieved:

• A technically accurate, well-structured report aligned with industry standards.

• Learning Objectives Met:

  1. Understanding of regulatory frameworks for emission monitoring.

  2. Application of isokinetic sampling principles.

  3. Competency in performing calculations for moisture, flowrate, and particle concentration.

  4. Skills in structuring a technical report with scientific rigor.

  5. Appreciation of how theoretical standards translate into practical monitoring practices.

Final Outcome:
The assessment solution not only presented correct calculations and results but also demonstrated the student’s ability to interpret technical data, apply standards, and prepare a professional report under mentor guidance.

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