Size distribution of fine particles in stack emissions of a 600-MWe coal-fired power plant

Monitoring emissions of particles with a diameter smaller than 10 µm (PM10) has become of growing interest. However, measuring such particles is rather difficult. It appears as a result necessary to develop and assess measurement methods for the monitoring of PM10 from stack and fugitive emissions. The aim of the GAEC program [Granulometrie des Aerosols dans les Emissions Canalisees: Aerosol size distribution from stack emissions] is double: to develop monitoring methods and improve knowledge on fine particulate stack emissions. Three institutes were involved in the program: Sechaud Environnement (formerly LECES), INERIS and CERTAM. This paper presents the mains results of the evaluation of a cascade impactor (Johnas), aerosol size distribution measurement techniques (ELPI Dekati, FPS, SMPS TSI) applied on size characterization of fine particulate matter in stack emissions of a 600-MWe coal-fired power plant.