Development of a Fine and Coarse Particulate Continuous Emissions Monitoring System

In Phase I of this research project, Baldwin Environmental, Inc. (BEI) successfully demonstrated the feasibility of designing and producing a Fine and Coarse Particulate Monitoring Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (FCPMCEMS). This system simultaneously measures and reports mass concentrations of fine and coarse particulate material using atmospheric dispersion simulation (ADS) and beta attenuation monitoring (BAM). A design and list of tasks were proposed that will result in a commercially viable product from Phase II. The commercialization marketing conducted in Phase I indicated that the potential market is estimated at more than 6,000 potential installations in the United States, and possibly double that number internationally, depending on enabling government regulations. For Phase II of this research project, BEI will develop an FCPMCEMS capable of continuously measuring and reporting particulate matter (PM), both PM10-2.5 and PM2.5, on most particulate emitting sources. Proposed research and development includes: design; production and testing of two prototype systems, including documentation; development of a calibration scheme; testing on a wide variety of possible samples; and a basic field test of the technology and implementation. Upon completion of Phase II, these products will be ready to begin commercial activities. A commercialization option is proposed that will extend the research to include testing of the FCPMCEMS on several different types of emission sources. This research will determine the critical application parameters for these different sources. The data will provide the basis for BEI to configure systems for different applications and generate the printed materials it needs to facilitate sales of the product. It also includes research to assist writers of the enabling regulations. BEI has the distribution channels to sell the FCPMCEMS once rules are promulgated. An Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program testing option is proposed that will subject the system to independent design performance verification, further enhancing the commercial potential of the technology. Successful commercialization of this product requires that the states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enact emissions rules that require owners and operators of sources to measure and report PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 emissions. The reference methods need to be changed to support the ADS approach, such as USEPA CTM 039.