United States Environmental Protection Agency Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory Research Triangle Park. NC 27711 Research and Development EPA/600/S3-89/050 July 1989 Project Summary Quality Assurance Procedures: Method 5G, Determination of Particulate Emissions from Wood Heaters from a Dilution Tunnel Sampling Location M. W. Hartman, R. C. Olin, G. D. Rives, and T. E. Ward The full report Is a comprehensive document Intended to be used as an aid for wood heater manufacturers and testing laboratories In performing particulate matter sampling of wood heaters according to EPA protocol, Method 5G. These procedures may be used in research and development, and as an aid in auditing and certification testing. A detailed, step-by-step quality assurance guide is provided to aid in the procurement and cissembly of testing apparatus, to clcsirly describe the procedures, and to facilitate data collection and reporting. Suggested data sheets are suppliejd that can be used as an aid for both recordkeeplng and certification applications. Throughout the document, activity matrices are provided to serve as a summary reference. Checklists are also supplied that can be used by testing personnel. Finally, for the purposes of ensuring data quality, procedures are outlined for apparatus operation, maintenance, and traceability. These procedures combined with the detailed description of the sampling and analysis protocol will help ensure the accuracy and reliability of Method 5G emission testing results. This Project Summary was developed by EPA's Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, to announce key findings of the research project that Is fully documented In a separate report of the same title (see Project Report ordering Information at back). Introduction Quality Assurance Procedures: Method 5G, Determination of Particulate Emissions from Wood Heaters from a Dilution Tunnel Sampling Location has been prepared as an aid for wood heater manufacturers and testing laboratories in both performing the sampling and analysis procedures specified in Method 5G, and in ensuring data quality and reliability. Method 28 must be used for operation of the wood heater when using Method 5G for determining wood heater emissions. Therefore, the user may also refer to Quality Assurance Procedures: Method 28, Certification and Auditing of Wood Heaters. Method Highlights Method 5G contains all the requirements for sampling wood heater particulate emissions from a dilution tunnel location and is used in conjunction with EPA Method 28, "Certification and Auditing of Wood Heaters," which contains all the requirements for determining compliance with the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS). Methods 5G and 28 are in Appendix A, 40 CFR 60. For reference purposes only, a complete copy of Method 5G, Appendix ------- A, 40 CFR 60 (53 FR 5884) is included in Section 10.0 of these procedures. Method 5G describes specifications for three sampling train options, each with unique configurations, specifications, and sample recovery procedures. Method 5G also describes specifications for constructing a dilution tunnel for capturing wood heater exhaust and mixing with ambient dilution air. The dilution tunnel provides the locations and conditions for measurement of exhaust gas flow rates and particulate matter concentrations. The method specifically prescribes allowable tunnel dimensions, materials of construction, and minimum distances between air flow obstructions and sampling ports, but some flexibility is allowed on tunnel design and configuration. The three sampling train options are labeled Methods 5G-1, 5G-2 and 5G-3 in this document. Each of the three sampling options requires that sample be withdrawn from the dilution tunnel at a rate proportional to the dilution tunnel gas flow. Collected particulate matter is determined gravimetrically in each of the three options. The method provides calculation procedures to be used for reporting particulate catches from each of the different sampling train options on a common basis. The Method 5G-1 sampling train consists of a dual-filter dry sampling train operated at about 0.015 m3/min (0.5 ft3/min). Probe and filter types and sizes are specified. Filters are maintained at ambient temperatures, £32°C (90°F), and particulate mass collected in the probe and on the filters is determined gravimetrically after removal of uncombined water (uncombined water is water that is removed from the sample catch by desiccation). The Method 5G-2 sampling train consists of front and back filters plus impingers, and is operated at from 0.003 to 0.015 m3/min (0.1 to 0.5 ft3/min). Particulate matter is collected on two glass fiber filters separated by impingers immersed in an ice bath. The first filter is maintained at a temperature no greater than 120°C (248°F). The second filter and the impinger system are cooled so that the existing temperature of the gas is maintained at 20°C (68°F) or less. The particulate mass collected in the probe, on the filters, and in the impingers is determined gravimetrically after removal of uncombined water. The Method 5G-3 sampling train is similar to the 5G-1 train with the following exceptions: (1) sampling train flow rates, probe, filter holder, and filters need not meet the same specifications as the Method 5G-2 train; (2) two simultaneously operated sampling trains are required for each test run; and (3) probe and filter holder assemblies may be weighed directly in order to determine the collected particulate matter mass. Particulate emission rates measured with the two simultaneous sampling trains must be within 7.5 percent of the average of the two emission rates, or 7.5 percent of the weighted average emission rate limit in the applicable standard (see Section 7.2.5 of Method 5G), whichever is greater. Quality Assurance Procedures Highlights These procedures, Quality Assurance Procedures: Method 5G, Determination of Particulate Emissions from Wood Heaters from a Dilution Tunnel Sampling Location, are to be used as an aid in assembling the testing apparatus, to list and describe the required procedures, to facilitate data reporting, and in particular to describe quality assurance procedures designed to aid in establishing the data quality and reliability of Method 5G emission results. Activity matrices are provided at the end of the appropriate sections for use as a checklist for critical actions performed as a part of Method 5G. For data reporting, Section 12.0 consists of blank data sheets which can be reproduced and used as an aid in data collection and reporting. Examples of the use of these sheets are given in this manual. A summary of the organization of this manual follows. Section 1.0 of this manual presents the specifications, criteria, and design features for the equipment and materials required to set up and operate the Method 5G sampling trains and dilution tunnel. This section also informs the user of the apparatus selection options. The activity matrix given at the end of Section 1.0 can be used as a convenient checklist for equipment procurement and initial acceptance check procedures. Section 2.0 provides an item-by-item, step-by-step guide to the required calibration procedures and calibration frequencies. Some of the apparatus require calibration before each certification test series while other pieces of apparatus require calibration as infrequently as annually. An activity matrix is provided at the end of Section 2.0 as a summary of the calibration procedures. Section 3.0 describes procedures conducted prior to each certification test series and prior to each individual test run. These include dilution tunn* cleaning and assembly, equipmen checks and calibrations, preliminar dilution tunnel measurements, velocit traverse, sampling train cleaning ani checks, sampling and analysis reager checks, pretest weight determinations sampling train preparation and assembly and pretest leak checks. Examples am an activity checklist are provided to assis testing personnel in performing am documenting pretest procedures. Thi activity matrix at the end of Section 3.I summarizes the pretest procedures. Section 4.0 lists and describes th< activities performed during the test run These include dilution tunnel operation sampling tram operation, measurement c test run data at 10-minute intervals periodic Pitot tube cleaning and checks and recording of data. The activity matri, lists each activity performed in the orde it occurs during the test run. Section 5.0 describes the activitie: required at the end of the certificatioi test. Post-test sample train activitiei include: post-test leak checks; sampl( recovery; and post-test weighings Quality assurance procedures include < calibration check on the analytica balance for each series of weighings, ant the recovering, weighing and reporting o filter blanks. Post-test series procedure: include a dry gas meter calibratioi check. The activity matrix at the end o Section 5.0 summarizes the post-tes procedures. Section 6.0 describes calculation; necessary for performing and reportim Method 5G results. Calculations fo determining dry gas volume, solven wash blanks, total particulate weights an< concentrations, emission rates, an< proportional rate variations are provided The activity matrix at the end of Sectioi 6.0 summarizes the calculatioi procedures. Section 7.0 recommends equipmen maintenance procedures. These an summarized in an activity matrix. Sectioi 8.0 describes recommended audi procedures, including both performanc< audits and system audits. An activity matrix summarizes these procedures Section 9.0 summarizes the recommended standards for establishing traceability. Section 10.0 contains a copy o Method 5G as published in the Federa Register (40 CFR 60.530). Method 5H i: also provided as a reference for thi Method 5G-2 sampling and analysii alternative. Section 11.0 provides thi reader with a list of the references use< in the preparation of this manual. Sectioi ------- k12.0 provides data sheets that can be 'used for calculations, recordkeeping, and data reporting. These sheets may be removed and duplicated. Conclusions and Recommendations It is concluded that these procedures will be helpful in ensuring and establishing the quality of the data when sampling according to the requirements of Method 5G. This will be beneficial for data producing activities including research and development, and as an aid for certification and auditing purposes. These quality assurance procedures may be used in the individualized quality assurance program established by each user. Copies of the checklists and summary activity matrices provided herein may be supplied to testing personnel to ensure that the described quality assurance procedures are followed. Also, copies of blank data sheets can aid the user in ensuring and establishing data quality in sampling activities. ------- M. W. Hartman, R. C. Olin and G. D. Rives are with Radian Corp., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. The EPA author T. E. Ward is also the EPA Project Officer (see below). The complete report, entitled "Quality Assurance Procedures: Method 5G, Determination of Particulate Emissions from Wood Heaters from a Dilution Tunnel Sampling Location," (Order No. PB 89-198 303/AS; Cost: $21.95, subject to change) will be available only from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: 703-487-4650 The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at: Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 United States Environmental Protection Agency Center for Environmental Research Information Cincinnati OH 45268 O.j p'~r .L V ~ Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 EPA/600/S3-89/050 ------- |