c/EFft
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory
Research Triangle Park NC 2771 1
EPA-600/7-78-205
October 1978
Balloon-borne Particulate
Sampling for Monitoring
Power Plant Emissions
Interagency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program Report
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
EPA REVIEW NOTICE
This report has been reviewed by the participating Federal Agencies, and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect
the views and policies of the Government, nor does mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service. Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-78-205
October 1978
Balloon-borne Particulate
Sampling for Monitoring
Power Plant Emissions
by
J.A. Armstrong, P.A. Russell, and R.E. Williams
Denver Research Institute
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado 80210
Grant No. R804829
Program Element No. EHE624
EPA Project Officer: Leslie E. Sparks
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Prepared for
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Research and Development
Washington, DC 20460
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ABSTRACT
A lightweight remote controlled sampler which is carried aloft by a
tethered balloon has been developed to collect participates from the plumes
of fossil fuel power plants at various downwind distances. The airborne
sampler is controlled from the ground via a radio transmitter and receiver/
servo system. A verification transmitter-receiver system allows monitoring
of various commands to the sampler for correct operation.
The sampler utilizes a pump to draw air through a strip of nuclepore or
other filter media. The sampler can be selectively actuated during flight
to collect a number of discrete samples on the filter or to take a time-
resolved streak sample across a length of the filter.
The sampling system has been field tested at both an urban and a rural
power plant. The collected samples have been analyzed in terms of size, con-
centration, and composition using scanning electron microscopy/energy disper-
sive X-ray spectrometry.
This system has been specifically developed to quantify the impact of
conditioning treatments on power plant emissions. In situ plume sampling
should lead to a better understanding of how the addition of SO?, h^SO/j,
lime, etc., can alter emissions. The balloon-borne sampling system can be
used to monitor other point and non-point emitters, especially where the
areas to be sampled have difficult accessibility.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Grant No. 80^92010 by the
Denver Research Institute under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. This report covers a period from November 1, 1976, to
July 31, 1978, and work was completed as of October 31, 1978.
i i
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CONTENTS
Abstract ............................... ii
Figures ............................... iv
Acknowledgements ........................... vi
1 . Introduction ......................... 1
2. Conclusions .......................... 2
3. Recommendations ........................ 3
A. Design Criteria for the Bal loon-Borne Particulate
Sampl ing System ........................ **
5- Description of the Bal loon-Borne Particulate
Sampling System ........................ 6
Balloon System ...................... 6
Particulate Sampling Package ............... "
6. Field Operations ....................... "
Arapahoe Test Program .................. 11
Hayden Test Program ................... I*1
References
Appendices
A. Typical Properties of the Coal Burned at the Arapahoe Station
B. Arapahoe Station Operating Log
C. Hayden Fuel Analysis - Average Coal Properties
D. Log of Operating Loads and In-Stack Opacity Measurements
Unit #2, Hayden Station
E. Hayden Station Weather Conditions
F. Hayden Station Sampling Log
iii
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Front perspective view of participate sampler 18
2 Top plane view of particulate sampler 19
3 Cross-section view of sampling head 20
A Electronic system block diagram of particulate sampler 21
5 Balloon-borne particulate sampler 22
6 Sampling of east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 - photograph
taken looking northwest 23
7 Sampling of east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 - photograph
taken looking north 2k
8 Sampling of east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 ~ photograph
taken looking west-northwest 25
9 Typical flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977 .... 26
10 Large particle agglomerate rich in sulfur -east plume, Arapahoe
Station, July 6, 1977 27
11 Small particles rich in sulfur attached to large flyash particle -
east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977 28
12 Typical flyash - west plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977 .... 29
13 Carbonaceous particle agglomerate - west plume, Arapahoe Station,
July 6, 1977 30
llf Small particle rich in phosphorous attached to flyash - west plume,
Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977 31
15 Typical flyash from east portion of east plume, Arapahoe Station,
July 12, 1977 32
16 Typical flyash from west portion of east plume, Arapahoe Station,
July 12, 1977 32
iv
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17 Fine particles rich in sulfur (arrows) attached to surface of
flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 ....... 33
18 Fine particle agglomerates rich in sulfur (arrows) associated with
flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 ....... 33
19 X-ray trace of sulfur-rich flyash surface west plume, Arapahoe
Station, July 12, 1977 ...................... 3^
20 Spherical particles less than 1 .0 urn - west plume, Arapahoe
Station, July 12, 1977 ...................... 35
21 Atmospheric sounding - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 • 36
22 Topographic map of the Hayden Station area ............. 37
23 Plot plan of the Hayden Station .................. 38
2k Sulfur rich areas (arrows) on large flyash particle - Unit #2 plume,
Hayden Station, December 1, 1977 ................. 39
25 Large flyash agglomerate - Unit #2 plume, Hayden Station,
December 1, 1977 ......................... *»0
26 Sulfur rich areas (arrows) of flyash agglomerate - Unit #2 plume,
Hayden Station, November 29, 1977
27 Sulfur rich areas (arrows) of flyash agglomerate - Unit #2 plume,
Hayden Station, December 1, 1977
28 Sulfur rich particle associated with flyash (arrow). Spectrum shows
increased concentrations of sulfur, phosphorous, calcium - Unit #2
plume, Hayden Station, December 1, 1977 .............
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their appreciation to the following personnel
of the Public Service Company of Colorado: Dr. Robert Pearson and Mr. William
Brines of the Main Office and Messrs. Harry McCormick, Edward Higgins, James
Willy, Adam Wilchek, and Albert Imrie of the Arapahoe Station.
Likewise, the authors acknowledge the excellent cooperation received
from the following personnel of the Colorado-Ute Electric Association:
Messrs. Robert Bryant, Robert Wilbur, and Charles Means of the Main Office
and Messrs. Wayne Butts and Robert Heard of the Hayden Station.
Finally, Messrs. Larry Brown and Robert Marchese of the Denver Research
Institute are acknowledged for their efforts in the design, fabrication, and
testing of the balloon-borne sampling system.
VI
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
The traditional methods of monitoring airborne particulates from point
source emitters, such as fossil fuel power plants, have been based on ground
based samplers, tower based samplers and/or samplers carried by aircraft.
When monitoring a specific, well-defined source, a number of ground based
samplers are usually positioned at considerable distances from the source.
Dispersion modeling is normally required to analyze the distribution of par-
ticulates collected by the samplers in order to calculate the source strength.
Considerable error is incurred when using this technique because of the sim-
plicity of atmospheric dispersion models. In addition, there is considerable
uncertainty that the fine particulates will be representatively sampled. The
use of towers allows for better vertical resolution in terms of sampling
source emissions, but towers are limited by the practical height they can
sample and by their obvious lack of mobility. Monitoring of source emissions
using aircraft is not feasible at low flying altitudes and in the proximity
to the source because of the poor time and spatial resolution, due to the
necessary speed of aircraft, and for safety reasons. While all of the above
techniques are useful for monitoring source emissions under certain condi-
tions, an additional sampling system is needed which has vertical and horizon-
tal mobility and is capable of relatively long sampling times. With this
need in mind, the Denver Research Institute (DRI) of the University of Denver
has developed and field tested a lightweight, remote controlled particulate
sampler which is carried aloft by a tethered balloon. This system is capable
of sampling to altitudes of one kilometer in relative height. In addition,
it is readily transportable so that sampling at selected downwind distances
from the emitting source is accomplished.
This sampling system has been developed and demonstrated specifically
for the investigation of particulate emissions from fossil fuel power plants
which use flue gas conditioning treatments. The sampling system should also
prove useful in monitoring other point and non-point source emitters where
sampling from the ground, from towers, or by aircraft is impractical.
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SECTION 2
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this program have demonstrated that the basic concept of
in s i tu sampling of particulates from the plumes of point sources (in this
case, fossil fuel power plants) is feasible using a remote controlled balloon-
borne sampler In particular, it has been shown that:
1. A versatile and inexpensive airborne particulate sampler which is
controllable from the ground via a telemetry link and yet is light
enough to be carried by a tethered balloon designed to operate with-
out FAA waivers to FAR, Part 101, can be designed and fabricated.
2. It is definitely possible to position the sampling system in the
visible plume of a fossil fuel power plant at desired downwind dis-
tances from the stack.
3. With the sampling system properly placed in a visible plume, ade-
quate filter loading for energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence,
scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy
are readily attainable.
k. The sampling system can be safely operated up to wind velocities of
10 meters per second.
5- The sampling system is capable of operating at ambient temperatures
down to at least -13° Celsius.
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SECTION 3
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the balloon-borne participate sampling system be
used to investigate the impact of flue gas conditioning on emissions from
fossil fuel power plants. Field tests should be conducted at several power
plants which use different coal and/or conditioning treatments. The tests
should be run while these plants are operating both with and without condi-
tioning. This is necessary in order to establish a broad data base for evalu-
ating the effects of conditioning treatments and control strategies on power
plant emissions.
Analytical investigations of the collected participates should be
directed at (1) the detection, identification, and quantification of specific
byproducts of additives used to improve precipitator efficiency, (2) detection
and quantification of trace elements associated with flyash and changes possi-
bly caused by the addition of these conditioning agents and (3) shifts in mass
or particle size distributions caused by conditioning agents. Such analyses
will require utilizing quantitative energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence,
scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
The sampling system should also be used to investigate fugitive emissions,
and their subsequent transportation, from point and non-point sources. Such
sources include: mining sites; certain operations at mills, smelters, and
refineries; materials handling operations; storage piles, etc. Specific point
and non-point sources of fugitive emissions can be identified by monitoring
airborne particulates directly up and downwind of suspected sources. The
above analytical techniques can be used to quantify the collected particulates.
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SECTION A
DESIGN CRITERIA FOR THE BALLOON-BORNE
PARTICULATE SAMPLING SYSTEM
DESIGN GOALS
General design goals for the tethered balloon particulate sampling sys-
tem were to develop a system that is readily transportable in the field, thus
having horizontal mobility, and that is capable of operating to reasonably
high selected altitudes, thus giving the system vertical mobility. Specific
design goals for the balloon-borne sampling package included that it be cap-
able of long sampling times, that it be controllable from the ground, that it
be simple to operate, that it be versatile in terms of being able to collect
time resolved "streak" samples or a number of discrete samples and also be
able to collect samples on various types of filter media. Finally, the samp-
ling system should be relatively inexpensive.
DESIGN CONSTRAINTS
The major design constraint involved developing a sampling package which
has the above features but is still light enough in weight so that it can be
carried aloft by a tethered balloon whose size does not require Federal Avia-
tion Administration waivers to Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 101. These
regulations entitled "Moored Balloons, Kites, Unmanned Rockets and Unmanned
Free Balloons", state the following restrictions for tethered balloons over
six feet in diameter (1.83 meters) or having a buoyant gas capacity of more
than 115 cubic feet (3-25 cubic meters):
Operation is forbidden within 500 feet (152 meters) of the base of a
cloud.
Operation is forbidden more than 500 feet (152 meters) above the ground.
Operation is forbidden from an area where ground visibility is less than
three miles (k.B kilometers).
Operation is forbidden within five miles (8.0 kilometers) of the bound-
ary of any airport.
Other regulations require lights for night operation and a rapid defla-
tion device to spill buoyant gases if the balloon escapes its mooring. It is
therefore apparent that the operation of a captive balloon system is greatly
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simplified if the size of the balloon is kept below the above FAA restrictions.
It should be noted that the balloons having a gas capacity up to 3-25 cubic
meters are placed in the same aviation hazard category as standard meteorolog-
ical radiosonde balloons.
A second consideration concerning the use of a balloon for the airborne
platform of the particulate sampler involves the balloon's shape. Basically.
a choice can be made between using a spherical balloon whose cost is generally
less than one hundred dollars versus an aerodynamic (blimp shaped) balloon
whose cost is on the order of three hundred dollars. Both types have the
same life, that is, about ten inflations and deflations. By attaching the
tetherline to appropriate points on the balloon, an aerodynamic balloon has
the added advantage of always being orientated into the wind during flight
operations. This is a desirable feature when sampling particulates from a
point source emitter in that the orientation of the sampling package relative
to the source can be controlled. A final advantage of aerodynamic balloons
is that they are more stable than spherical balloons in moderately strong
winds.
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SECTION 5
DESCRIPTION OF THE BALLOON-BORNE
PARTICULATE SAMPLING SYSTEM
BALLOON SYSTEM
Based upon the above considerations, an aerodynamic 3-25 m3 balloon and
battery powered winch were purchased for this program from the A.I.R. Company
of Boulder, Colorado. The size of the balloon is *».9 x 1.39 meters, and it
has a static lift at sea level of 1.9 kilograms when inflated with helium.
The balloon is constructed of plastic and for observation and safety reasons
is bright red in color. The dimensions of the portable winch are AO x 23 x 25
centimeters. The weight of the winch is 27 kilograms. The winch contains a
12 volt battery to power a forward-reverse, variable speed motor which drives
the tetherline spool. The extremely lightweight tetherline has a breaking
strength of 535 newtons (120 pounds) and a mass per length ratio of 0.^ kilo-
grams per kilometer. It consists of a bundle of small straight fibers bound
together in a plastic matrix.
This balloon system is capable of lifting a package weighing 1,200 grams
to altitudes of 800-1000 meters in winds up to 10 meters per second and of
surviving winds of 20 meters per second.
In addition to the balloon and winch, a battery powered transmitting
meteorological package, designed to be carried by the above balloon, and a
battery powered receiving ground station were also purchased from the A.I.R.
Co. This complete package is called the TS-1A-1 Tethersonde System. This
entire system was purchased so that atmospheric soundings could also be made
through plumes of power plants being sampled for particulate emissions. The
meteorological package measures dry and wet bulb temperatures, pressure, wind
velocity, and direction. The weight of this package is 1175 grams.
PARTICULATE SAMPLING PACKAGE
The balloon-borne particulate sampler developed during this program has
all of the above design goals incorporated into it. The total weight of the
sampling package has been held to 1170 grams so that, as stated above, it is
possible to fly and operate the package to heights of one kilometer using the
3.25 m3 aerodynamic balloon system.
Basically, the sampler, which is battery powered, consists of a movable
sampling head connected via flexible tubing to a pump and a flow adjust needle
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valve loop followed by a flow meter. The sampling head translates along a
filter strip which is used to collect airborne particulates when air is sucked
through it. The sampling head is translated by means of a guide mechanism
consisting of a guide rod and a motor driven leadscrew. The sampler contains
a radio receiver-servo system used to selectively control, from the ground,
the suction pump and the translate mechanism motor as well as a flight termi-
nation system which deflates the balloon in case of a tetherline failure.
The sampler also contains a radio transmitter system used to verify that the
sampler is operating correctly.
Mechanical System
A sketch showing the front perspective view of the particulate sampling
package is presented in Figure 1. The overall dimensions of the package are
A3 x 11.A x 8.9 centimeters. The sampler housing consists of a rectangular
box which has been fabricated using thin aluminum sheeting. The vertical wall
opposite the front surface shown in Figure 1 is removable to allow access to
the various sampler components. Aluminum, plastic, and nylon have been used
extensively throughout the package in order to minimize its weight. The means
of suspending the package to the balloon is also shown in the figure. The two
lines that attach to the balloon do so on opposite sides of the balloon body.
This method of attachment allows the package to be orientated so that the fil-
ter collecting the particulates is either pointing into or away from the wind
and, thus, the emitting source.
The exploded portion of Figure 1 shows a rectangular aperture in the
front wall of the housing. Into this aperture fits a thin slotted aluminum
plate onto which a linear filter strip, 15-8 centimeters long by 1.5 centi-
meters wide, has been mounted by means of an adhesive to the plate's back
surface. A framing plate attached to the inside of the housing wall holds
the filter plate flush to the housing surface. To date, a O.A micrometer
nuclepore substrate has been used as the filter. Other filter media, such
as millipore or glass fiber, are also compatible with this sampler.
A filter cover plate having a port in registry with the nozzle of the
movable sampling head is employed to insure that only the portion of the fil-
ter on which particulates are being collected is exposed so that the remain-
der of the filter strip is protected from the outside atmosphere. This cover
is held in position by means of a grooved guide rigidly fixed to the front
housing located above the filter plate aperture and by attachment to a trans-
late plate connected to the movable sampling head. This plate passes through
a lengthwise slot in the housing wall which, as seen in Figure 1, is located
just under the filter plate aperture.
Figure 1 also shows a set of wire leads that connects to a flight termi-
nation device which is taped to the skin of the balloon. This device con-
sists of two flashbulbs housed in an aluminum cannister. The bulbs in the
cannister lie flat against the balloon surface. In case of an accidental re-
lease of the balloon from its winch and tetherline assembly, the flashbulbs
are electrically actuated by a destruct servo within the sampler which is
remotely controlled by the ground operator. This is discussed in detail later.
Once the bulbs ignite, a hole is melted through the balloon skin. This allows
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the helium to escape and causes the balloon to lose lift and descend, thus
averting the loss of the sampler package.
Internal components of the sampling package are shown in detail in Fig-
ures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a top plane view of the package with the top of
the housing removed. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling head
taken along the plane A-A in Figure 2.
The sampling head is comprised of a nylon block having a threaded hole
through which a leadscrew passes and a smooth hole through which a guide rod
passes. The leadscrew has a diameter of 0.953 centimeters (0.375 inches) and
has a coarse thread (16 threads per inch). In addition, the sampling head has
a third hole whose direction is perpendicular to the above mentioned holes. A
thin walled metal tube passes completely through this third hole. A teflon
nozzle attaches to the tube segment which faces the filter. The other end of
the metal tube forms a nipple which projects from the back of the block as
shown. This nipple is connected to a length of flexible latex tubing. Latex
tubing is used to connect all flow components. The tubing from the nipple
connects to a tee which in turn connects to the inlet of the sampling pump
and to the outlet of a flow adjust needle valve. Flexible tubing from the
pump outlet again connects to a tee which in turn connects to the inlet of
the flow adjust valve and to a miniature ball-type flowmeter. The flowmeter
measures the amount of air drawn through the sampling head nozzle by the pump.
The pump is a Bendix Model 3900-300 piston type suction pump. The sampling
area of the sampling head nozzle that comes in contact with the filter is 0-7
cm2. Using 0.*» micrometer nuclepore filter material and the above pump, the
maximum sampling rate through this sampling area is approximately 1.5 liters/
minute.
The leadscrew used to translate the sampling head and the guide rod are
parallel to each other. The guide rod serves both to guide the nozzle of the
sampling head across a lengthwise portion of the filter strip and to prevent
the sampling head from rotating along with the leadscrew when this screw is
turned by the electric motor shown in Figure 2. The motor, which is directly
coupled to the leadscrew, turns the screw at a rate of 10.9 revolutions per
minute.
Mounted on the sampling head are a pair of microswitches which ride on
an index track parallel to the axis of the leadscrew. The track has ten
notches machined in it which correspond to a start or launch position, eight
discrete sampling positions, and the end position. The entire filter strip
is covered in the start and end positions. The microswitches are used in the
control of the translate motor and in verifying the translate operation. This
is discussed in detail below.
Electronic System
The electronic system of the sampling package is illustrated by Figures
2 and k. Figure ^ is an electronic block diagram of the radio operated, re-
mote control system. The package contains a radio receiver for receiving
command signals transmitted by the sampler operator via a Futaba FP-T3F radio
transmitter which operates at 72.*» MHz. The receiver is electronically
8
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connected to a flight termination servo circuit, a translate servo circuit,
and a pump servo circuit as shown. The receiver is a Futaba FP-R3F three
channel receiver, and each of the three servo circuits is a Futaba FP-S61C
servo, each of which responds to one of the three channels of the receiver.
The battery pack used to supply power to the electronics, translate
motor, and pump motor of the airborne sampler is a system of three Yardney
silver cells, Model LR1-5. The battery pack is a large capacity source that
is compact, lightweight, and has a high current drain capability. The battery
pack weight is 156 grams. This will operate the system for eight hours. This
type of rechargeable battery discharges at a constant voltage until the charge
is almost totally depleted.
The flight termination servo circuit connects to the termination device
discussed above by way of wire leads. This circuit serves to ignite the
flashbulbs of the termination device upon command by supplying power from the
battery pack to the bulbs.
The translate servo circuit is connected to the leadscrew motor and con-
trols the actuation of the motor. With the leadscrew motor actuated, once
the sampling nozzle reaches a new sampling position, which corresponds to one
of the detents or notches on the index track discussed above, the micro-
switches mounted on the sampling head enter the detent. This causes one of
the microswitches to deactuate the leadscrew motor while the other keys a
verify and battery alarm circuit. This circuit generates a signal to a 27
MHz transmitter located within the housing of the sampler, which broadcasts
a signal down to a verify receiver located with the ground operator. The
receiver is a Realistic TRC-7^ citizen's band transceiver. By this means,
the operator is informed that the sampling head has in fact been translated
to a new sampling position in accordance with the radio command signal trans-
mitted by the ground transmitter.
The pump servo circuit is connected to the sampling pump which in turn
is connected to the verify and battery alarm circuit. When the pump servo
circuit actuates the pump in response to servo control signals received from
the radio receiver, the verify and battery alarm circuit senses that the pump
has been actuated and transmits a pump actuation verification signal to the
package transmitter. The transmitter in turn broadcasts a signal down to the
verify receiver in order to alert the ground operator that the pump is operat-
ing.
The verify and alarm circuit also constantly monitors the power output
of the battery pack. If the battery power drops below a set value, this cir-
cuit generates a "weak battery" signal which in turn is transmitted via the
package transmitter to the operator, thus informing the operator that the
battery power is inadequate for further sampler operations.
Operation of the Sampling System
First, the operator of the sampler guides the balloon system to a de-
sired airborne sampling position by moving the winch to a proper ground loca-
tion and by releasing the necessary length of tetherline from the winch spool.
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The proper placement of the balloon-borne package is of course dependent upon
the atmospheric wind conditions. Once the sampler is in the proper position,
the operator actuates the translate function of the ground transmitter, and
the leadscrew motor of the sampling package is energized via the translate
servo. This causes the sampling head to move from the covered "start" posi-
tion to the first sample position. As discussed above, the leadscrew motor
automatically stops at the first sampling position. A signal is transmitted
to the operator verifying the arrival of the sampling head to the first
sample position. The operator then actuates the pump command of the ground
transmitter, and the airborne pump servo circuit actuates the pump motor so
that the sampling commences. A verification signal is again transmitted to
the operator. When sufficient sampling time has elapsed for the first sample
position, the operator transmits a signal to the pump servo which turns off
the pump. The balloon carrying the sampler is then repositioned to the next
desired sampling location. The operator then activates the translate function
of the ground transmitter again, and the sampling head moves to the second
sampling position, and the process is repeated until eight separate samples
have been taken. The sampling head is then translated to the covered end
position so that the cover plate again covers all of the filter strip, pro-
tecting it from further exposure to the atmospheric environment. The balloon
is then retrieved, and the filter strip is removed for analysis.
The preceding description assumes that the sampler is operated in the
"discrete sample" mode. When a "continuous streak" sample is desired, the
ground operator first actuates the sampling pump and then continuously holds
the translate control lever of the radio transmitter to the command position.
This causes the sampling head to continuously translate across the filter
strip as the nozzle draws air. This allows for a single sample streak to be
taken across a portion of the filter strip. The "streak sample" mode may be
employed when the operator wishes to take a continuous air sample in one loca-
tion over a selected period of time in order to obtain a time-resolved sample.
The sampling head of the present package translates at a rate of 1.73
centimeters/minute. Since the filter is 15-8 centimeters long, a continuous
9.1 minute streak sample can currently be taken. This sampling rate is too
fast for most particulate sampling situations. The translation speed of the
sampling head can be easily varied, however, by use of an appropriate gear
train between the translate motor and leadscrew.
A photograph of the complete balloon-borne particulate sampler is shown
in Figure 5-
10
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SECTION 6
FIELD OPERATIONS
ARAPAHOE TEST PROGRAM
The first power plant checkout flights of the balloon-borne particulate
sampling system were made on July 6 and 12, 1977, at the Arapahoe Steam Elec-
tric Generating Station of the Public Service Company of Colorado. This
plant is located in the city of Denver at an approximate distance of 7-7
kilometers (k.8 miles) south-southwest of the State Capitol Building. The
flights took place during the early morning hours when surface radiational
inversions commonly are observed. The flights were conducted to determine
the operating characteristics of the sampling system, effective sampling
times, and to establish sampling procedures and positioning of the balloon
in power plant plumes.
Flight Operations
On July 6, 1977, the east stack plume of the Arapahoe Station was
sampled between 0630 hrs. and 0800 hrs. MDT while the west stack plume was
sampled between 0830 hrs. and 1000 hrs. The east stack is fed by the steam
generators of Unit #1 (full load capacity of ^6 megawatts) and Unit #2 (kj
megawatts). The west stack is fed by the steam generator of Unit #3 C*7
megawatts) and Unit ffk (113 megawatts). All of the steam generators are
equipped with electrostatic precipitators preceded by conditioning systems
which inject SO^ into the flue gas. In addition, Unit /"» is equipped with a
wet scrubber. The four Arapahoe units are capable of burning coal or natural
gas. Properties of the coal burned at the Arapahoe Station are reported in
Appendix A. Operating loads of the four units during July 6 and July 12
tests are given in Appendix B. On July 6 the flue gas conditioning equipment
on Units #2, #3, and #4 were not operating. On this day, Units #1, #2, and
#3 were burning coal, and Unit A was burning coal plus natural gas.
The launch locations for these tests were the coal piles just north of
the plant. The balloon winch was positioned directly below the plume to be
sampled. Vertical positioning of the balloon in a plume was accomplished by
watching the balloon behavior from the launch position. During ascents, the
horizontal motion of the balloon was minimal until the balloon entered the
plume. Once there, the horizontal tracking motion of the balloon matched the
visible smoke motion of the plume passing by the balloon. Also, when the
balloon was in the plume, a portion of the plume smoke could be seen below
the balloon. In addition to observations made from the Arapahoe launch site,
11
-------
the location of the balloon relative to the plant stacks was established by
an observer stationed on the fourth floor of a Denver University building
located 3.*» kilometers (2.1 miles) due east of the Arapahoe Station. The
observer, using a 35 mm camera equipped with a ^00 mm telephoto lens, took
slides of the flight operations. Since the wind on the morning of July 6 was
from the south, reasonably accurate measurements of the horizontal and verti-
cal distances of the balloon downwind from the top of the stacks have been
determined from the photographic slides. During the tests, the horizontal
distance varied between 92 and 99 meters while the vertical distance above
the 76.2 meter high stacks varied between kl and 52 meters.
Sample times for collecting material from the east stack plume were pur-
posely varied and ranged from 15 minutes to 10 seconds. Due to a malfunction
of the airborne sampler, the planned 15 minute sample of the west stack plume
was collected over a longer period (16 - 20 minutes).
After these tests, a quarter wavelength antenna was designed, fabricated,
and installed on the sampling package, resulting in an improved telemetry 1 ink
between the ground transmitter and the sampler receiver, and thus an elimina-
tion of servo noise. Once during the July 6 tests servo noise caused spurious
actuation of the flight termination circuit.
On July 12, 1977, Units #1 , n, and ,*3 were burning coal, and Unit #A
was again burning coal plus natural gas (see Appendix B) . The flue gas con-
ditioning equipment on all units was in operation. Samples were again col-
lected from both the east and west stack plumes, with sampling times ranging
between 15 minutes and 15 seconds. In addition, an atmospheric sounding
through the east plume was taken, using the balloon-borne meteorological pack-
age. The wind direction during the tests was again from the south. The ver-
tical height of the plume increased during the testing period. The east
plume was sampled between 0620 hrs. and 0730 hrs. On this particular day,
the plume from the east stack separated into two distinct portions (see
Figure 6). Particulates from both the east and west portions of the east
plume were sampled.
The atmospheric sounding of the east plume was taken between 0750 hrs.
and 0830 hrs. The results of the sounding are reported later.
The west plume was sampled between 0900 hrs. and 0950 hrs. During this
portion of the test, the balloon position relative to the stacks was again
determined from photographic slides taken from the university building. The
horizontal distance of the balloon downwind of the stacks varied between 117
and 128 meters while the height above the stacks varied between 58 and 76
meters.
Figures 6, 7, and 8 are photographs showing flight operations at the
Arapahoe site during the July 12 tests.
Particulate Analysis—
Particulates collected during the Arapahoe checkout flights were examin-
ed with the DPJ AMR 900 scanning electron microscope which includes a KEVEX
12
-------
energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. This was a cursory examination to ascer-
tain "typical" particle size, concentration, and composition. Sections of
nuclepore substrates containing material collected by the balloon sampler
during the July 6 tests were attached to aluminum SEM stubs which had pre-
viously been coated with parlodion. Substrates used during the July 12 tests
were cut in half and fastened to standard glass slides using double-sided ad-
hesive tape. In terms of ease of mounting, the second technique is preferred.
Both types of mounted samples were then vacuum coated with approximately 100 A
of carbon and examined by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive
X-ray spectrometry. The samples prepared by the above techniques are also
Suitable for bulk sample X-ray analysis using X-ray excitation. For the
present investigation, this analysis was not conducted.
July 6 Test Results--
For the "stacks to balloon" separation distance reported above, 30 second
samples proved to be adequate for SEM work, and 15 minute samples are believed
to be adequate for X-ray excitation analysis. Sampling at greater distances
downwind from the stacks of the Arapahoe Station, although possible, was not
conducted at this time because of potential analytical problems caused by the
power plant plume mixing with Denver's air pollution.
The 15 minute sample from the east stack (3-iO" and the longer time
sample from the west stack (3~8) were examined in some detail using scanning
electron microscopy.
East Stack Samples--SEM photographs showing typical particle size and
concentration and X-ray traces showing the composition of selected areas of
material from the east stack plume are presented in Figures 9, 10, and 11
(X-ray traces taken at the arrow locations). Most of the flyash was mainly
composed of silicon and aluminum with small amounts of iron (Figure 9)- The
next most predominant species in terms of number were relatively rich in cal-
cium. A number of large particle agglomerates rich in sulfur were observed
in the east stack sample (Figure 10). In addition, a number of small par-
ticles with relatively high sulfur concentrations were observed adhering to
the surface of relatively large flyash particles (Figure 11). A few particles
rich in phosphorus were also noted in the east stack sample (an X-ray trace
of this is not shown).
West Stack Samples—The basic flyash from the west plume (Figure 12) was
generally the same in terms of size, concentration, and composition as that
from the east plume (see Figure 9). Carbon particles, however, were obvious
in material collected from the west plume (Figure 13) while carbon was almost
totally absent in the east plume samples. The carbon material generally con-
tained trace amounts of sulfur (Figure 13) or phosphorous (Figure !*»).
*The first number designates the nuclepore strips used on a particular sampl-
ing day, while the second number designates the sampling station on each strip
on which particles were collected.
13
-------
July 12 Test Results--
East Stack Samples — Haterial from both the east and west portions of the
east stack plume were similar (Figures 15 and 16). Flyash diameters ranged
from 5 ym in average diameter to less than 0.5 ym- The composition of the
flyash was similar to that collected on July 6. Sulfur was observed to be
associated with fine particles on the surface of flyash (Figure 17) or fine
particle agglomerates associated with the flyash (Figure 18). Individual
particles rich in sulfur were not observed.
West Stack Samples — This plume contained flyash similar in basic composi-
tion to that collected from the east stack, but in a much lower size range and
concentration (the 15 minute sample was just adequate for electron microscopy).
The largest flyash particle observed was only 2.25 ym in diameter, and the
majority (by number) were less than 1.0 ym. Many of these particles contained
relatively high levels of sulfur on their surfaces, not associated with small
particles attached to their surfaces (Figure 19). Also observed were a number
of somewhat spherical particles < 0.5 ym which were probably carbon (Figure
20). These particles characteristically contained traces of sulfur, silicon,
and calcium.
Atmospheric Sounding Analysis
An atmospheric sounding was taken through the east stack plume on July
12, 1977- The sounding consisted of measuring the wind speed and direction,
dry and wet bulb temperatures, and pressure versus height. The height is de-
termined from the pressure measurements. The wind speed varied from 0.7
meters per second at the ground to 5 meters per second at the vertical center
of the plume (which at 0810 hrs. was at an altitude of 115 meters from the
ground) to a maximum of 6.'» meters per second at an altitude of 231 meters.
Figure 21 is a plot of the dry and wet bulb temperatures and the calculated
relative humidity versus height. A definite "signature" of the power plant
plume was found to exist at a horizontal distance of approximately 100 meters
downwind from the stack. In future flights it will be interesting to deter-
mine how far downwind from the stack a recognizable signature can be observed.
HAYDEN TEST PROGRAM
The first field measurements of particlates from the plume of a rural
fossil fuel power plant were made at the Hayden Station of the Colorado-Ute
Electrical Association, Inc. The tests were conducted from November 29 to
December 1, 1977- The location of this plant allows for the plume sampling
to be conducted at various distances downwind from the stacks until the de-
finitive shapes of the plumes are lost. The objectives of this field program
were to establish effective sampling times for selected downwind distances
and to verify that the sampling system is capable of being operated in a cold
ambient environment.
The Hayden Station is located in Routt County, Colorado, at the end of a
mountain val ley k.8 kilometers east of the town of Hayden, on U.S. Highway AO.
A mountain range is situated approximately 2.A kilometers east of the plant.
This is a fairly remote and pristine area of the state so that background
-------
pollutants associated with urban activity are eliminated. A topographic map
of the Hayden Station area is shown in Figure 22.
Flight Operat ions
The power plant consists of two coal-fired steam electric generating
units: Unit #1 having a full load capacity of 190 megawatts and Unit r2
having a full load capacity of 282 megawatts. The flue gas of Unit *1 is fed
to a 72.6 meter (250 foot) stack while that of Unit £2 is fed to a 122 meter
(399 foot) stack. The station normally operates with both units at full load
capacity using low sulfur coal from the nearby Hayden Plant Reserves. Coal
from the Wadge Seam of the reserves or that of "substantially the same
characteristics and quality" is supplied under contract to Colorado-Ute.*
Average properties of the coal burned at the Hayden Station during November
1977 are reported in Appendix C.
Both generating units utilize electrostatic hot-side precipitators to
collect flyash particulates from the gas streams before they enter the stacks.
In order to comply with state and federal regulations concerning particulate
emissions, Colorado-Ute has found it necessary to inject the Appollo Chemical
Company conditioning agent LPA-^0 into the flue gas of Unit -2 upstream of
the electrostatic precipitator.l This agent is normally injected at a rate
of 12 to 15 gallons per hour. As discussed below, only the plume of Unit #2
was sampled during the three day field program. Operating loads of Unit -2
during this test period are given in Appendix D as well as in-stack opacity
measurements.
The local weather during the flight operations of the tethered balloon
sampling system was less than ideal in terms of the cloud cover and atmos-
pheric stability. In the absence of weather fronts, morning temperature in-
versions normally occur at the Hayden site during this time of year in which
the wind is from the east (downslope conditions). Only on the first test day,
November 29, was there a weak morning inversion with the wind from the east
to northeast. On this day the plume from the 122 meter stack was sampled
from 08^5 hrs. to 1023 hrs. MST for various sampling times ranging from 2 to
15 minutes. The horizontal sampling distance was estimated to be 150 meters
from the stack. (As in the Arapahoe tests, linear 0.*» micrometer nuclepore
substrates were used in the airborne sampling package. The flow rate through
the substrates was 1.5 liters/minute.) A plot plan of the Hayden Station is
shown in Figure 23 on which the launch and balloon sampling locations for the
test periods are identified.
The ambient temperature, measured by a meteorological station situated
on a 9-1 meter (30 foot) tower which is permanently located on the plant prop-
erty, varied from -13°C (8°F) at 0800 hrs. to -9°C (15°F) at 1000 hrs. on
November 29. (A weather summary for the test periods is given in Appendix E.)
During the evening of November 29 a boiler tube in Unit rl failed causing
this unit to be off line for the second and third test days. Consequently, a
comparison between the particulates from the plumes of the two stacks could
not be made as was done during the Arapahoe tests.
15
-------
On the second and third test days, November 30 and December 1, the wind
was from the west so that upslope conditions persisted. Fortunately, on these
days, the winds in the mornings and early afternoons were of sufficiently low
velocity so that plume sampling could be safely conducted. The weather during
this period was dominated by fast moving fronts in the evenings with snow
showers occurring nightly. With the exception of several hours during the
second test day, stratocumulus and/or cirrus cloud covers persisted during
the entire test period making ground observations of the power plant plumes
difficult.
Due to the plant layout, shown in Figure 23, it was not possible to
sample in close to the plant with the wind coming from the west. On the sec-
ond and third test days, the balloon was launched from a north-south service
road located approximately 675 meters due east of the 122 meter stack. On
November 30 the plume from this stack was sampled from 0918 hrs. to 1253 hrs.
for sampling periods ranging from 5 minutes to A5 minutes. On December 1 the
same plume was sampled from 0950 hrs. to 1^*10 hrs. for sampling periods rang-
ing from 20 minutes to 120 minutes (a summary of the plume sampling is report-
ed in Appendix F). The downwind distances of the balloon-borne sampler from
the stack during flight operations on the second and third test days have been
estimated to be between 900 and 1000 meters which are distances of seven to
eight times greater than the maximum sampling distance of the Arapahoe tests.
Attempts to monitor the plume at greater "stack to balloon" distances were
not made on these days because the atmospheric instability caused the plume
to become somewhat undefined at further distances.
Due to the difficulty of observing the plume because of the cloud cover,
it was necessary for a member of the DRI field team to drive a vehicle to
various locations both inside and outside the plant property in order to di-
rect and/or confirm the vertical position of the balloon relative to the
plume. Photographs were taken by the observer from the various vantage points
in order to document the flight operations. Communications were always main-
tained between the observer and the personnel at the launch site through the
use of two-way radios. Time lapse photography of the flight operations, at a
rate of one frame per second, were also taken on the first and second test
days. On November 29 a 16 mm movie camera equipped with a zoom lens and inter-
valometer was positioned 550 meters south of the plant at a perpendicular lo-
cation to the plane passing through the 122 meter stack and the balloon. Since
the sampling was conducted at a relatively short distance from the stack
("150 meters), both the stack and the balloon could be kept in the field of
view of the camera. A battery operated clock was also positioned in the
camera field of view to record the time. The camera locations on November 29
and November 30 are shown in Figure 22. On November 30 the distance between
the camera and the stack was 1.3 kilometers. On this day the camera was loca-
ted upwind of the plant at approximately 20 degrees south of the "stack to
balloon" plane as measured from the stack. It was necessary to position the
camera in such a manner in order to again have both the stack and balloon in
the field of view. On December 1 the cloud cover was excessive such that time
lapse photography was not employed. The resulting movies have proved to be
useful in verifying the vertical positioning of the balloon in the plume and
in showing the general atmospheric stability.
16
-------
Although the ambient air temperature was cold during the test periods
(see Appendix E), the airborne particulate sampling system performed well.
Due to the ambient temperature, the batteries in the airborne package and the
ground stations were changed daily.
Particulate Analysis
All sections of the substrates on which particles were collected were
examined using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectro-
metry to determine the collection effectiveness of various sampling times for
the "source to balloon" separation distances reported above. In addition, the
samples were examined to determine the particle size range, particle morph-
ology and selected particle elemental composition. Sample preparation involv-
ed mounting portions of the exposed sections of the substrates onto standard
glass slides using double sided adhesive tape. The mounted samples were
vacuum coated with approximately 100 A of carbon and then analyzed.
Sampling Time--
For the November 29 test, in which the "source to balloon" separation
distance was approximately 150 meters, the 5 minute sample was adequate for
SEM work, and the 15 minute sample is believed to be adequate for X-ray exci-
tation analysis. The samples from the November 30 and December 1 tests, with
the balloon estimated to be 900 to 1000 meters from the stack, revealed that
a 20 minute sampling time is reasonable for SEM analysis. As far as the suit-
ability for X-ray induced X-ray analysis, most samples were too lightly loaded
to permit sensitivities to assess trace elements; the longest sample (120
minutes) is believed, however, to contain an adequate coverage to permit trace
elemental analysis using X-ray excitation.
Particle Size—The most predominant species observed were typically
single spheres with a radius of 1.0 2.0 urn in diameter. Single spheres up
to 9 ym in diameter were also observed (Figure 2^). Single spheres < 1.0 ym
were rare. Agglomerates of particulates were also prevalent and ranged up to
55 ym in effective diameter (Figure 25). These agglomerates often contained
a relatively large number of particulates 0.5 - 1.0 ym in diameter as well as
larger particles (see also Figures 26 and 27). In general, the Hayden Station
during this test period was producing larger particulates than were observed
at the Arapahoe Station and more agglomerates as well.
Particle Composition--Individual and agglomerated flyash spheres were
usually composed of silicon and aluminum with some calcium, potassium, and
iron, although flyash composed mainly of silicon and calcium were also ob-
served. Sulfur rich material was usually observed with agglomerates (Figures
25, 26, and 27) and larger spheres of flyash (Figures 2*» and 28). The sulfur
rich material associated with flyash agglomerates usually appeared to form
the matrix binding material. Whether it is from the coal itself or is a by-
product of the LPA-^0 conditioning agent, which is known to be an aqueous
solution containing a large fraction of ammonium sulfate1,'2 cannot be deter-
mined from this brief test program. In order to address this question, it is
hoped that in the future a more controlled test program of the Hayden Unit
#2 plume can be conducted in which plume samples will be collected while the
unit is operating both with and without the conditoning treatment.
17
-------
TO BALLOON
TO FLIGHT TERMINATION DEVICE
SAMPLER
HOUSING
APERTURE
RAM ING PLATE
COVER PLATE
COVER PLATE
GUIDE
Figure 1. Front perspective view of participate sampler.
18
-------
TRANSLATE
SERVO CIRCUIT
TRANSMITTER
SAMPLER
MICRO SWITCH s-INDEX TRACK
*FLOW ADJUST VALVE
L
A VTRANSLATE
PLATE
COVER
PLATE
Figure 2. Top plane view of participate sampler.
-------
MICRO SWITCH
FLEXIBLE
TUBING^ TUBE
SAMPLING
HEAD
LEAOSCREW-/ GUIDE ROD-
TRANSLATE PLATE-
HOUSING
COVER PLATE
GUIDE
COVER PLATE
SECTION A-A
Figure 3- Cross-section view of sampling head.
20
-------
Ground Based
T
Servo
Xmi tter
(Digital Prop
Control)
1
27 MHz
Ve r i fy
Re ce i ve r
Balloon-Borne
1
Servo
Rece
i
Batt
Pi
ver
:ery
ick
^=-~
W
*-
-
Destruct
Servo
Translate
Servo
Pump
Servo
•
"?
1 t
27 MHz
Xmi tter
I
J
Flash
Bulbs
Trans late
Motor
Pump
Motor
'
'
Batt. Alarm
6 Verify
C i rcui ts
i
• i t\e ce i ve r | i
Figure *». Electronic system block diagram of particulate sampler.
-------
N>
Figure 5- Balloon-borne particulate sampler.
-------
Figure 6. Sampling of east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 •• photograph taken looking northwest.
-------
Figure 7- Sampling of east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977
photograph taken looking north.
-------
Figure 8.
Samp 1 i ng of east
west-northwest.
plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977 photograph taken looking
-------
\
Si
I Ca
I H
!u«U«H< »W«j.
Figure 9. Typical flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977
-------
10
-J
Al I
Figure 10. Large particle agglomerate rich in sulfur - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977
-------
NJ
CD
. Si
Ml S
C.l
i
I'' IJ
Figure II. Small particles rich in sulfur attached to large flyash particle - east plume, Arapahoe
Station, July 6, 1977
-------
Figure 12. Typical flyash - west plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977.
29
-------
Si
' '
IV
Ca
Figure 13- Carbonacious particle agglomerate - west plume, Arapahoe Station, July 6, 1977-
-------
' Si
Al
H
}!
I
Ca
I .•
I
Figure 1^. Small particle rich in phosphorous attached to flyash - west plume, Arapahoe Station
July 6, 1977.
-------
Figure 15- Typical flyash from east portion of east plume, Arapahoe
Station, July 12, 1977-
Figure 16. Typical flyash from west portion of east D1ume, Arapahoe
Station, July 12, 1977
32
-------
Figure 17- Fine particles rich in sulfur (arrows) attached to surface
of flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977-
Figure 18.
Fine particle agglomerates rich in sulfur (arrows) associated
with flyash - east plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977-
33
-------
SI
Al
Ca
1
w
1
i
.
Figure 19- X-ray trace of sulfur-rich flyash surface - west plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12, 1977,
-------
Figure 20. Spherical particles less than 1.0 um -- west plume, Arapahoe Station, July 12. 1977
-------
I/I
u
0
0)
•o
0 2
20 22
Figure 21.
4
24
6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Dry & Wet Bulb Temperatures (°C)
26 28 30 32 34 36 38
Relative Humidity
20
40
22
42
24
44
Atmospheric sounding - east plume, Arapahoe Station
July 12, 1977-
36
-------
Figure 22. Topographic map of the Hayden Station area.
-------
* LAUNCH LOCATIONS c—-—{ :•
ON 11/30 6 12/1/77 Vyl SERVICE
\ I ROAD
\ ®s$l \<*
,—i—,,4^1^-j)
> [
•BALLOON LOCATIONS
2) UNIT 1 STACK
UNIT 2 STACK
0 100
Figure 23- Plot plan of the Hayden Station
-------
Figure 2^4. Sulfur rich areas (arrows) on large flyash particle
Unit "2 plume, Hayden Station, December 1, 1977.
39
-------
il
I
,'i :
Ca
Fc
Figure 25. Large flyash agglomerate - Unit #2 plume, Hayden Station, December 1, 1977.
-------
Figure 26. Sulfur rich areas (arrows) of flyash agglomerate
Unit "2 plume, Hayden Station, December 1, 1977.
Figure 27- Sulfur rich areas (arrows) of flyash agglomerate
Unit #2 plume, Hayden Station, December 1, 1977.
1*1
-------
Figure 28. Sulfur rich particle associated with flyash (arrow). Spectrum shows increased
concentrations of sulfur, phosphorous, and calcium - Unit #2 plume, Hayden Station,
December 1, 1977-
-------
REFERENCES
1. Bryant, R. W., L. Michael, and J. R. McNamara. In: Prepared Testimony
before the Air Pollution Control Commission of the State of Colorado.
Colorado-Lite Electric Association, Inc. November H-15, 1977-
2. Pressey, R. E., et al. Four Corners Unit A Gas Conditioning. Denver
Research Institute Report No. 558A. September 1977-
-------
Appendix A
Typical Properties of the Coal Burned at the Arapahoe Station
I. Coal Test Results (Approximate Analysis)
Location: Arapahoe 4
Date sampled: 5/20/77
Sample I.O.: 5/2V77
% Moisture = 10.01
% Ash = 10.66
% Volatile Matter = 0
% Fixed Carbon = 0
% Sulfur = 0.62
Btu (Corrected) = 10595.^3
Btu (Moisture - Ash Free) = 13355-29
II. Ultimate Analysis - "Energy Coal" Mine, Route County, Colorado
% Carbon = 58.00
% Hydrogen =4.26
% Oxygen = 12.13
% Sulfur = 0.65
% Moisture = 11.25
% Nitrogen =1.19
% Ash = 12.52
NOTE: Information supplied by the Public Service Company of Colorado,
-------
Appendix B
Arapahoe Station Operating Log
Date Unit
7/6/77
1
2
3
4
0600
28
47
27
109
Uni
Time
0700
28
47
27
110
t Load
(MW)
(Hours-MDT)
0800
37
46
38
109
0900
42
46
46
109
1000
44
46
47
109
Full Load
Capacity
(MW)
46
47
47
113
F.L.
Coal
Consumpt ion
(Ibs
43
43
43
50
./hr.)
,000
,000
,000
,000*
7/12/77
1
2
3
4
26
46
27
50
26
46
27
108
40
46
46
109
45
43
46
110
45
46
46
110
46
47
47
113
43
43
43
30
,000
,000
,000
,000*
^Normally the full load coal consumption of Unit #4 is 100,00 Ibs./hr.
Due to inefficient operation of the wet scrubber, the coal consumption
was 50,000 Ibs./hr. on July 6, 1977, and 30,000 Ibs./hr. on July 12,
1977- Natural gas was burned in Unit #4 on both days to supply the
remainder of the thermal energy required. Units #1 , #2, and #3 burned
only coal on those days.
NOTE: Information supplied by the Public Service Company of Colorado.
45
-------
Appendix C
Hayden Fuel Analysis - Average Coal Properties
November 1977
As Received:
% Moisture = 10.3*»
% Ash = 12.08
% Sulfur = 0.1*6
BTU = 10,607
Dry Basis:
% Ash = 13.^6
% Sulfur = 0.51
BTU = 11,832
BTU (Moisture - Ash Free) = 13,672
NOTE: Information supplied by Colorado-Ute Electric Association, Inc.
-------
Appendix D
Log of Operating Loads and In-Stack Opacity Measurements
Unit #2, Hayden Station
Date Time
(hours-MST)
11/29/77 0800
0900
1000
1100
1200
11/30/77 0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
12/1/77 0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
Unit Load
(MW)
281
281
281
281
281
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
280
Stack Opacity
(%)
14
17
20
20
20
15
19
17
15
16
18
17
16
16
16
16
17
NOTE: Information supplied by Colorado-Ute Electric Association, Inc.
-------
Appendix E
Hayden Station Weather Conditions
Hour
Date (MST)
11/29/77 0800
0900
1000
1100
11/30/77 0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
12/1/77 0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
Wind Direction
(degrees)
_
-
-
-
250
260
285
275
265
285
280
280
270
285
260
270
Wind
Speed
(MPH)
_
=
-
-
6
9
8
6
10
8
10
13
10
11
14
17
Ambient Air
Temperature
(°F)
8
13
15
16
18
19
21
24
8
10
12
16
17
19
19
Relative
Humid! ty
(*)
87
82
78
-
62
61
59
51
48
72
68
65
58
52
52
48
NOTES: 1) Hour readings are obtained by averaging continuous data
traces from 30 minutes before the hour to 30 minutes after.
2) Wind information from 0800 to 1100 MST and ambient air
temperature and relative humidity information from 1000
to 1100 MST on November 29, 1977, missing.
3) Weather information supplied by Stearns-Roger, Inc., who,
under contract to Colorado-Ute, maintains the meteorological
station at the Hayden facility.
48
-------
Appendix F
Hayden Station Sampling Log
Date Filter
11/29/77 1
11/30/77 2
3
12/1/77 k
5
Strip
Location
k
5
6
7
8
1
2
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
Time Sample
Started
(hours-MST)
08^5
0900
0908
0912
1008
0918
1007
1150
1207
12A8
0950
1012
1037
1105
1U8
1350
Total Sample
Time
(minutes)
15
5
2
15
15
A5
*»5
15
30
5
20
20
20
20
120
20
Estimated
Bal loon Al titude
(meters)
170
170
170
170
190
200
215
_
260
180
185
200
170
185
185
185
NOTES: 1) The plume from 122 meter stack (Unit #2) sampled at
all times.
2) The balloon altitude was estimated from photographic
documentat ion.
3) The estimated horizontal downwind distance of the
balloon from the stack was 150 meters on 11/29/77
and between 900 to 1000 meters on 11/30/77 and
12/1/77.
49
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TECHNICAL REPORT DAT,.
(Please read Instructions on the reverse />i •<. -omplcting)
REPORT NO.
EPA-600/7-78-205
2.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Balloon-borne Particulate Sampling for Monitorin
Power Plant Emissions
7. AUTHOR(S)
J.A.Armstrong, P.A.Russell, and R.E.Williams
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
5. REPORT DATE
October 1978
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Denver Research Institute
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado 80210
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
EHE624
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
Grant R804829
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final; 11/76 - 7/78
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/13
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES JERL-RTP project officer is Leslie E. Sparks, Mail Drop 61, 919/
541-2925.
16.ABSTRACTTne report describes a lightweight remote-controlled sampler, carried aloft
a tethered balloon, that has been developed to collect particulates from the plumes
fossil-fueled power plants at various downwind distances. The airborne sampler is
controlled from the ground by a radio transmitter and receiver/servo system. A veri-
fication transmitter/receiver system allows monitoring of various commands to the
sampler for correct operation. The sampler utilizes a pump to draw air through a
strip of Nuclepore or other filter media. The sampler can be selectively actuated in
flight tc Collect a number of discrete samples on the filter or to take a time-resolved
streak sample across a length of the filter. The sampling system was field tested at
two sites burning low-sulfur coal, an urban and a rural power plant. The collected
samples were analyzed in terms of size, concentration, and composition using scan-
ning electron micros copy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. In general, the
3articles were spheres with diameters <5 micrometers. Some agglomerates were
ound. Most of the fly ash was composed of Si and Al, with small amounts of Fe.
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
COSATi Held/Group
Air Pollution
Dust
Sampling
Airborne Equipment
Balloons
Monitors
Remote Control
Electric Power Plants
Coal
Fly Ash
Air Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Particulate
13B
11G
14B
15E
01C
10B
2 ID
21B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGtS
56
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
50
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