35 Ill. Adm. Code 225.APPENDIX
B Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems for Mercury
Section
225.APPENDIX B Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems for Mercury
Section
225.EXHIBIT D Quality Assurance and Operating Procedures for Sorbent Trap
Monitoring Systems
1.0 Scope and Application
This
Exhibit specifies sampling, and analytical, and quality-assurance criteria and
procedures for the performance-based monitoring of vapor-phase mercury (Hg)
emissions in combustion flue gas streams, using a sorbent trap monitoring
system (as defined in Section 225.130). The principle employed is continuous
sampling using in-stack sorbent media coupled with analysis of the integrated
samples. The performance-based approach of this Exhibit allows for use of
various suitable sampling and analytical technologies while maintaining a
specified and documented level of data quality through performance criteria.
Persons using this Exhibit should have a thorough working knowledge of Methods
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in appendices A-1 through A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by
reference in Section 225.140, as well as the determinative technique selected
for analysis.
1.1 Analytes
The
analyte measured by these procedures and specifications is total vapor-phase
mercury in the flue gas, which represents the sum of elemental mercury (Hg
0
,
CAS Number 7439-97-6) and oxidized forms of mercury, in mass concentration
units of micrograms per dry standard cubic meter (µg/dscm).
1.2 Applicability
These
performance criteria and procedures are applicable to monitoring of vapor-phase
mercury emissions under relatively low-dust conditions (i.e., sampling in the
stack after all pollution control devices), from coal-fired electric utility
steam generators which are subject to Sections 1.14 through 1.18 of Appendix B.
Individual sample collection times can range from 30 minutes to several days in
duration, depending on the mercury concentration in the stack. The monitoring
system must achieve the performance criteria specified in Section 8 of this
Exhibit and the sorbent media capture ability must not be exceeded. The
sampling rate must be maintained at a constant proportion to the total stack
flow rate to ensure representativeness of the sample collected. Failure to
achieve certain performance criteria will result in invalid mercury emissions
monitoring data.
2.0 Principle
Known
volumes of flue gas are extracted from a stack or duct through paired,
in-stack, pre-spiked sorbent media traps at an appropriate nominal flow rate.
Collection of mercury on the sorbent media in the stack mitigates potential
loss of mercury during transport through a probe/sample line. Paired train
sampling is required to determine measurement precision and verify
acceptability of the measured emissions data.
The
sorbent traps are recovered from the sampling system, prepared for analysis, as
needed, and analyzed by any suitable determinative technique that can meet the
performance criteria. A section of each sorbent trap is spiked with Hg
0
prior to sampling.
3.0 Clean Handling and
Contamination
To avoid
mercury contamination of the samples, special attention should be paid to
cleanliness during transport, field handling, sampling, recovery, and
laboratory analysis, as well as during preparation of the sorbent cartridges.
Collection and analysis of blank samples (field, trip, lab) is useful in
verifying the absence of contaminant mercury.
4.0 Safety
4.1 Site hazards
Site
hazards must be thoroughly considered in advance of applying these procedures/ specifications
in the field; advance coordination with the site is critical to understand the
conditions and applicable safety policies. At a minimum, portions of the
sampling system will be hot, requiring appropriate gloves, long sleeves, and
caution in handling this equipment.
4.2 Laboratory safety policies
Laboratory
safety policies should be in place to minimize risk of chemical exposure and to
properly handle waste disposal. Personnel must wear appropriate laboratory
attire according to a Chemical Hygiene Plan established by the laboratory.
4.3 Toxicity or carcinogenicity
The
toxicity or carcinogenicity of any reagents used must be considered. Depending
upon the sampling and analytical technologies selected, this measurement may
involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment and this Exhibit does
not address all of the safety problems associated with implementing this
approach. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety
and health practices and determine the applicable regulatory limitations prior
to performance. Any chemical should be regarded as a potential health hazard
and exposure to these compounds should be minimized. Chemists should refer to
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used.
4.4 Wastes
Any wastes
generated by this procedure must be disposed of according to a hazardous
materials management plan that details and tracks various waste streams and
disposal procedures.
5.0 Equipment and Supplies
The
following list is presented as an example of key equipment and supplies likely
required to perform vapor-phase mercury monitoring using a sorbent trap
monitoring system. It is recognized that additional equipment and supplies may
be needed. Collection of paired samples is required. Also required are a
certified stack gas volumetric flow monitor that meets the requirements of
Section 1.2 to Appendix B and an acceptable means of correcting for the stack
gas moisture content, i.e., either by using data from a certified continuous
moisture monitoring system or by using an approved default moisture value (see
40 CFR 75.11(b), incorporated by reference in Section 225.140).
5.1 Sorbent Trap Monitoring System
A typical
sorbent trap monitoring system is shown in Figure K-1. The monitoring system
must include the following components:
5.1.1 Sorbent Traps
The
sorbent media used to collect mercury must be configured in a trap with three
distinct and identical segments or sections, connected in series, that are
amenable to separate analyses. Section 1 is designated for primary capture of
gaseous mercury. Section 2 is designated as a backup section for determination
of vapor-phase mercury breakthrough. Section 3 is designated for QA/QC purposes
where this section must be spiked with a known amount of gaseous Hg
0
prior to sampling and later analyzed to determine recovery efficiency. The
sorbent media may be any collection material (e.g., carbon, chemically-treated
filter, etc.) capable of quantitatively capturing and recovering for subsequent
analysis, all gaseous forms of mercury for the intended application. Selection
of the sorbent media must be based on the material's ability to achieve the
performance criteria contained in Section 8 of this Exhibit as well as the
sorbent's vapor-phase mercury capture efficiency for the emissions matrix and
the expected sampling duration at the test site. The sorbent media must be
obtained from a source that can demonstrate the quality assurance and control
necessary to ensure consistent reliability. The paired sorbent traps are
supported on a probe (or probes) and inserted directly into the flue gas
stream.
5.1.2 Sampling Probe Assembly
Each probe
assembly must have a leak-free Exhibit to the sorbent traps. Each sorbent trap
must be mounted at the entrance of or within the probe such that the gas
sampled enters the trap directly. Each probe/sorbent trap assembly must be
heated to a temperature sufficient to prevent liquid condensation in the
sorbent traps. Auxiliary heating is required only where the stack temperature
is too low to prevent condensation. Use a calibrated thermocouple to monitor
the stack temperature. A single probe capable of operating the paired sorbent
traps may be used. Alternatively, individual probe/sorbent trap assemblies may
be used, provided that the individual sorbent traps are co-located to ensure
representative mercury monitoring and are sufficiently separated to prevent
aerodynamic interference.
5.1.3 Moisture Removal Device
A robust
moisture removal device or system, suitable for continuous duty (such as a
Peltier cooler), must be used to remove water vapor from the gas stream prior
to entering the gas flow meter.
5.1.4 Vacuum Pump
Use a
leak-tight, vacuum pump capable of operating within the candidate system's flow
range.
5.1.5 Gas Flow Meter
A gas flow
meter (such as a dry gas meter, thermal mass flow meter, or other suitable
measurement device) must be used to determine the total sample volume on a dry
basis, in units of standard cubic meters. The meter must be sufficiently
accurate to measure the total sample volume to within 2 percent and must be
calibrated at selected flow rates across the range of sample flow rates at
which the sorbent trap monitoring system typically operates. The gas flow meter
must be equipped with any necessary auxiliary measurement devices (e.g.,
temperature sensors, pressure measurement devices) needed to correct the sample
volume to standard conditions.
5.1.6 Sample Flow Rate Meter and
Controller
Use a flow
rate indicator and controller for maintaining necessary sampling flow rates.
5.1.7 Temperature Sensor
Same as
Section 6.1.1.7 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by
reference in Section 225.140.
5.1.8 Barometer
Same as
Section 6.1.2 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by
reference in Section 225.140.
5.1.9 Data Logger (Optional)
Device for
recording associated and necessary ancillary information (e.g., temperatures,
pressures, flow, time, etc.).
5.2 Gaseous Hg
0
Sorbent
Trap Spiking System
A known
mass of gaseous Hg
0
must be spiked onto section 3 of each sorbent
trap prior to sampling. Any approach capable of quantitatively delivering known
masses of Hg
0
onto sorbent traps is acceptable. Several technologies
or devices are available to meet this objective. Their practicality is a
function of mercury mass spike levels. For low levels, NIST-certified or
NIST-traceable gas generators or tanks may be suitable, but will likely require
long preparation times. A more practical, alternative system, capable of
delivering almost any mass required, makes use of NIST-certified or
NIST-traceable mercury salt solutions (e.g., Hg(NO
3
)2). With this
system, an aliquot of known volume and concentration is added to a reaction
vessel containing a reducing agent (e.g., stannous chloride); the mercury salt
solution is reduced to Hg
0
and purged onto section 3 of the sorbent
trap using an impinger sparging system.
5.3 Sample Analysis Equipment
Any
analytical system capable of quantitatively recovering and quantifying total
gaseous mercury from sorbent media is acceptable provided that the analysis can
meet the performance criteria in Section 8 of this procedure. Candidate
recovery techniques include leaching, digestion, and thermal desorption.
Candidate analytical techniques include ultraviolet atomic fluorescence (UV
AF); ultraviolet atomic absorption (UV AA), with and without gold trapping; and
in-situ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.
6.0 Reagents and Standards
Only NIST-certified
or NIST-traceable calibration gas standards and reagents must be used for the
tests and procedures required under this Exhibit.
7.0 Sample Collection and Transport
7.1 Pre-Test Procedures
7.1.1 Selection of Sampling Site
Sampling
site information should be obtained in accordance with Method 1 in appendix A-1
to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140. Identify a
monitoring location representative of source mercury emissions. Locations shown
to be free of stratification through measurement traverses for gases such as SO
2
and NO
x
may be one such approach. An estimation of the expected
stack mercury concentration is required to establish a target sample flow rate,
total gas sample volume, and the mass of Hg
0
to be spiked onto section
3 of each sorbent trap.
7.1.2 Pre-sampling Spiking of
Sorbent Traps
Based on
the estimated mercury concentration in the stack, the target sample rate and
the target sampling duration, calculate the expected mass loading for section 1
of each sorbent trap (for an example calculation, see Section 11.1 of this
Exhibit). The pre-sampling spike to be added to section 3 of each sorbent trap
must be within ± 50 percent of the expected section 1 mass loading. Spike
section 3 of each sorbent trap at this level, as described in Section 5.2 of
this Exhibit. For each sorbent trap, keep an official record of the mass of Hg
0
added to section 3. This record must include, at a minimum, the ID number of
the trap, the date and time of the spike, the name of the analyst performing
the procedure, the mass of Hg
0
added to section 3 of the trap (µg),
and the supporting calculations. This record must be maintained in a format
suitable for inspection and audit and must be made available to the regulatory
agencies upon request.
7.1.3 Pre-test Leak Check
Perform a
leak check with the sorbent traps in place. Draw a vacuum in each sample train.
Adjust the vacuum in the sample train to mercury. Using the gas flow meter,
determine leak rate. The leakage rate must not exceed 4 percent of the target
sampling rate. Once the leak check passes this criterion, carefully release the
vacuum in the sample train then seal the sorbent trap inlet until the probe is
ready for insertion into the stack or duct.
7.1.4 Determination of Flue Gas
Characteristics
Determine
or measure the flue gas measurement environment characteristics (gas
temperature, static pressure, gas velocity, stack moisture, etc.) in order to
determine ancillary requirements such as probe heating requirements (if any),
initial sample rate, proportional sampling conditions, moisture management, etc.
7.2 Sample Collection
7.2.1
Remove the
plug from the end of each sorbent trap and store each plug in a clean sorbent
trap storage container. Remove the stack or duct port cap and insert the
probes. Secure the probes and ensure that no leakage occurs between the duct
and environment.
7.2.2
Record
initial data including the sorbent trap ID, start time, starting dry gas meter
readings, initial temperatures, set-points, and any other appropriate
information.
7.2.3 Flow Rate Control
Set the
initial sample flow rate at the target value from Section 7.1.1 of this
Exhibit. Record the initial gas flow meter reading, stack temperature (if
needed to convert to standard conditions), meter temperatures (if needed), etc.
Then, for every operating hour during the sampling period, record the date and
time, the sample flow rate, the gas flow meter reading, the stack temperature
(if needed), the flow meter temperatures (if needed), temperatures of heated
equipment such as the vacuum lines and the probes (if heated), and the sampling
system vacuum readings. Also, record the stack gas flow rate, as measured by
the certified flow monitor, and the ratio of the stack gas flow rate to the
sample flow rate. Adjust the sampling flow rate to maintain proportional
sampling, i.e., keep the ratio of the stack gas flow rate to sample flow rate
constant, to within ± 25 percent of the reference ratio from the first hour of
the data collection period (see Section 11 of this Exhibit). The sample flow
rate through a sorbent trap monitoring system during any hour (or portion of an
hour) in which the unit is not operating must be zero.
7.2.4 Stack Gas Moisture
Determination
Determine
stack gas moisture using a continuous moisture monitoring system, as described
in 40 CFR 75.11(b), incorporated by reference in Section 225.140.
Alternatively, the owner or operator may use the appropriate fuel-specific
moisture default value provided in 40 CFR 75.11, incorporated by reference in
Section 225.140, or a site-specific moisture default value approved by the
Agency.
7.2.5 Essential Operating Data
Obtain and
record any essential operating data for the facility during the test period,
e.g., the barometric pressure for correcting the sample volume measured by a
dry gas meter to standard conditions. At the end of the data collection period,
record the final gas flow meter reading and the final values of all other
essential parameters.
7.2.6 Post Test Leak Check
When
sampling is completed, turn off the sample pump, remove the probe/sorbent trap
from the port and carefully re-plug the end of each sorbent trap. Perform a
leak check with the sorbent traps in place, at the maximum vacuum reached
during the sampling period. Use the same general approach described in Section
7.1.3 of this Exhibit. Record the leakage rate and vacuum. The leakage rate
must not exceed 4 percent of the average sampling rate for the data collection
period. Following the leak check, carefully release the vacuum in the sample
train.
7.2.7 Sample Recovery
Recover
each sampled sorbent trap by removing it from the probe, sealing both ends.
Wipe any deposited material from the outside of the sorbent trap. Place the
sorbent trap into an appropriate sample storage container and store/preserve in
appropriate manner.
7.2.8 Sample Preservation, Storage,
and Transport
While the
performance criteria of this approach provide for verification of appropriate
sample handling, it is still important that the user consider, determine, and
plan for suitable sample preservation, storage, transport, and holding times
for these measurements. Therefore, procedures in ASTM D6911-03 "Standard
Guide for Packaging and Shipping Environmental Samples for Laboratory
Analysis" (incorporated by reference under Section 225.140) must be followed
for all samples.
7.2.9 Sample Custody
Proper
procedures and documentation for sample chain of custody are critical to
ensuring data integrity. The chain of custody procedures in ASTM D4840-99
(reapproved 2004) "Standard Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures"
(incorporated by reference under Section 225.140) must be followed for all
samples (including field samples and blanks).
8.0 Quality Assurance and Quality
Control
Table K-1
summarizes the QA/QC performance criteria that are used to validate the mercury
emissions data from sorbent trap monitoring systems, including the relative
accuracy test audit (RATA) requirement (see Section 1.4(c)(7), Section 6.5.6 of
Exhibit A to Appendix B, and Section 2.3 of Exhibit B to Appendix B). Except as
provided in Section 1.3(h) of Appendix B and as otherwise indicated in Table
K-1, failure to achieve these performance criteria will result in invalidation
of mercury emissions data.
Table
K-1. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Criteria for Sorbent Trap Monitoring
Systems
QA/QC test or
specification
Acceptance criteria
Frequency
Consequences
if not met
Pre-test leak check
≤ 4% of target sampling rate
Prior to sampling
Sampling must not commence until the leak check is passed.
Post-test leak check
≤ 4% of average sampling rate
After sampling
[FN**] See Note, below.
Ratio of stack gas flow rate to sample flow rate
No more than 5% of the hourly ratios or 5 hourly ratios
(whichever is less restrictive) may deviate from the reference ratio by more
than ± %
Every hour throughout data collection period
[FN**] See Note, below.
Sorbent trap section 2 break-through
≤ 5% of Section 1 Hg
mass
Every sample
[FN**] See Note, below.
Paired sorbent trap agreement
≤ 10% Relative Deviation (RD) if the average concentration
is > 1.0µg/m
3
≤ 20% RD if the average concentration is ≤ 1.0µg/m
3
.
Results are also acceptable if absolute difference between concentrations
from paired traps is ≤ 0.03µg/m
3
Every sample
Either invalidate the data from the paired traps or report the
results from the trap with the higher Hg concentration.
Spike Recovery Study
Average recovery between 85% and 115% for each of the 3 spike
concentration levels
Prior to analyzing field samples and prior to use of new sorbent
media
Field samples must not be analyzed until the percent recovery
criteria has been met.
Multipoint analyzer calibration
Each analyzer reading within ± 10% of true value and r
2
≥ 0.99
On the day of analysis, before analyzing any samples
Recalibrate until successful.
Analysis of independent calibration standard
Within ± 10% of true value
Following daily calibration, prior to analyzing field samples
Recalibrate and repeat independent standard analysis until
successful.
Spike recovery from Section 3 of sorbent trap
75-125% of spike amount
Every sample
[FN**] See Note, below.
RATA
RA ≤ 20.0% or Mean difference ≤ 1.0µg/dscm for low
emitters
For initial certification and annually thereafter
Data from the system are invalidated until a RATA is passed.
Gas flow meter calibration
Calibration factor (Y) within ± 5% of average value from the
most recent 3-point calibration
At three settings prior to initial use and at least quarterly at
one setting thereafter. For mass flow meters, initial calibration with stack
gas is required
Recalibrate the meter at three orifice settings to determine a
new value of Y.
Temperature sensor calibration
Absolute temperature measured by sensor within ± 1.5% of a
reference sensor
Prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter
Recalibrate. Sensor may not be used until specification is met.
Barometer calibration
Absolute pressure measured by instrument within ± 10 mmHg of
reading with a mercury barometer
Prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter
Recalibrate. Instrument may not be used until specification is
met.
[FN**]
Note: If both traps fail to meet the acceptance criteria, the data from the
pair of traps are invalidated. However, if only one of the paired traps fails
to meet this particular acceptance criterion and the other sample meets all of
the applicable QA criteria, the results of the valid trap may be used for
reporting under this Part. When the data from both traps are invalidated and
quality-assured data from a certified backup monitoring system, reference
method, or approved alternative monitoring system are unavailable, missing data
substitution must be used.
9.0 Calibration and Standardization
9.1
Only
NIST-certified and NIST-traceable calibration standards (i.e., calibration
gases, solutions, etc.) must be used for the spiking and analytical procedures
in this Exhibit.
9.2 Gas Flow Meter Calibration
9.2.1 Preliminaries
The
manufacturer or supplier of the gas flow meter should perform all necessary
set-up, testing, programming, etc., and should provide the end user with any
necessary instructions, to ensure that the meter will give an accurate readout
of dry gas volume in standard cubic meters for the particular field
application.
9.2.2 Initial Calibration
Prior to
its initial use, a calibration of the flow meter must be performed. The initial
calibration may be done by the manufacturer, by the equipment supplier, or by
the end user. If the flow meter is volumetric in nature (e.g., a dry gas
meter), the manufacturer, equipment supplier, or end user may perform a direct
volumetric calibration using any gas. For a mass flow meter, the manufacturer,
equipment supplier, or end user may calibrate the meter using a bottled gas
mixture containing 12 ± 0.5% CO
2
, 7 ± 0.5% O
2
, and
balance N
2
, or these same gases in proportions more representative
of the expected stack gas composition. Mass flow meters may also be initially
calibrated on-site, using actual stack gas.
9.2.2.1 Initial Calibration
Procedures
Determine
an average calibration factor (Y) for the gas flow meter, by calibrating it at
three sample flow rate settings covering the range of sample flow rates at
which the sorbent trap monitoring system typically operates. You may either
follow the procedures in Section 10.3.1 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR
60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, or the procedures in Section
16 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60. If a dry gas meter is being
calibrated, use at least five revolutions of the meter at each flow rate.
9.2.2.2 Alternative Initial
Calibration Procedures
Alternatively,
you may perform the initial calibration of the gas flow meter using a reference
gas flow meter (RGFM). The RGFM may either be: (1) A wet test meter calibrated
according to Section 10.3.1 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60,
incorporated by reference in Section 225.140; (2) a gas flow metering device
calibrated at multiple flow rates using the procedures in Section 16 of Method
5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60; or (3) a NIST-traceable calibration device
capable of measuring volumetric flow to an accuracy of 1 percent. To calibrate
the gas flow meter using the RGFM, proceed as follows: While the sorbent trap
monitoring system is sampling the actual stack gas or a compressed gas mixture
that simulates the stack gas composition (as applicable), connect the RGFM to
the discharge of the system. Care should be taken to minimize the dead volume
between the sample flow meter being tested and the RGFM. Concurrently measure
dry gas volume with the RGFM and the flow meter being calibrated the for a
minimum of 10 minutes at each of three flow rates covering the typical range of
operation of the sorbent trap monitoring system. For each 10-minute (or longer)
data collection period, record the total sample volume, in units of dry
standard cubic meters (dscm), measured by the RGFM and the gas flow meter being
tested.
9.2.2.3 Initial Calibration Factor
Calculate
an individual calibration factor Yi at each tested flow rate from Section
9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of this Exhibit (as applicable), by taking the ratio of the
reference sample volume to the sample volume recorded by the gas flow meter.
Average the three Yi values, to determine Y, the calibration factor for the
flow meter. Each of the three individual values of Yi must be within ± 0.02 of
Y. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 9.2.2.4 and 9.2.2.5 of this
Exhibit, use the average Y value from the three level calibration to adjust all
subsequent gas volume measurements made with the gas flow meter.
9.2.2.4 Initial On-Site Calibration
Check
For a mass
flow meter that was initially calibrated using a compressed gas mixture, an
on-site calibration check must be performed before using the flow meter to
provide data for this Part. While sampling stack gas, check the calibration of
the flow meter at one intermediate flow rate typical of normal operation of the
monitoring system. Follow the basic procedures in Section 9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of
this Exhibit. If the on-site calibration check shows that the value of Yi, the
calibration factor at the tested flow rate, differs by more than 5 percent from
the value of Y obtained in the initial calibration of the meter, repeat the
full 3-level calibration of the meter using stack gas to determine a new value
of Y, and apply the new Y value to all subsequent gas volume measurements made
with the gas flow meter.
9.2.2.5 Ongoing Quality Assurance
Recalibrate
the gas flow meter quarterly at one intermediate flow rate setting
representative of normal operation of the monitoring system. Follow the basic
procedures in Section 9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of this Exhibit. If a quarterly
recalibration shows that the value of Yi, the calibration factor at the tested
flow rate, differs from the current value of Y by more than 5 percent, repeat
the full 3-level calibration of the meter to determine a new value of Y, and
apply the new Y value to all subsequent gas volume measurements made with the
gas flow meter.
9.3 Thermocouples and Other
Temperature Sensors
Use the
procedures and criteria in Section 10.3 of Method 2 in appendix A-1 to 40 CFR
60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, to calibrate in-stack
temperature sensors and thermocouples. Dial thermometers must be calibrated
against mercury-in-glass thermometers. Calibrations must be performed prior to
initial use and at least quarterly thereafter. At each calibration point, the
absolute temperature measured by the temperature sensor must agree to within ±
1.5 percent of the temperature measured with the reference sensor, otherwise
the sensor may not continue to be used.
9.4 Barometer
Calibrate
against a mercury barometer. Calibration must be performed prior to initial use
and at least quarterly thereafter. At each calibration point, the absolute
pressure measured by the barometer must agree to within ± 10 mmHg of the pressure
measured by the mercury barometer, otherwise the barometer may not continue to
be used.
9.5 Other Sensors and Gauges
Calibrate
all other sensors and gauges according to the procedures specified by the
instrument manufacturers.
9.6 Analytical System Calibration
See
Section 10.1 of this Exhibit.
10.0 Analytical Procedures
The
analysis of the mercury samples may be conducted using any instrument or
technology capable of quantifying total mercury from the sorbent media and
meeting the performance criteria in Section 8 of this Exhibit.
10.1 Analyzer System Calibration
Perform a
multipoint calibration of the analyzer at three or more upscale points over the
desired quantitative range (multiple calibration ranges must be calibrated, if
necessary). The field samples analyzed must fall within a calibrated,
quantitative range and meet the necessary performance criteria. For samples
that are suitable for aliquotting, a series of dilutions may be needed to
ensure that the samples fall within a calibrated range. However, for sorbent
media samples that are consumed during analysis (e.g., thermal desorption
techniques), extra care must be taken to ensure that the analytical system is
appropriately calibrated prior to sample analysis. The calibration curve ranges
should be determined based on the anticipated level of mercury mass on the
sorbent media. Knowledge of estimated stack mercury concentrations and total
sample volume may be required prior to analysis. The calibration curve for use
with the various analytical techniques (e.g., UV AA, UV AF, and XRF) can be
generated by directly introducing standard solutions into the analyzer or by
spiking the standards onto the sorbent media and then introducing into the
analyzer after preparing the sorbent/standard according to the particular
analytical technique. For each calibration curve, the value of the square of
the linear correlation coefficient, i.e., r
2
, must be ≥ 0.99,
and the analyzer response must be within ± 10 percent of reference value at
each upscale calibration point. Calibrations must be performed on the day of
the analysis, before analyzing any of the samples. Following calibration, an
independently prepared standard (not from same calibration stock solution) must
be analyzed. The measured value of the independently prepared standard must be
within ± 10 percent of the expected value.
10.2 Sample Preparation
Carefully
separate the three sections of each sorbent trap. Combine for analysis all
materials associated with each section, i.e., any supporting substrate that the
sample gas passes through prior to entering a media section (e.g., glass wool,
polyurethane foam, etc.) must be analyzed with that segment.
10.3 Spike Recovery Study
Before
analyzing any field samples, the laboratory must demonstrate the ability to
recover and quantify mercury from the sorbent media by performing the following
spike recovery study for sorbent media traps spiked with elemental mercury.
Using the
procedures described in Sections 5.2 and 11.1 of this Exhibit, spike the third
section of nine sorbent traps with gaseous Hg
0
, i.e., three traps at
each of three different mass loadings, representing the range of masses
anticipated in the field samples. This will yield a 3 x 3 sample matrix.
Prepare and analyze the third section of each spiked trap, using the techniques
that will be used to prepare and analyze the field samples. The average
recovery for each spike concentration must be between 85 and 115 percent. If
multiple types of sorbent media are to be analyzed, a separate spike recovery
study is required for each sorbent material. If multiple ranges are calibrated,
a separate spike recovery study is required for each range.
10.4 Field Sample Analysis
Analyze
the sorbent trap samples following the same procedures that were used for
conducting the spike recovery study. The three sections of each sorbent trap
must be analyzed separately (i.e., section 1, then section 2, then section 3).
Quantify the total mass of mercury for each section based on analytical system
response and the calibration curve from Section 10.1 of this Exhibit. Determine
the spike recovery from sorbent trap section 3. The spike recovery must be no
less than 75 percent and no greater than 125 percent. To report the final
mercury mass for each trap, add together the mercury masses collected in trap
sections 1 and 2.
11.0 Calculations and Data Analysis
11.1 Calculation of Pre-Sampling
Spiking Level
Determine
sorbent trap section 3 spiking level using estimates of the stack mercury
concentration, the target sample flow rate, and the expected sample duration.
First, calculate the expected mercury mass that will be collected in section 1
of the trap. The pre-sampling spike must be within ± 50 percent of this mass.
Example calculation: For an estimated stack mercury concentration of 5 µg/m
3
,
a target sample rate of 0.30 L/min, and a sample duration of 5 days:
(0.30
L/min) (1440 min/day) (5 days) (10
-3
m
3
/liter) (5µg/m
3
)
= 10.8 µg
A
pre-sampling spike of 10.8 µg ± 50 percent is, therefore, appropriate.
11.2 Calculations for
Flow-Proportional Sampling
For the
first hour of the data collection period, determine the reference ratio of the
stack gas volumetric flow rate to the sample flow rate, as follows:
(Eq.
K-1)
Where:
R
ref
=
Reference ratio of hourly stack gas flow rate to hourly sample
flow rate.
Q
ref
=
Average stack gas volumetric flow rate for first hour of
collection period.
F
ref
=
Average sample flow rate for first hour of the collection
period, in appropriate units (e.g., liters/min, cc/min, dscm/min).
K
=
Power of
10 multiplier, to keep the value of R
ref
between 1 and 100. The
appropriate K value will depend on the selected units of measure for the
sample flow rate.
Then, for each subsequent hour of the data collection period,
calculate ratio of the stack gas flow rate to the sample flow rate using the equation
K-2:
(Eq.
K-2)
Where:
R
h
=
Ratio of hourly stack gas flow rate to hourly sample flow rate.
Q
h
=
Average stack gas volumetric flow rate for the hour.
F
h
=
Average sample flow rate for the hour, in appropriate units
(e.g., liters/min, cc/min, dscm/min).
K
=
Power of
10 multiplier, to keep the value of R
h
between 1 and 100. The
appropriate K value will depend on the selected units of measure for the
sample flow rate and the range of expected stack gas flow rates.
Maintain the value of R
h
within ± 25 percent of R
ref
throughout the data collection period.
11.3 Calculation of
Spike Recovery
Calculate
the percent recovery of each section 3 spike, as follows:
(Eq.
K-3)
Where:
%R
=
Percentage recovery of the pre-sampling spike.
M
3
=
Mass of mercury recovered from section 3 of the sorbent trap
(µg).
M
s
=
Calculated
mercury mass of the pre-sampling strike from Section 7.1.2 of this Exhibit.
11.4 Calculation of
Breakthrough
Calculate
the percent breakthrough to the second section of the sorbent trap, as follows:
Where:
(Eq.
K-4)
Where:
%B
=
Percent breakthrough.
M
2
=
Mass of mercury recovered from section 2 of the sorbent trap
(µg).
M
1
=
Mass of mercury recovered from section 1 of the sorbent trap
(µg).
11.5 Calculation of
Mercury Concentration
Calculate
the mercury concentration for each sorbent trap, using the following equation:
(Eq.
K-5)
Where:
C
=
Concentration of mercury for the collection period (µgm/dscm).
M*
=
Total mass of mercury recovered from sections 1 and 2 of the
sorbent trap (µg).
V
t
=
Total volume of dry gas metered during the collection period
(dscm). For the purposes of this Exhibit, standard temperature and pressure
are defined as 20 °C and 760 mmHg, respectively.
11.6 Calculation of
Paired Trap Agreement
Calculate
the relative deviation (RD) between the mercury concentrations measured with
the paired sorbent traps:
(Eq.
K-6)
Where:
RD
=
Relative deviation between the mercury concentrations from traps
"a" and "b" (percent).
C
a
=
Concentration of mercury for the collection period, for sorbent
trap "a" (µgm/dscm).
C
b
=
Concentration of mercury for the collection period, for sorbent
trap "b" (µgm/dscm).
11.7 Calculation of
Mercury Mass Emissions
To
calculate mercury mass emissions, follow the procedures in Section 4.1.2 of
Exhibit C to Appendix B. Use the average of the two mercury concentrations from
the paired traps in the calculations, except as provided in Section 1.3(h) of
Exhibit A to this Appendix or in Table K-1.
12.0 Method Performance
These
monitoring criteria and procedures have been applied to coal-fired utility
boilers (including units with post-combustion emission controls), having
vapor-phase mercury concentrations ranging from 0.03 µg/dscm to 100 µg/dscm.