The problems facing field calibration of particulate continuous emission monitors are an incomplete understanding of the calibration requirements of particulate monitors installed in the field; a lack of facilities which allowed calibration under controlled conditions and an inability to calibrate in the field over the range of concentrations required.
These problems have been addressed and solutions found which are practical, effective and have been validated by use on test facilities and industrial plant.
A 20m long wind tunnel has been adapted and validated as a facility for testing particulate monitors under controlled conditions. A four - part calibration test programme has been developed and evaluated with a commercial continuously measuring particulate monitor. In-situ field calibration techniques have been developed which include Reduced Abatement and Artificial Seeding as two methods which enable particle monitors installed on stacks to be calibrated over the full range of concentrations required. The two techniques were validated at two separate solid waste incinerators.
Further work in this topic is recommended to extend the area of application and to increase the technology transfer to manufacturers and users through a training scheme in conjunction with existing schemes and facilities. Recent developments in instrument design which could have a significant influence on future methods of in - situ field calibration should be evaluated against the facilities and techniques now available.