Keywords:
REFERENCE, EQUIVALANCE,
Project Information:
Progress
:A new Federal reference method for measuring PM smaller than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) in ambient air was developed and was promulgated in 1997 as regulations at 40 CFR 50, Appendix L. Also, new test procedures, performance specifications, and other requirements for determining reference and equivalent methods for PM2.5 were developed and incorporated into 40 CFR Part 53. Recommended quality assurance procedures and guidance for PM2.5 FRM monitoring were developed and delivered to OAQPS as Quality Assurance Guidance Document 2.12. Research studies and field testing of prototype samplers were carried out to verify and refine the final PM2.5 FRM specifications and quality assurance guidance, and several journal articles describing various aspects of this work are nearing completion. Processing of reference method applications from commercial producers of PM2.5 samplers has been ongoing, and as of this writing, eight candidate PM2.5 reference methods from four instrument vendors have been designated as FRMs by EPA. Several of these instruments have also been configured for PM smaller than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) monitoring and have been designated as FRMs for PM10. Currently, 14 FRMs and four FEMs have been designated by EPA for PM10. A number of technical issues that arose related to implementation of the new PM2.5 FRMs in the new National PM2.5 Monitoring Network - which was started on January 1, 1999 - have largely been resolved (jointly with OAQPS), but others remain. A study report confirming the limited large-particle intrusion into PM2.5 samples, as required by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, is completed. Work on modifications to the fine particle FRM continues in FY01. The most significant task in this area has been determining the frequency and impact of Well impactor ninety-six (WINS) Oil crystallization. Preliminary work has begun on developing a new PM coarse (PMc) FRM. Contract work assignments needed for the beginning of the FY01 work are in place.
Experiments were performed this past summer to evaluate the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) method and optimize its construction. The device was modified to minimize ozone production while maintaining a high efficiency for particle collection and semi-volatile recovery. Two papers have been prepared and submitted.
ABSTRACT/ORAL
Date Cleared - Citation
17-DEC-99 - Vanderpool, R.W., Peters, T.M., Natarajan, S., Gemmill, D.B., and Wiener, R.W. Performance and sensitivity analysis of the USEPA wins fractionator for the PM 2.5 federal reference method. Abstract presented at: PM 2000 AWMA Conference, Charleston, SC, January 25-28, 2000.
15-MAR-00 - Peters, T.M., Vanderpool, R.W., and Wiener, R.W. Incorporation of real-time methods into
US EPA laboratory procedures for evaluation of size selective samplers. Abstract presented at: European Aerosol Conference, Dublin, Ireland, September 4-8, 2000.
04-FEB-00 - Gemmill, D.B., and Vanderpool, R.W. Performance and sensitivity analysis of the USEPA wins fractionator for the PM 2.5 federal reference method. PM 2000 AWMA Conference, Charleston, SC, January 25-28, 2000.
JOURNAL
Date Cleared - Citation
06-JUL-00 - Noble, C., Vanderpool, R.W., Peters, T.M., McElroy, F.F., Gemmill, D.B., and Wiener,
R.W. Federal reference and equivalent methods for measuring fine particulate matter. Submitted to: Aerosol Science and Technology.
09-JUN-00 - Tolocka, M.P., Tseng, P.T., and Wiener, R.W. Optimization of the wash-off method for measuring aerosol concentrations. Accepted by: Aerosol Science and Technology.
09-JUN-00 - Tolocka, M.P., Peters, T.M., Vanderpool, R.W., Chen, F.-L., and Wiener, R.W. On the
modification of the low flow-rate PM10 dichotomous sampler inlet. Accepted by: Aerosol Science and Tech
Relevance
:Whenever EPA establishes a new NAAQS, the Agency also defines or prescribes the reference measurement method by which attainment of the new NAAQS is to be determined, or provides for suitable equivalent methods. The work described by this task is directly related to this requirement and is necessary to provide adequate and credible methods for use by the States, as required by the EPA monitoring regulations, in formally determining or demonstrating attainment of the NAAQS for PM. In areas determined to be in non-attainment for PM, these regulatory methods are needed by States in developing and implementing suitable PM control/abatement strategies. [Section 7.2 of the NERL Particulate Matter Research Plan]
Clients
:Emissions, Monitoring and Analysis Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards; EPA Regional Offices; State air quality monitoring agencies.
Project IDs:
ID Code
:3909
Project type
:OMIS