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Aerostat-Lofted Instrument Platform and Sampling Method for Determination of Emissions from Open Area Sources
Citation:
Tabor, D., J. Aurell, C. Pressley, R. Gribble, W. Stevens, AND B. Gullett. Aerostat-Lofted Instrument Platform and Sampling Method for Determination of Emissions from Open Area Sources. Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology, durham, Nc, April 24 - 26, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation on aerial sampling methods
Description:
Sampling emissions from open area sources, particularly sources of open burning, is difficult due to fast dilution of emissions and safety concerns for personnel. Representative emission samples can be difficult to obtain with flaming and explosive sources since personnel safety and instrument survivability typically preclude sampling until the onset of less hazardous, smoldering conditions. Several different sampling methodologies and instrumentations have been used for sampling emissions from open area sources depending on characteristics of the source and target analytes. Typical methodologies are ground-based samplers: single point, on towers, and optical remote sensing; aerial-based samplers carried on airplanes, helicopters, miniature remote-control helicopters, and unmanned airships/aerostat. Rapid changes of meteorological conditions, such as wind speed and direction can result in location challenges for ground-based samplers. While airplanes and helicopters have the advantage of being able to carry heavy payloads the operating costs of using them are often high. The short duration in the plume, especially for airplanes, limits the sample quantity and risks the sample adequacy. Lastly, pilots maybe reluctant to fly through combustion plumes due to decreased visibility and turbulence. Remotely-controlled helicopters may also have difficulties flying in turbulent or opaque plumes, as well as being payload limited. Airships/aerostats overcome some of these limitations. They are slower which makes it possible to achieve a long residence time in the plume, minimizing concerns of limited sample quantity. Tethered aerostats can also provide maneuverability, loft capacity, , and sufficient stand-off distance for personnel safety. This abstract describes an aerostat-lofted instrument platform and sampling method to characterize air emissions from open area sources. Use of this system for emission sampling from open burning (OB) and open detonation (OD) of military ordnance, at sea in situ oil burns, and forest fires is described.