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TEST METHODS TO CHARACTERIZE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS AND DEPOSITION RATES IN A RESEARCH HOUSE
Citation:
McBrian, J., R C. Fortmann, Z Guo*, AND R B. Mosley*. TEST METHODS TO CHARACTERIZE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS AND DEPOSITION RATES IN A RESEARCH HOUSE. Presented at Engineering Solutions to IAQ Problems, Raleigh, NC, 7/17-19/2000.
Description:
The paper discusses test methods to characterize particulate matter (PM) emissions and deposition rates in a research house. In a room in the research house, specially configured for PM source testing, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered air supply system, used for positive pressurization of the room, minimizes PM infiltration from the outdoors and the rest of the house while a portable HEPA filter in the room reeuces background PM prior to the start of source tests. A ceiling fan and portable air conditioner provide mixing and temperature control. Testing involves simultaneous real-time particle monitoring and integrated sampling. Partculate matter with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 and 10 micrometers (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) are collected on Teflon filters using size-selective cyclones operated at 16.7 L/min. Particle size distributions are measured with an electrical low-pressure impactor with 12 size fractions, from 0.030 to 10 micrometers in aero-dynamic diameter. Other parameters measured during tests include temperature, relative humidity, air exchange rate, and outdoor meteorological parameters. During tests with combustion sources such as kerosene heaters, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide are also measured. Emissions from an unvented gas space heater, kerosene heaters, candles, and incense have been characterized.