Control of Air pollution by controlling Particulate Matters

Airborne Particulate Matters (PM) - Pollution Prevention and Control:

Airborne particulate matters (PM) emissions can be minimized by pollution prevention and emission control measures. Prevention, which is frequently more cost-effective than control, should be emphasized. Special attention should be given to mitigate the effects, where toxics associated with particulate emissions may pose a significant environmental risk.

Measures such as improved process design, operation, maintenance, housekeeping, and other management practices can reduce emissions. By improving combustion efficiency in Diesel engines, generation of particulate matters can be significantly reduced. Proper fuel-firing practices and
combustion zone configuration, along with an adequate amount of excess air, can achieve lower PICs (products of incomplete combustion). Few following steps should be adhered to control PM:

1. Choosing cleaner fuels - Natural gas used as fuel emits negligible amounts of particulate matter.

2. Low-ash fossil fuels contain less noncombustible, ash-forming mineral matter and thus generate lower levels of particulate emissions.

3. Reduction of ash by coal cleaning reduces the generation of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions.

4. The use of more efficient technologies or process changes can reduce PIC emissions.

5. Advanced coal combustion technologies such as coal gasification and fluidized-bed combustion are examples of cleaner processes that may lower PICs by approximately 10%.

6. A variety of particulate removal technologies, are available – these are (a) Inertial or impingement separators, (b) Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) , (c) Filters and dust collectors (baghouses), (d) Wet scrubbers that rely on a liquid spray to remove dust particles from a gas stream.

The principal methods for controlling the release of particulate matter are summarized here.

• Identify measures for improving operating and management practices.

• Consider alternative fuels such as gas instead of coal.

• Consider fuel-cleaning options such as coal washing, which can reduce ash content by up to 40%.

• Consider alternative production processes and technologies, such as fluidized bed combustion, that result in reduced PM emissions.

• Select optimal particulate removal devices such as ESPs and Baghouses.