Device and method for introducing surrogates, particularly metal surrogates, into an exhaust stream, for simulating an exhaust stream, and for establishing a standardized source

US6327889A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Michael D. Seltzer · Ridgecrest, US
• Gerhard Meyer · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/100833
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A convenient apparatus and method for inserting surrogate metal-entraining aerosols into exhaust stacks for the purpose of realistic dynamic testing of an emissions monitor. The aerosols contain elements required to be detected by the monitor. The 14 metals regulated by the EPA as hazardous air pollutants are of particular interest. The method requires less time and fewer skilled technicians than conventional testing methods. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a burner (e.g., propane or kerosene) is combined with a combustion chamber, a fan, an air compressor, at least one peristaltic pump, at least one surrogate reservoir, and the necessary ductwork for connection to an exhaust stack. The amount of surrogate aerosol to be introduced to the stack is adjusted at the peristaltic pump. After heating by the burner and subsequent introduction into the hot stack, the surrogate homogeneously mixes with the exhaust stream and is presented to the sensor as a dry gas component of the exhaust stream. Other applications include use as an exhaust stack simulator and as a standardized source of aerosols containing hazardous air pollutants, in particular metal-entraining aerosols…