Contents
Characteristics of Particles
Particle Size and PM Regulations
Practice Problems
Objectives
1. List five characteristics of particulate matter that are especially important in air pollution control.
2. Describe the general differences between total particulate matter, PM10, and PM2.5.
Characteristics of Particles
This lesson focuses on total particulate matter, PM10 particulate matter, and PM2.5 particulate matter.
The most important characteristic of particulate matter (PM) is the particle size. This property has the greatest impact on the behavior of particulate matter in control equipment, the atmosphere, and the respiratory tract. Particles of importance in air pollution control span a broad size range from extremely small (0.01 micrometer) to more than 1,000 micrometers. As a frame of reference, a human hair has a diameter of approximately 50 micrometers.
A particle size is usually expressed in terms of its aerodynamic diameter instead of its actual or physical diameter. For more information about the aerodynamic diameter, see the lesson called Aerodynamic Diameter in Module 3.
The chemical composition of the particulate matter is also important. Absorption and heterogeneous nucleation of vapor phase pollutants onto existing particles can create toxic particulate matter. Other characteristics besides size and chemical composition should be considered when selecting an appropriate particulate control device for a gas stream. Other important characteristics of particulate matter in gas streams include stickiness, resistivity, and explosiveness.
Anthropogenic sources of particulate matter are shown in Figure 1. Major sources include fugitive dust, agricultural processes, industrial processes, coal-burning electric power plants, residential fuel combustion, and highway vehicles.
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