Determination of Particulate Matter Emissions from Positive Pressure Fabric Filters – USEPA Method 5D

USEPA Method 5D is used to determine particulate matter (PM) emissions from positive pressure fabric filters.  Emissions are determined in terms of concentration (mg/m3 or gr/ft3) and emission rate (kg/hr or lb/hr). 
 
Particulate matter is withdrawn isokinetically from the source and collected on a glass fiber filter maintained at a temperature at or above the exhaust gas temperature up to a nominal 120 °C (248 ± 25 °F).  The particulate mass, which includes any material that condenses at or above the filtration temperature, is determined gravimetrically after the removal of uncombined water.
 
The method is used to identify appropriate alternative locations and procedures for sampling the emissions from positive pressure fabric filters, which often have roof monitors or monovents.  However, the General Provisions of 40 CFR 60.8 require that the affected facility owner or operator must provide adequate access to performance testing facilities.  These requirements include:

• sampling ports;
• safe sampling platforms;
• safe access to sampling sites;
• utilities for testing;
• sampling locations that meet specifications for adequate stack length and minimal flow disturbances per USEPA Method 1.