MCAQ Spring Workshop 2012 Nancy Sims Brian Palm

What is an emission factor? Representative value that attempts to relate the quantity of a pollutant released to the atmosphere with an activity associated with the release of that pollutant.

Usually expressed as the weight of pollutant divided by a unit weight, volume, distance, or duration of the activity emitting the pollutant (e.g., lbs of NOx emitted per gallon diesel combusted).

Facilitates estimation of emissions

Sources of Emission Factors Site specific: MCAQ-approved emission source testing results

Equipment specific: Manufacturer’s test results on specific equipment

Industry specific: Other approved emission factors or rates

General Use: NC DAQ factors EPA document AP 42 “Compilation of Air Pollutant

Emission Factors”

AP 42 Emission Factors Cover 200 source categories Developed from:

Source test data Material balance studies Engineering estimates

Available from EPA: http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/

Used by MCAQ in Emissions Calculation Spreadsheets

AP 42 Example Emission Factor Table

WebFIRE http://cfpub.epa.gov/webfire/

EPA’s online emission factor repository, retrieval and development tool

Criteria and hazardous air pollutants

Searchable database

Individual data values – raw data

Source testing data

TANKS Version 4.09D

http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/software/tanks/

Estimates VOC and HAP emissions from fixed and floating roof storage tanks

Uses AP 42 emission factors and procedures

Built in database of over 100 organic liquids

MCAQ Calculation Spreadsheets

MCAQ Calculation Spreadsheets www.airquality.charmeck.org

HOW TO: Use the Generator & Boiler Spreadsheets

without pulling your hair out!

Spreadsheet Examples

1. Generator spreadsheets: (diesel fired / large and small generators) 2. Boilers spreadsheets: (fuel oil & natural gas fired boilers)

“Engine Output (hp)” TAB

“Fuel Input (mmbtu)” - Tab

Boiler – Fuel Oil Combustion (input & output spreadsheets)

Emission Calculation Spreadsheets

TIPS for sites with multiple combustion sources. Generators

If individually the power rating (HP) for each generator can meet the power rating limit for the spreadsheets then the actual fuel usage for multiple generators can be combined on the input screen.

Boilers If individually the boiler type and maximum heat input

ratings meet the spreadsheet limits then the actual fuel usage for multiple boilers can be combined on the input screen. “Please note an error message will be displayed on the input

screen, but the calculations will be correct”

Questions?

Contact MCAQ 704-336-5430 http://airquality.charmeck.org