Illinois Administrative Code
Title 35 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part 225 - CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM LARGE COMBUSTION SOURCES
Subpart F - COMBINED POLLUTANT STANDARDS
Appendix B - Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems for Mercury
Exhibit D - Quality Assurance and Operating Procedures for Sorbent Trap Monitoring Systems
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 38, September 20, 2024
1.0 Scope and Application
This Exhibit specifies sampling, and analytical, and quality-assurance criteria and procedures for the performance-based monitoring of vapor-phase mercury (Hg) emissions in combustion flue gas streams, using a sorbent trap monitoring system (as defined in Section 225.130). The principle employed is continuous sampling using in-stack sorbent media coupled with analysis of the integrated samples. The performance-based approach of this Exhibit allows for use of various suitable sampling and analytical technologies while maintaining a specified and documented level of data quality through performance criteria. Persons using this Exhibit should have a thorough working knowledge of Methods 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in appendices A-1 through A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, as well as the determinative technique selected for analysis.
The analyte measured by these procedures and specifications is total vapor-phase mercury in the flue gas, which represents the sum of elemental mercury (Hg0, CAS Number 7439-97-6) and oxidized forms of mercury, in mass concentration units of micrograms per dry standard cubic meter (µg/dscm).
These performance criteria and procedures are applicable to monitoring of vapor-phase mercury emissions under relatively low-dust conditions (i.e., sampling in the stack after all pollution control devices), from coal-fired electric utility steam generators which are subject to Sections 1.14 through 1.18 of Appendix B. Individual sample collection times can range from 30 minutes to several days in duration, depending on the mercury concentration in the stack. The monitoring system must achieve the performance criteria specified in Section 8 of this Exhibit and the sorbent media capture ability must not be exceeded. The sampling rate must be maintained at a constant proportion to the total stack flow rate to ensure representativeness of the sample collected. Failure to achieve certain performance criteria will result in invalid mercury emissions monitoring data.
2.0 Principle
Known volumes of flue gas are extracted from a stack or duct through paired, in-stack, pre-spiked sorbent media traps at an appropriate nominal flow rate. Collection of mercury on the sorbent media in the stack mitigates potential loss of mercury during transport through a probe/sample line. Paired train sampling is required to determine measurement precision and verify acceptability of the measured emissions data.
The sorbent traps are recovered from the sampling system, prepared for analysis, as needed, and analyzed by any suitable determinative technique that can meet the performance criteria. A section of each sorbent trap is spiked with Hg0 prior to sampling.
3.0 Clean Handling and Contamination
To avoid mercury contamination of the samples, special attention should be paid to cleanliness during transport, field handling, sampling, recovery, and laboratory analysis, as well as during preparation of the sorbent cartridges. Collection and analysis of blank samples (field, trip, lab) is useful in verifying the absence of contaminant mercury.
4.0 Safety
Site hazards must be thoroughly considered in advance of applying these procedures/ specifications in the field; advance coordination with the site is critical to understand the conditions and applicable safety policies. At a minimum, portions of the sampling system will be hot, requiring appropriate gloves, long sleeves, and caution in handling this equipment.
Laboratory safety policies should be in place to minimize risk of chemical exposure and to properly handle waste disposal. Personnel must wear appropriate laboratory attire according to a Chemical Hygiene Plan established by the laboratory.
The toxicity or carcinogenicity of any reagents used must be considered. Depending upon the sampling and analytical technologies selected, this measurement may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment and this Exhibit does not address all of the safety problems associated with implementing this approach. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicable regulatory limitations prior to performance. Any chemical should be regarded as a potential health hazard and exposure to these compounds should be minimized. Chemists should refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used.
Any wastes generated by this procedure must be disposed of according to a hazardous materials management plan that details and tracks various waste streams and disposal procedures.
5.0 Equipment and Supplies
The following list is presented as an example of key equipment and supplies likely required to perform vapor-phase mercury monitoring using a sorbent trap monitoring system. It is recognized that additional equipment and supplies may be needed. Collection of paired samples is required. Also required are a certified stack gas volumetric flow monitor that meets the requirements of Section 1.2 to Appendix B and an acceptable means of correcting for the stack gas moisture content, i.e., either by using data from a certified continuous moisture monitoring system or by using an approved default moisture value (see 40 CFR 75.11(b), incorporated by reference in Section 225.140).
A typical sorbent trap monitoring system is shown in Figure K-1. The monitoring system must include the following components:
The sorbent media used to collect mercury must be configured in a trap with three distinct and identical segments or sections, connected in series, that are amenable to separate analyses. Section 1 is designated for primary capture of gaseous mercury. Section 2 is designated as a backup section for determination of vapor-phase mercury breakthrough. Section 3 is designated for QA/QC purposes where this section must be spiked with a known amount of gaseous Hg0 prior to sampling and later analyzed to determine recovery efficiency. The sorbent media may be any collection material (e.g., carbon, chemically-treated filter, etc.) capable of quantitatively capturing and recovering for subsequent analysis, all gaseous forms of mercury for the intended application. Selection of the sorbent media must be based on the material's ability to achieve the performance criteria contained in Section 8 of this Exhibit as well as the sorbent's vapor-phase mercury capture efficiency for the emissions matrix and the expected sampling duration at the test site. The sorbent media must be obtained from a source that can demonstrate the quality assurance and control necessary to ensure consistent reliability. The paired sorbent traps are supported on a probe (or probes) and inserted directly into the flue gas stream.
Each probe assembly must have a leak-free Exhibit to the sorbent traps. Each sorbent trap must be mounted at the entrance of or within the probe such that the gas sampled enters the trap directly. Each probe/sorbent trap assembly must be heated to a temperature sufficient to prevent liquid condensation in the sorbent traps. Auxiliary heating is required only where the stack temperature is too low to prevent condensation. Use a calibrated thermocouple to monitor the stack temperature. A single probe capable of operating the paired sorbent traps may be used. Alternatively, individual probe/sorbent trap assemblies may be used, provided that the individual sorbent traps are co-located to ensure representative mercury monitoring and are sufficiently separated to prevent aerodynamic interference.
A robust moisture removal device or system, suitable for continuous duty (such as a Peltier cooler), must be used to remove water vapor from the gas stream prior to entering the gas flow meter.
Use a leak-tight, vacuum pump capable of operating within the candidate system's flow range.
A gas flow meter (such as a dry gas meter, thermal mass flow meter, or other suitable measurement device) must be used to determine the total sample volume on a dry basis, in units of standard cubic meters. The meter must be sufficiently accurate to measure the total sample volume to within 2 percent and must be calibrated at selected flow rates across the range of sample flow rates at which the sorbent trap monitoring system typically operates. The gas flow meter must be equipped with any necessary auxiliary measurement devices (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure measurement devices) needed to correct the sample volume to standard conditions.
Use a flow rate indicator and controller for maintaining necessary sampling flow rates.
Same as Section 6.1.1.7 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140.
Same as Section 6.1.2 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140.
Device for recording associated and necessary ancillary information (e.g., temperatures, pressures, flow, time, etc.).
A known mass of gaseous Hg0 must be spiked onto section 3 of each sorbent trap prior to sampling. Any approach capable of quantitatively delivering known masses of Hg0 onto sorbent traps is acceptable. Several technologies or devices are available to meet this objective. Their practicality is a function of mercury mass spike levels. For low levels, NIST-certified or NIST-traceable gas generators or tanks may be suitable, but will likely require long preparation times. A more practical, alternative system, capable of delivering almost any mass required, makes use of NIST-certified or NIST-traceable mercury salt solutions (e.g., Hg(NO3)2). With this system, an aliquot of known volume and concentration is added to a reaction vessel containing a reducing agent (e.g., stannous chloride); the mercury salt solution is reduced to Hg0 and purged onto section 3 of the sorbent trap using an impinger sparging system.
Any analytical system capable of quantitatively recovering and quantifying total gaseous mercury from sorbent media is acceptable provided that the analysis can meet the performance criteria in Section 8 of this procedure. Candidate recovery techniques include leaching, digestion, and thermal desorption. Candidate analytical techniques include ultraviolet atomic fluorescence (UV AF); ultraviolet atomic absorption (UV AA), with and without gold trapping; and in-situ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.
6.0 Reagents and Standards
Only NIST-certified or NIST-traceable calibration gas standards and reagents must be used for the tests and procedures required under this Exhibit.
7.0 Sample Collection and Transport
Sampling site information should be obtained in accordance with Method 1 in appendix A-1 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140. Identify a monitoring location representative of source mercury emissions. Locations shown to be free of stratification through measurement traverses for gases such as SO2 and NOx may be one such approach. An estimation of the expected stack mercury concentration is required to establish a target sample flow rate, total gas sample volume, and the mass of Hg0 to be spiked onto section 3 of each sorbent trap.
Based on the estimated mercury concentration in the stack, the target sample rate and the target sampling duration, calculate the expected mass loading for section 1 of each sorbent trap (for an example calculation, see Section 11.1 of this Exhibit). The pre-sampling spike to be added to section 3 of each sorbent trap must be within ± 50 percent of the expected section 1 mass loading. Spike section 3 of each sorbent trap at this level, as described in Section 5.2 of this Exhibit. For each sorbent trap, keep an official record of the mass of Hg0 added to section 3. This record must include, at a minimum, the ID number of the trap, the date and time of the spike, the name of the analyst performing the procedure, the mass of Hg0 added to section 3 of the trap (µg), and the supporting calculations. This record must be maintained in a format suitable for inspection and audit and must be made available to the regulatory agencies upon request.
Perform a leak check with the sorbent traps in place. Draw a vacuum in each sample train. Adjust the vacuum in the sample train to mercury. Using the gas flow meter, determine leak rate. The leakage rate must not exceed 4 percent of the target sampling rate. Once the leak check passes this criterion, carefully release the vacuum in the sample train then seal the sorbent trap inlet until the probe is ready for insertion into the stack or duct.
Determine or measure the flue gas measurement environment characteristics (gas temperature, static pressure, gas velocity, stack moisture, etc.) in order to determine ancillary requirements such as probe heating requirements (if any), initial sample rate, proportional sampling conditions, moisture management, etc.
Remove the plug from the end of each sorbent trap and store each plug in a clean sorbent trap storage container. Remove the stack or duct port cap and insert the probes. Secure the probes and ensure that no leakage occurs between the duct and environment.
Record initial data including the sorbent trap ID, start time, starting dry gas meter readings, initial temperatures, set-points, and any other appropriate information.
Set the initial sample flow rate at the target value from Section 7.1.1 of this Exhibit. Record the initial gas flow meter reading, stack temperature (if needed to convert to standard conditions), meter temperatures (if needed), etc. Then, for every operating hour during the sampling period, record the date and time, the sample flow rate, the gas flow meter reading, the stack temperature (if needed), the flow meter temperatures (if needed), temperatures of heated equipment such as the vacuum lines and the probes (if heated), and the sampling system vacuum readings. Also, record the stack gas flow rate, as measured by the certified flow monitor, and the ratio of the stack gas flow rate to the sample flow rate. Adjust the sampling flow rate to maintain proportional sampling, i.e., keep the ratio of the stack gas flow rate to sample flow rate constant, to within ± 25 percent of the reference ratio from the first hour of the data collection period (see Section 11 of this Exhibit). The sample flow rate through a sorbent trap monitoring system during any hour (or portion of an hour) in which the unit is not operating must be zero.
Determine stack gas moisture using a continuous moisture monitoring system, as described in 40 CFR 75.11(b), incorporated by reference in Section 225.140. Alternatively, the owner or operator may use the appropriate fuel-specific moisture default value provided in 40 CFR 75.11, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, or a site-specific moisture default value approved by the Agency.
Obtain and record any essential operating data for the facility during the test period, e.g., the barometric pressure for correcting the sample volume measured by a dry gas meter to standard conditions. At the end of the data collection period, record the final gas flow meter reading and the final values of all other essential parameters.
When sampling is completed, turn off the sample pump, remove the probe/sorbent trap from the port and carefully re-plug the end of each sorbent trap. Perform a leak check with the sorbent traps in place, at the maximum vacuum reached during the sampling period. Use the same general approach described in Section 7.1.3 of this Exhibit. Record the leakage rate and vacuum. The leakage rate must not exceed 4 percent of the average sampling rate for the data collection period. Following the leak check, carefully release the vacuum in the sample train.
Recover each sampled sorbent trap by removing it from the probe, sealing both ends. Wipe any deposited material from the outside of the sorbent trap. Place the sorbent trap into an appropriate sample storage container and store/preserve in appropriate manner.
While the performance criteria of this approach provide for verification of appropriate sample handling, it is still important that the user consider, determine, and plan for suitable sample preservation, storage, transport, and holding times for these measurements. Therefore, procedures in ASTM D6911-03 "Standard Guide for Packaging and Shipping Environmental Samples for Laboratory Analysis" (incorporated by reference under Section 225.140) must be followed for all samples.
Proper procedures and documentation for sample chain of custody are critical to ensuring data integrity. The chain of custody procedures in ASTM D4840-99 (reapproved 2004) "Standard Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures" (incorporated by reference under Section 225.140) must be followed for all samples (including field samples and blanks).
8.0 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Table K-1 summarizes the QA/QC performance criteria that are used to validate the mercury emissions data from sorbent trap monitoring systems, including the relative accuracy test audit (RATA) requirement (see Section 1.4(c)(7), Section 6.5.6 of Exhibit A to Appendix B, and Section 2.3 of Exhibit B to Appendix B). Except as provided in Section 1.3(h) of Appendix B and as otherwise indicated in Table K-1, failure to achieve these performance criteria will result in invalidation of mercury emissions data.
Table K-1. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Criteria for Sorbent Trap Monitoring Systems
|
QA/QC test or specification |
Acceptance criteria |
Frequency |
Consequences if not met |
|
Pre-test leak check |
[LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 4% of target sampling rate |
Prior to sampling |
Sampling must not commence until the leak check is passed. |
|
Post-test leak check |
[LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 4% of average sampling rate |
After sampling |
[FN**] See Note, below. |
|
Ratio of stack gas flow rate to sample flow rate |
No more than 5% of the hourly ratios or 5 hourly ratios (whichever is less restrictive) may deviate from the reference ratio by more than ± % |
Every hour throughout data collection period |
[FN**] See Note, below. |
|
Sorbent trap section 2 break-through |
[LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 5% of Section 1 Hg mass |
Every sample |
[FN**] See Note, below. |
|
Paired sorbent trap agreement |
[LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 10% Relative Deviation (RD) if the average concentration is > 1.0µg/m3 [LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 20% RD if the average concentration is [LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 1.0µg/m3. Results are also acceptable if absolute difference between concentrations from paired traps is [LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 0.03µg/m3 |
Every sample |
Either invalidate the data from the paired traps or report the results from the trap with the higher Hg concentration. |
|
Spike Recovery Study |
Average recovery between 85% and 115% for each of the 3 spike concentration levels |
Prior to analyzing field samples and prior to use of new sorbent media |
Field samples must not be analyzed until the percent recovery criteria has been met. |
|
Multipoint analyzer calibration |
Each analyzer reading within ± 10% of true value and r2 [GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO] 0.99 |
On the day of analysis, before analyzing any samples |
Recalibrate until successful. |
|
Analysis of independent calibration standard |
Within ± 10% of true value |
Following daily calibration, prior to analyzing field samples |
Recalibrate and repeat independent standard analysis until successful. |
|
Spike recovery from Section 3 of sorbent trap |
75-125% of spike amount |
Every sample |
[FN**] See Note, below. |
|
RATA |
RA [LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 20.0% or Mean difference [LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO] 1.0µg/dscm for low emitters |
For initial certification and annually thereafter |
Data from the system are invalidated until a RATA is passed. |
|
Gas flow meter calibration |
Calibration factor (Y) within ± 5% of average value from the most recent 3-point calibration |
At three settings prior to initial use and at least quarterly at one setting thereafter. For mass flow meters, initial calibration with stack gas is required |
Recalibrate the meter at three orifice settings to determine a new value of Y. |
|
Temperature sensor calibration |
Absolute temperature measured by sensor within ± 1.5% of a reference sensor |
Prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter |
Recalibrate. Sensor may not be used until specification is met. |
|
Barometer calibration |
Absolute pressure measured by instrument within ± 10 mmHg of reading with a mercury barometer |
Prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter |
Recalibrate. Instrument may not be used until specification is met. |
[FN**] Note: If both traps fail to meet the acceptance criteria, the data from the pair of traps are invalidated. However, if only one of the paired traps fails to meet this particular acceptance criterion and the other sample meets all of the applicable QA criteria, the results of the valid trap may be used for reporting under this Part. When the data from both traps are invalidated and quality-assured data from a certified backup monitoring system, reference method, or approved alternative monitoring system are unavailable, missing data substitution must be used.
9.0 Calibration and Standardization
Only NIST-certified and NIST-traceable calibration standards (i.e., calibration gases, solutions, etc.) must be used for the spiking and analytical procedures in this Exhibit.
The manufacturer or supplier of the gas flow meter should perform all necessary set-up, testing, programming, etc., and should provide the end user with any necessary instructions, to ensure that the meter will give an accurate readout of dry gas volume in standard cubic meters for the particular field application.
Prior to its initial use, a calibration of the flow meter must be performed. The initial calibration may be done by the manufacturer, by the equipment supplier, or by the end user. If the flow meter is volumetric in nature (e.g., a dry gas meter), the manufacturer, equipment supplier, or end user may perform a direct volumetric calibration using any gas. For a mass flow meter, the manufacturer, equipment supplier, or end user may calibrate the meter using a bottled gas mixture containing 12 ± 0.5% CO2, 7 ± 0.5% O2, and balance N2, or these same gases in proportions more representative of the expected stack gas composition. Mass flow meters may also be initially calibrated on-site, using actual stack gas.
Determine an average calibration factor (Y) for the gas flow meter, by calibrating it at three sample flow rate settings covering the range of sample flow rates at which the sorbent trap monitoring system typically operates. You may either follow the procedures in Section 10.3.1 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, or the procedures in Section 16 of Method 5 in appendix A-3 to 40 CFR 60. If a dry gas meter is being calibrated, use at least five revolutions of the meter at each flow rate.
Alternatively, you may perform the initial calibration of the gas flow meter using a reference gas flow meter (RGFM). The RGFM may either be:
Calculate an individual calibration factor Yi at each tested flow rate from Section 9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of this Exhibit (as applicable), by taking the ratio of the reference sample volume to the sample volume recorded by the gas flow meter. Average the three Yi values, to determine Y, the calibration factor for the flow meter. Each of the three individual values of Yi must be within ± 0.02 of Y. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 9.2.2.4 and 9.2.2.5 of this Exhibit, use the average Y value from the three level calibration to adjust all subsequent gas volume measurements made with the gas flow meter.
For a mass flow meter that was initially calibrated using a compressed gas mixture, an on-site calibration check must be performed before using the flow meter to provide data for this Part. While sampling stack gas, check the calibration of the flow meter at one intermediate flow rate typical of normal operation of the monitoring system. Follow the basic procedures in Section 9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of this Exhibit. If the on-site calibration check shows that the value of Yi, the calibration factor at the tested flow rate, differs by more than 5 percent from the value of Y obtained in the initial calibration of the meter, repeat the full 3-level calibration of the meter using stack gas to determine a new value of Y, and apply the new Y value to all subsequent gas volume measurements made with the gas flow meter.
Recalibrate the gas flow meter quarterly at one intermediate flow rate setting representative of normal operation of the monitoring system. Follow the basic procedures in Section 9.2.2.1 or 9.2.2.2 of this Exhibit. If a quarterly recalibration shows that the value of Yi, the calibration factor at the tested flow rate, differs from the current value of Y by more than 5 percent, repeat the full 3-level calibration of the meter to determine a new value of Y, and apply the new Y value to all subsequent gas volume measurements made with the gas flow meter.
Use the procedures and criteria in Section 10.3 of Method 2 in appendix A-1 to 40 CFR 60, incorporated by reference in Section 225.140, to calibrate in-stack temperature sensors and thermocouples. Dial thermometers must be calibrated against mercury-in-glass thermometers. Calibrations must be performed prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter. At each calibration point, the absolute temperature measured by the temperature sensor must agree to within ± 1.5 percent of the temperature measured with the reference sensor, otherwise the sensor may not continue to be used.
Calibrate against a mercury barometer. Calibration must be performed prior to initial use and at least quarterly thereafter. At each calibration point, the absolute pressure measured by the barometer must agree to within ± 10 mmHg of the pressure measured by the mercury barometer, otherwise the barometer may not continue to be used.
Calibrate all other sensors and gauges according to the procedures specified by the instrument manufacturers.
See Section 10.1 of this Exhibit.
10.0 Analytical Procedures
The analysis of the mercury samples may be conducted using any instrument or technology capable of quantifying total mercury from the sorbent media and meeting the performance criteria in Section 8 of this Exhibit.
10.1 Analyzer System Calibration
Perform a multipoint calibration of the analyzer at three or more upscale points over the desired quantitative range (multiple calibration ranges must be calibrated, if necessary). The field samples analyzed must fall within a calibrated, quantitative range and meet the necessary performance criteria. For samples that are suitable for aliquotting, a series of dilutions may be needed to ensure that the samples fall within a calibrated range. However, for sorbent media samples that are consumed during analysis (e.g., thermal desorption techniques), extra care must be taken to ensure that the analytical system is appropriately calibrated prior to sample analysis. The calibration curve ranges should be determined based on the anticipated level of mercury mass on the sorbent media. Knowledge of estimated stack mercury concentrations and total sample volume may be required prior to analysis. The calibration curve for use with the various analytical techniques (e.g., UV AA, UV AF, and XRF) can be generated by directly introducing standard solutions into the analyzer or by spiking the standards onto the sorbent media and then introducing into the analyzer after preparing the sorbent/standard according to the particular analytical technique. For each calibration curve, the value of the square of the linear correlation coefficient, i.e., r2, must be [GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO] 0.99, and the analyzer response must be within ± 10 percent of reference value at each upscale calibration point. Calibrations must be performed on the day of the analysis, before analyzing any of the samples. Following calibration, an independently prepared standard (not from same calibration stock solution) must be analyzed. The measured value of the independently prepared standard must be within ± 10 percent of the expected value.
10.2 Sample Preparation
Carefully separate the three sections of each sorbent trap. Combine for analysis all materials associated with each section, i.e., any supporting substrate that the sample gas passes through prior to entering a media section (e.g., glass wool, polyurethane foam, etc.) must be analyzed with that segment.
10.3 Spike Recovery Study
Before analyzing any field samples, the laboratory must demonstrate the ability to recover and quantify mercury from the sorbent media by performing the following spike recovery study for sorbent media traps spiked with elemental mercury.
Using the procedures described in Sections 5.2 and 11.1 of this Exhibit, spike the third section of nine sorbent traps with gaseous Hg0, i.e., three traps at each of three different mass loadings, representing the range of masses anticipated in the field samples. This will yield a 3 x 3 sample matrix. Prepare and analyze the third section of each spiked trap, using the techniques that will be used to prepare and analyze the field samples. The average recovery for each spike concentration must be between 85 and 115 percent. If multiple types of sorbent media are to be analyzed, a separate spike recovery study is required for each sorbent material. If multiple ranges are calibrated, a separate spike recovery study is required for each range.
10.4 Field Sample Analysis
Analyze the sorbent trap samples following the same procedures that were used for conducting the spike recovery study. The three sections of each sorbent trap must be analyzed separately (i.e., section 1, then section 2, then section 3). Quantify the total mass of mercury for each section based on analytical system response and the calibration curve from Section 10.1 of this Exhibit. Determine the spike recovery from sorbent trap section 3. The spike recovery must be no less than 75 percent and no greater than 125 percent. To report the final mercury mass for each trap, add together the mercury masses collected in trap sections 1 and 2.
11.0 Calculations and Data Analysis
Determine sorbent trap section 3 spiking level using estimates of the stack mercury concentration, the target sample flow rate, and the expected sample duration. First, calculate the expected mercury mass that will be collected in section 1 of the trap. The pre-sampling spike must be within ± 50 percent of this mass. Example calculation: For an estimated stack mercury concentration of 5 µg/m3, a target sample rate of 0.30 L/min, and a sample duration of 5 days:
(0.30 L/min) (1440 min/day) (5 days) (10-3 m3/liter) (5µg/m3) = 10.8 µg
A pre-sampling spike of 10.8 µg ± 50 percent is, therefore, appropriate.
For the first hour of the data collection period, determine the reference ratio of the stack gas volumetric flow rate to the sample flow rate, as follows:
Then, for each subsequent hour of the data collection period, calculate ratio of the stack gas flow rate to the sample flow rate using the equation K-2:
Maintain the value of Rh within ± 25 percent of Rref throughout the data collection period.
Calculate the percent recovery of each section 3 spike, as follows:
Calculate the percent breakthrough to the second section of the sorbent trap, as follows:
Calculate the mercury concentration for each sorbent trap, using the following equation:
Calculate the relative deviation (RD) between the mercury concentrations measured with the paired sorbent traps:
To calculate mercury mass emissions, follow the procedures in Section 4.1.2 of Exhibit C to Appendix B. Use the average of the two mercury concentrations from the paired traps in the calculations, except as provided in Section 1.3(h) of Exhibit A to this Appendix or in Table K-1.
12.0 Method Performance
These monitoring criteria and procedures have been applied to coal-fired utility boilers (including units with post-combustion emission controls), having vapor-phase mercury concentrations ranging from 0.03 µg/dscm to 100 µg/dscm.
