Technical Bulletin No. 0082: The Relationship of Particulate Concentration and Observed Plume Characteristics at Kraft Recovery Furnaces and Lime Kilns (AQTB)

Characteristically the regulations defining the level of permissible particulate emissions contain provisions which define an allowable mass emission rate or concentration. These regulations also almost uniformly contain provisions which define acceptable plume appearance, a particulate emission related characteristic, measured by human observers or instrumental methods. The background information required to determine whether opacity or plume appearance regulations are consistent with the particulate emission regulation is seldom available. Opacity regulations are therefore frequently selected which are not demonstrated to be compatible with the particulate emission control limits which may be based on available technology, economic reasons or satisfactory protection of ambient air quality. The field work described in this technical bulletin was undertaken to determine the relationship of kraft recovery furnace plume appearance, or opacity, and particulate concentration within a spectrum of existing and developing particulate emission regulations. During the course of the study a limited amount of work was performed on lime kilns. The study was conducted in two locations in the United States, the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast, and involved recovery furnaces with and those without a contact evaporator.