Has FTIR Been Used in Stack Testing?

FTIR has been used as both emission and process monitoring at primary/secondary aluminum facilities, secondary lead, asphalt roofing, Portland cement plants, wool fiberglass/mineral wool facilities and utilities.  FTIR use has been validated for the determination of over 37 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) directly, with an additional 18 HAPs through sample concentration.  EPA presently maintains a spectra library on the Internet.      

FTIR is presently being used to quantitate emissions from a variety of sources.  Under 40 CFR Part 63, Appendix A, FTIR is being proposed (tentative: under consideration) for three methods.  They are:

1. Method 318:  Formaldehyde, Phenol, and Methanol Determination by FTIR;
2. Method 320:  Generic Extractive FTIR Method for Industrial Emissions; and
3. Method 321:  FTIR For HCl From Portland Cement Kilns.

Method 318 test method using FTIR is industry specific for the mineral wool industry, while Method 321 is industry specific for the Portland cement industry.  Method 320 is a generic, self-validating FTIR test method that can be applied to any source category.  It has the option for using in screening, validation requirements (Method 301),  and self-validation requirements (spiking etc.).  Method 321 will be a compliance method using FTIR for HCl emissions from Portland cement plants as part of the MACT regulations.  The system uses a heated sample line and a filter maintained at 350 F to control ammonium chloride formation.  Method 318 will more than likely be promulgated in the fall of 1998,  while Methods 320 and 321 will be promulgated in the spring of 1999.

For additional information associated with the application of FTIR to monitoring industrial emissions, please contact Ms. Rima Dishakjian, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD-77A, Research Triangle Park, NC, 17711, (919) 541-0443.

Finally, EPA has produced a video entitled:  FTIR for Emission Measurements.  Please contact Ms. Dishakjian for receiving a copy.