Utility stack opacity troubleshooting guidelines

Technical Report · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5908461

Keeth, R J ^[1]; Balfour, D A; Meserole, F M; Defries, T ^[2]

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1. United Engineers and Constructors, Inc., Denver, CO (USA). Stearns-Roger Div.
2. Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA)

Stack plume visibility, otherwise defined as plume opacity, has become a concern to the utility industry. This concern stems from the fact that some coal-fired stations with operating FGD systems have been cited for opacity in excess of the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) even though the particulate mass emissions are within regulated limits. Postulated causes for the unacceptable opacities include scrubber-generated particulate matter, condensible particulate matter such as sulfuric acid mist, fine particles penetrating the particulate control device, and/or colored gases such as nitrogen dioxide in the flue gas. It is important that the underlying cause of the plume opacity be identified to determine if it is possible to reduce plume opacity. This report presents a troubleshooting methodology developed during field tests at four utilities experiencing high stack opacities. Results from these field tests are presented as case studies to demonstrate how this methodology can be applied by a utility to determine the cause of their plume opacity. 10 refs., 18 figs., 5 tabs.

• Research Organization: Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); United Engineers and Constructors, Inc., Denver, CO (USA). Stearns-Roger Div.; Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: EPRI; Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5908461
• Report Number(s): EPRI-GS-7180
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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