Method 5A

Determination of Particulate Matter Emissions from the Asphalt Processing and Roofing Industry


This method is for the determination of particulate matter (PM) from the asphalt processing and roofing industry.  Particulate matter is defined as any material that condenses at or above the filtration temperature in the method.  This method is similar to Method 5.  The main difference between the methods is the temperature the filter is maintained at during collection, the addition of a cyclone in the sampling train, and rinsing the train with 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE).

Samples are collected isokinetically from a source on a pre-tared (to a constant weight) glass fiber filter containing no organic binders maintained at a temperature of 42 ± 10°C (108 ± 18°F).  A Method 5 train consisting of a heated probe, cyclone, heated filter, and series of impingers.  The first two impingers are filled with 100mL of water, the third impinger is left empty, and the fourth impinger is filled with 200-300g of silica gel.  The cyclone is only used when the stack gas moisture is greater than 10%.

The filters used for sample collection must be dessicated for at least 24 hours at a contant temperature (20 +/- 5.6°C) and pressure to a constant weight (less than or equal to a 0.5mg weight change to the nearest 0.1mg) and pre-tared prior to use.  The filter must have a 99.95% efficiency on 0.3 micron dioctyl phthalate smoke particles.

Once the sample has been collected, the filter is removed and placed in a petri dish.  If it is necessary to fold the filter, make sure the PM is on the inside of the fold.  This is container 1.  Container 2 consists of the PM brushed from the probe, probe assembly, cyclone, and front half of the filter holder and the corresponding acetone rinse.  The volume of the impinger contents is recorded and the silica gel is weighed to determine the moisture content of the stack gas.  At the laboratory, the filter is dessicated to a constant weight.  The amount of PM on the filter is equal to the weight change from the pre-sampling weight and the final constant weight of the filter post-sampling.  Container 1 is rinsed with TCE and the rinse is added to Container 2 (measure the volume before adding the rinse).  Examine the contents of Container 2 for layering.  If more than 5mL of water is present separate the water and TCE layers.  Both fractions are evaporated to dryness at ambient temperature and pressue, and dessicated for 24 hours to a constant weight.  The PM of Container 2 equals the sum of both fractions.  The sum of the PM in Container 1 and 2 is the total PM for the sample.


(EPA 40CFR Part 60 Appendix A)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in method.
Preservatives:   None specified in method.
Required Preps:   Pre-tared glass fiber or quartz filter
Collection Method:   Method 5 sampling train following Method 5 procedures.
Analytical Methodology:   Gravimetric
Documentation:   5A

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Particulates
0.1
 mg

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.