This method is for the determination of particulate matter (PM) from stationary sources. Per the method, PM concentrations are known to be independent of temperature over the normal range of temperatures characteristic of emissions from a specified source category. The method is intended for use by an applicable subpart of the EPA standards, within applicable temperature limits, and if approved by the regulatory agency for the source. The method is not to be used for stacks with liquid droplets or saturated water vapor or when the project cross-sectional area of the probe extention filter holder assembly covers more than 5% of the stack cross-sectional area.
Samples are collected isokinetically from a source on a pre-tared (to a constant weight) glass fiber filter containing no organic binders maintained stack temperature. The Method 17 train is similar to a Method 5 train. It consists of an in-stack probe, filter (the Method 5 filter is not in-stack) followed by a 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 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 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. The impinger contents are typically not analyzed. 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. The volume of Container 2 is measured, evaporated to dryness at ambient temperature and pressue, and dessicated for 24 hours to a constant weight. The sum of the results of both containers is the total PM for the sample.
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| 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 17 train following Method 5 procedures. |
| Analytical Methodology: | Gravimetric |
| Documentation: | 
M 17
|
| 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.