Air quality at an electric-arc steel manufacturing plant

TR Number
Date
1975-06-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Virginia Tech
Abstract

An extended air sampling program was conducted at an electric-arc secondary steel manufacturing facility using the HI-VOLUME Sampler reference method for suspended particulates. A wind recording device was installed at the facility to provide a continuous record of wind data for correlation with the particulate concentrations collected. Weather data obtained from the National Weather Service were also used.

A relationship between wind direction and speed with the levels of particulate matter collected was found indicating areas of significant pollution sources. Wind-pollution roses were constructed showing the frequency distribution of the wind during periods when particulate concentrations were above and below the national ambient air standards. These roses were compared with the atmospheric stability classes for each of those periods.

Log-probability plots were constructed for each sampling point and an exponential relationship was found between mean concentrations at each sampler and each sampler's distance from the source. Using this relationship, an estimated emission rate for the facility was calculated. A background level for the area in the vicinity of the facility was found.

Some conclusions were that the mean level of concentration decreased exponentially with distance from the source and that the estimated emission rate for the facility was below the maximum allowable by the State Air Pollution Control Board.

It was also concluded that, in long term sampling, wind characteristics showed a positive relationship with particulate concentrations. The most significant conclusion was that the emission activity at the steel facility had minimal effect on a sampler located 1,000 yards away.

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Keywords
pollution, particulate matter
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