Particulate Matter

Includes dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets directly emitted into the air by sources such as factories, power plants, cars, construction activity, fires and natural windblown dust. Particles formed in the atmosphere by condensation or the transformation of emitted gases such as SO₂ and VOCs are also considered particulate matter. PM is usually divided up into different classes based on size, ranging from total suspended matter (TSP) to PM-10 (particles less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter) to PM-2.5 (particles less than 2.5 Microns). In general, the smallest particles pose the highest human health risks and are the hardest to capture.

• Large Particulate (>10m)TSP
• Small Particulate (1-10m)PM10
• Sub-micron Particulate (0.1-1.0m) PM2.5

Large particulate (>10m) TSP
Relatively easy to capture in mechanical type devices such as cyclones and drop-out boxes. Due to their large size they repond to gravitational and centripical forces.

• Particle Size Chart

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Small particulate (1-10m) PM10
These particles are harder to catch and baghouses, dry ESPs, or some type of scrubber can by used to collect these particles with reasonable pressure drop.

• Particle Size Chart
• Packed Cyclone Separator Removes Dust Particles While Recycling Process Liquids

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Sub-micron particulate (0.1-1.0m) PM2.5
These particles are the hardest to capture and pose the greatest risk to human respiratory systems. These particles respond best to electrostatic and brownian forces. Wet ESPs are the most effficient method of collection for these particles due to their relatively low pressure drop, corresponding low energy useage, small footprint and high collection efficiencies.

• Particle Size Chart
• Quest for a Better Sub-Micron Trap
• Scrubber on Sludge Incinerator Reduces Atmospheric Emissions
• Emissions Performance Results for a Liquid Waste Incinerator Upgraded to Meet MACT Standards

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