Particulate Matter Emission Factors for Biomass Combustion

Abstract

Emission factor is a relative measure and can be used to estimate emissions from multiple sources of air pollution. For this reason, data from literature on particulate matter emission factors from different types of biomass were evaluated in this paper. Initially, the main sources of particles were described, as well as relevant concepts associated with particle measurements. In addition, articles about particle emissions were classified and described in relation to the sampling environment (open or closed) and type of burned biomass (agricultural, garden, forest, and dung). Based on this analysis, a set of emission factors was presented and discussed. Important observations were made about the main emission sources of particulate matter. Combustion of compacted biomass resulted in lower particulate emission factors. PM 2.5 emissions were predominant in the burning of forest biomass. Emission factors were more elevated in laboratory burning, followed by burns in the field, residences and combustors.

Supplementary material to "Long-term study on coarse mode aerosols in the Amazon rain forest with the frequent intrusion of Saharan dust plumes"

“…Furthermore, the physicochemical properties (i.e., particle size and composition) can vary as a function of the fuel (e.g., forest vs. savanna vs. grass land fires) (Janhäll et al, 2010;Simões Amaral et al, 2016). Since biomass burning is a major source of atmospheric aerosols in the Amazon region, the coarse mode tail of the emitted pyrogenic size distribution likely impacts the coarse mode aerosol population to certain, however undefined, extent.…”

The Use of Plant Biomass Pellets for Energy Production by Combustion in Dedicated Furnaces

“…It would also be possible to combust biomass with coal [6]. However, during biomass combustion, large amounts of gases, dust, and ash are generated, which may be a significant environmental challenge [7][8][9]. The development of renewable energy sources in Poland is characterized by an increasing use of biomass for energy production.…”

“…As far as energy production is concerned, pellets are much better than raw biomass, since higher biomass density reduces transport costs and improves combustion parameters [14]. In comparison to raw biomass, the combustion of pellets results in lower emissions of solid particles into the atmosphere [8]. During the formation of pellets, it possible to control their composition, and, during their final use, it is possible to automatically feed them to the furnace.…”

“…Moreover, various additives are used to reduce the risk of fouling and corrosion problems in boilers. The commonly used additives that reduce emissions of acid anhydrides into the atmosphere are lime, limestone, dolomite, and aluminosilicates (mainly kaolinite and bentonite), and the additives that raise the ash melting point are aluminosilicates, sulfur, and lime [8,24]. Monedero et al [17] described, in this role, the addition of Ca/Mg-lignosulfonate to poplar wood pellets, which resulted in lower CO and NO x emissions.…”

The Use of Waste Biomass from the Wood Industry and Municipal Sources for Energy Production

“…The 27 EU member states have a high potential for waste biomass for energy applications, calculated at 8500 PJ•y −1 [5]. The use of biomass for energy production has a number of advantages, such as low costs and high availability, which lowers the costs of transport and reduces its environmental impact [4,6,7]. It is also important that biomass can be used both in the boilers of the power industry to generate heat and electricity as small individual heating installations [8].…”