Facilities for Air Pollution Studies

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Facilities for Air Pollution Studies: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology has the capability to measure more than 100 of the 189 Hazardous Air Pollutants(HAPs) listed in Title III of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA).

EPA possesses a suite of state-of-the-art equipment to research and develop methods for the study of emissions that pose a risk to human health and ecology and to support the development of technological solutions for problems caused by emissions. Examples of this equipment available to researchers interested in pollution prevention and emissions characterization include the following.

(1) Open Path Remote Sensing Equipment
Three Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) remote sensors and a tunable diode laser (TDL) system enable scientists to study gaseous pollutants in the field. With the FTIR and TDL systems, researchers can measure gaseous pollutants in the parts-per-billion levels over a path of approximately 500 meters and can determine the flux of many gaseous emissions from fugitive sources. EPA scientists have successfully utilized these systems in assessments of the gaseous emissions produced by animal feeding operations and landfills.

(2) Instrumented Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
Three tractor trailers that engineers have outfitted to characterize real-world emissions of heavy-duty diesel trucks are available for emissions-related studies. The tractor trailers' on-board mobile laboratories can measure exhaust flow and can record concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and total hydrocarbons. The tractor trailers' laboratories can also measure engine speed and operating temperature and vehicle g-force (the combined effect of acceleration and grade). Particulate matter samples can be collected on-demand, and the exhaust plume can be sampled along the length of the trailers. Additional information about these trucks and projects involving them can be found at http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/ecpb/diesel.htm.

(3) Emissions Characterization Chambers
The EPA in Research Triangle Park operates a large suite of test chambers to support research concerning the sources, characterization, prevention, and control of indoor air pollution. Environmental chambers of multiple sizes enable researchers to measure emission rates from a variety of different objects that are common in indoor environments without the confounding contaminants present in ambient air. Also available is a stainless steel particle-emissions test system that was specifically designed to measure emissions of fine particulate matter from indoor sources. Additionally, static and dynamic biological chambers are available for study of the factors and conditions that affect biocontaminant growth, emissions, and dissemination in indoor environments. Examples of the types of projects that have utilized each of these chambers, further detail about the chamber designs, and pictures can be found at http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/facilities.htm. The EPA emissions research facility also operates a paint coatings laboratory that is uniquely suited for comprehensive analyses of emissions given off by paint and a dilution sampling system that is specially designed for studies of samples containing aerosols.

Facilities for Air Pollution Studies

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