Abstract: The mass of particulate of an effluent gas flowing in a stack is measured with a mass measurement assembly in which sampling is isokinetically controlled by determining in real-time the molecular weight of the effluent gas, and in particular, determining the moisture content of water vapor in the effluent gas. Readings from a pair of flow sensors connected in series and separated by a dryer are compared to provide a real-time moisture measurement of the effluent gas. The moisture measurement is used to determine a total molecular weight of the effluent gas in real-time and the velocity of the effluent gas in real-time for isokinetic sampling during measurement of the mass of particulate flowing in the effluent gas.

Abstract: A conditioner, system and methods for conditioning a sample gas stream for particulate matter measurement purposes employs a sample gas stream conduit having an: inlet and an outlet and a sample gas stream conditioner in communication with the sample gas stream conduit. The sample gas stream conditioner includes a moisture control system, wherein the moisture control system regulates a humidity level of the sample gas stream flowing through the sample gas stream conduit to maintain a selectable humidity level at the particulate matter collector. A particulate matter measurement instrument is in communication with the sample gas stream outlet and measures the particulate matter in the sample gas stream. Alternative methods for regulating the humidity level at a particulate matter collector in the measurement instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conditioner, system and methods for conditioning a sample gas stream for particulate matter measurement purposes employs a sample gas stream conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a sample gas stream conditioner in communication with the sample gas stream conduit. The sample gas stream conditioner includes a moisture control system, wherein the moisture control system regulates a humidity level of the sample gas stream flowing through the sample gas stream conduit to maintain a selectable humidity level at the particulate matter collector. A particulate matter measurement instrument is in communication with the sample gas stream outlet and measures the particulate matter in the sample gas stream. Alternative methods for regulating the humidity level at a particulate matter collector in the measurement instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: The mass of particulate of an effluent gas flowing in a stack is directly measured with a mass measurement assembly supported within the stack. The mass measurement assembly preferably includes an inertial mass measurement transducer which provides near real-time mass readings. The mass measurement assembly also includes a particulate collector which can be equilibrated in situ. A pressure transducer measures a pressure differential across the equilibrated collector prior to sampling, to determine a pressure coefficient of frequency in a calibration operation. The pressure transducer also measures a pressure differential across the collector during sampling which measurement is used along with the pressure coefficient of frequency to derive an adjusted mass reading, corrected to compensate for pressure changes.

Abstract: The mass of particulate of an effluent gas flowing in a stack is directly measured with a mass measurement assembly supported within the stack. The mass measurement assembly preferably includes an inertial mass measurement transducer which provides near real-time mass readings. The mass measurement assembly also includes a particulate collector which can be equilibrated in situ. A conditioned gas line supplies clean, dry, heated conditioned gas to the collector for equilibration. The flow rate of the conditioned gas prevents effluent gas from reaching the collector during equilibration. The collector can be equilibrated in the stack before and after sampling and between intermittent sampling periods.