MULTI-POINT EMISSION SAMPLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for collecting emission samples can include at least one probe having a plurality of elongate tubes, with each tube having an opening formed therein for positioning in an emission producing facility, such as in an outlet duct of a power generating facility. Each of the tubes can be of varying length with the tube openings at a terminal end of each tube, such that the tube openings reside at varying spaced-apart points when positioned in the outlet duct. Suction means, such as an aspirator, can be operatively connected to the plurality of tubes to suction gas in the facility through the openings and into the tubes, so that emissions carried in the suctioned gas are drawn into the plurality of tubes. A collection container can be operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the suction means, such that the emissions are suctioned into the tubes and deposited into the collection container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for obtaining accurate and representative emissions samples, such as emission samples from power generating facilities. A particular embodiment of the invention comprises a system for collecting representative samples of fly ash produced by coal combustion.

Coal-fired power plants, which utilize coal combustion to produce electricity, are a major source of energy today. In coal-fired plants, pulverized coal is burned in a boiler, and the heat generated from the combustion heats water, which produces steam. The steam flows to a turbine that spins a generator to produce electricity. A byproduct of the coal combustion process includes air borne emissions, such as fly ash. Fly ash is typically a fine powdery material, the composition of which can vary depending on the composition of the coal being burned, and the efficiency of the processes and equipment utilized in the coal-fired plant.

Coal combustion emissions, such as fly ash, often contains unwanted pollutants, and therefore can be subject to government environmental regulations. Violations of such environmental laws can result in significant financial penalties for a power generating facility, as well as hurt the relationship between the power facility and the people of the surrounding communities. As such, it is important for power plants to accurately monitor the emissions it is generating, including collecting and analyzing samples of fly ash produced by combustion of coal and other fossil fuels. Collection of fly ash samples has typically been done by plant workers manually collecting samples at the outlet duct. Such manual collection methods are typically work intensive and time consuming for plant workers. In addition, such manual collection methods often garner unrepresentative samples that do not accurately reflect the overall composition of the vast majority of fly ash being emitted from the plant.

SUMMARY OF OBJECTS AND EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a system for collecting representative samples of power plant emissions. Another object of the invention is is to provide an automated system for collecting fly ash samples that can minimize the amount of worker time needed to collect fly ash samples.

These and other objects of the invention can be achieved in the various embodiments of the invention described below. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for collecting emission samples comprises a plurality of elongate tubes, each of the plurality of tubes including an opening formed therein for positioning in an emission producing facility, and the openings reside at varying spaced-apart points in the facility. Suction means are operatively connected to the plurality of tubes to suction gas in the facility through the openings and into the tubes, so that emissions carried in the suctioned gas are drawn into the plurality of tubes. A collection container is operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the suction means, such that the emissions are suctioned into the tubes and deposited into the collection container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of elongate tubes is comprised of at least four elongate tubes of varying length, and the opening of each tube is proximate a first terminal end of each respective tube, such that the tube openings reside at varying depths when positioned in the facility.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the suction means comprises an aspirator operatively connected to the plurality of elongate tubes, wherein the aspirator suctions gas in the facility through the openings of the tubes and into the tubes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the emissions producing facility is a power plant, and a pipe is connected to the aspirator, such that the pipe supplies compressed air from the power plant, and further comprising a valve operatively connected to the pipe and the aspirator for controlling the flow of the compressed air to the aspirator.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the emissions producing facility can be a power plant having an outlet duct, and the tube openings are positioned in the outlet duct. Flue gas flows in the outlet duct along an axis that is substantially parallel to the outlet duct, and the tube openings are positioned to face the flow of flue gas.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the elongate tubes are adapted for being positioned through a top surface of the outlet duct, and each elongate tube includes a nozzle residing substantially parallel to the outlet duct that defines the tube opening, such that the tube openings face the flow of flue gas.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there are means for measuring and controlling the flow of gas in each of the elongate tubes, so that a substantially isokinetic sample of gas from the facility can be collected in each tube.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a substantially equal portion of emissions can be collected in each of the elongate tubes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the means for measuring and controlling the flow of gas comprises an orifice and a control valve operatively connected to each of the elongate tubes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there are a plurality of thermocouples, and each of the thermocouples is operatively connected to one of the elongated tubes and positioned proximate the tube opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there are a plurality of gas sampling ports, and each of the elongated tubes is in communication with one of the plurality of gas sample ports, such that a sample of gas flowing through each of the tubes can be obtained.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the emissions comprise fly ash produced by combustion of fossil fuel.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the sampling apparatus includes a cyclone separator having a first opening in communication with the plurality of elongate tubes, a second opening in communication with the suction means, and a third opening in communication with the collection container. The separator receives the gas suctioned through the tubes and creates a cyclone of the suctioned gas, such that the fly ash in the suctioned gas is separated from the gas and deposited into the collection container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a filter is operatively connected intermediate the suction means and the cyclone separator to capture fly ash escaping the second opening of the cyclone separator while the suction means is operative. The filter is positioned above the cyclone separator, and the cyclone separator is positioned above the collection container, so that the fly ash captured on the filter returns to the cyclone separator and the collection container when the suction means is turned off.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the collection container is removably connected to the cyclone separator proximate the third opening, so that fly ash collected in the collection container can be removed and transported.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for collecting samples of fly ash produced in an emission producing facility comprises at least one probe comprising a plurality of elongate tubes. Each of the plurality of tubes include an opening formed therein for positioning in an outlet duct of the facility, and the openings reside at varying depths of the outlet duct when positioned in the outlet duct. An aspirator is operatively connected to the plurality of tubes to suction flue gas in the facility through the openings and into the tubes, so that fly ash present in the suctioned flue gas is drawn into at least one of the plurality of tubes. A collection container is operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the aspirator, such that the fly ash present in the suctioned flue gas is deposited into the collection container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the probe includes at least four elongate tubes of varying length, and the opening of each tube is proximate a first terminal end of each respective tube, so that the tube openings of each probe reside at varying depths when positioned in the outlet duct of the emission producing facility.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the probe includes a cyclone separator having a first opening operatively connected to the plurality of elongate tubes, a second opening operatively connected to the aspirator, and a third opening operatively connected to the collection container. The cyclone separator receives the flue gas suctioned through the tubes and creates a cyclone of the suctioned flue gas, so that the fly ash in the suction gas is separated from the flue gas and deposited into the collection container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for collecting samples of fly ash emissions from an emission producing facility includes providing an apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate tubes of varying length, each tube having an opening proximate a first terminal end of the tube, an aspirator operatively connected to the plurality of tubes, and a collection container operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the aspirator. At least a portion of each of the plurality of elongate tubes is positioned in an outlet duct of the facility, such that the tube openings reside within the outlet duct. The aspirator is turned on so that flue gas and fly ash present in the flue gas is suctioned in through the tube openings and into the plurality of tubes. The flow of the flue gas in each of the tubes is measured and controlled so that a substantially isokinetic sample of gas from the outlet duct can be collected in each tube, and the fly ash is deposited into the collection container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the collection container is removed from the apparatus after the suctioned fly ash has been deposited into the collection container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects of the invention have been set forth above. Further objects and advantages of the present invention may become apparent as the description of the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a multi-point emission sampling system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, shown in use with a power generating facility according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, illustrating a single probe of the system;

FIG. 5 is another partial perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, illustrating a portion of the probe of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, illustrating another portion of the probe of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is another partial perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial environmental view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, shown in use with a power generating facility;

FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the sampling system of FIG. 1, with a portion of the power generating facility cut away to expose a portion of the sampling system residing therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout, a multi-point emission sampling system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for use in an emission producing facility is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. As used throughout this application, the term “emission producing facility” refers generally to any facility or structure, in which emissions are produced and/or are present, and there is a need or desire to collect samples of the emissions for analysis and/or any other purpose. Examples of such emission producing facilities include, but are not limited to, fossil fuel burning boilers (both industrial and utility), kilns, and/or cement manufacturing plants. “Emission producing facility” can also include any compartments or sections thereof, such as an outlet duct in a power generating facility. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 10 can be used in an emission producing facility, such as a coal-fired power plant 100. The system 10 can be used to collect samples of emissions from the plant 10, such as fly ash produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and/or oil.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the system 10 comprises four probes 11, and each probe 11 includes four elongate intake tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 of varying length. It should be noted that while this particular embodiment of the invention is shown having four probes 11, with four intake tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 each, a greater or lesser number of probes and/or tubes can be utilized with the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 include a nozzle 22, 24, 26, 28, respectively, at the bottom end thereof. The nozzles 22, 24, 26, 28 each include openings 32, 34, 36, 38 formed therein. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the nozzles 22, 24, 26, 28 are substantially curved such that the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 face the general flow of flue gas when the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 are positioned in an outlet duct 110 of the power plant 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In addition, the tube openings 32, 34, 36, 38 are preferably spaced evenly apart from each other and reside at different depths of the outlet duct 110, because the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 are of varying length. Alternatively, the intake tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 could be of equal length, with the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 formed at varying lengths of the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 so that the openings reside at varying depth is within the outlet duct 110.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 of each probe 11 extend upward until terminating together at an upper end leading into a common tube 42. The common tube 42 can be an elbow pipe, which extends into a separating member, such as a conical cyclone separator 40, for separating solid matter, such as ash, dust, particulates and other solids, from the suctioned gas. The cyclone separator 40 has a side opening in communication with the common tube 42, and a bottom opening in communication with a collection container 44. The collection container 44 can be removably attached to the bottom of the cyclone separator 40 via complementary threads or other suitable releasable attachment means. The container 44 can be a jar, canister or other suitable container, made of glass, plastic or other suitable material.

The system 10 includes suction means for suctioning gas into the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 through the openings 32, 34, 36, 38, and up the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18, such as an aspirator 50, shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. The aspirator 50 can be positioned above the cyclone separator 40, and is operatively connected to the cyclone separator 40. The aspirator 50 can be connected to an exit tube 46 that is in communication with a top opening of the cyclone separator 40. A flow of compressed air is provided to the aspirator. The aspirator 50 can be supplied compressed air from the power plant 100 via a pipeline 150. Alternatively, an accumulator can be used to conserve energy and provide the flow of compressed air when needed. The aspirator 50 includes an on/off valve 52 for turning the aspirator 50 on and off. The compressed air line 150 can also include an on/off valve 152.

The system 10 includes means for controlling the flow of gas in each of the elongate tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 of each probe 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the elongate tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can include an orifice 60 and a control valve 62 for providing individual control of the flow of gas in each tube 12, 14, 16, 18.

The tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can also include gas sampling ports 64 that allow for obtaining a sample of the gas flowing through each tube 12, 14, 16, 18. The system 10 can also include thermocouples 66 operatively connected to each tube 12, 14, 16, 18 for obtaining data regarding the temperature in the outlet duct 110. The sensors of the thermocouples 66 are preferably positioned proximate the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 of the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18.

In a preferred method of using the multi-point emission sampling system 10, the system 10 can be used to obtain fly ash samples from the coal-fired power plant 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the coal-fired plant 100 can include a coal pulverizer 112, a boiler 114, a fan boosted over fire air system 116, a primary air fan 118, a force draft fan 120, an air heater 122 and the gas outlet 110.

As shown in FIG. 6, the four probes 11 can be mounted on a support frame 70 positioned over the top surface of the outlet duct 110 of the power plant 100. Preferably, the four probes 11 are positioned substantially parallel to each other, and linearly, such that the probes 11 lie in a common horizontal plane when mounted on the support frame 60, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the intake tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 of the four probes 11 are positioned through openings in the top surface of the outlet duct 110, and into the interior of the outlet duct 110. Preferably, the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 are positioned substantially perpendicular to the flow of flue gas coming through the outlet duct 100, such that the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 face the flow of flue gas, as shown in FIG. 9. The openings 32, 34, 36, 38 of the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 reside at different depths within the outlet duct 110, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9. Other portions of the four probes 11, including the cyclone separator 40, the collection container 44, the aspirator 50, the tube orifices 60 and control valves 62, the gas sampling ports 64, and the thermocouples 66 remain above the outlet duct 110, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Flue gas flows through the outlet duct 110 to exit the power plant 100. As the flue gas flows in a stream that is substantially parallel to the outlet duct 110, the aspirator 50 suctions at least some of the exiting flue gas “G” into the tube openings 32, 34, 36, 38 of the probes 11, as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the tube openings 32, 34, 36, 38 of the four probes provide an evenly spaced apart grid of sixteen points within the outlet duct 110 from which flue gas samples are collected. As such, an accurate and representative sampling of flue gas from the power plant 100 can be obtained. It should be noted that while the system 10 is described as having four probes 11, each with four intake tubes 12, 14, 16, 18, a greater number of probes 11 and/or tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can be utilized to provide a greater number of collection points within the outlet duct 110 of the power plant 100 if desired. The number of probes 11 and/or tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can be varied to accommodate outlet ducts 110 or other sampling areas of varying sizes. Also, while the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 of the system 10 are shown as being adjacent to each other, such that the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 are almost in a vertical line, the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can be spaced apart from each other, such that the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 reside at substantially spaced apart vertical planes when the tubes are positioned in the outlet duct 110. Furthermore, while the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 are shown as being positioned through the top surface of the outlet duct 110, alternatively, the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 could be positioned through the sidewall or bottom wall of the outlet duct 110 or other structure from which a sample is to be obtained.

The suctioned flue gas flows up the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18. Because each tube 12, 14, 16, 18 includes an orifice 60 and a control valve 62 installed, the gas flow in each tube 12, 14, 16, 18 can be individually measured and controlled. As such, the gas flow through each tube opening 32, 34, 36, 38 can be controlled so that it is substantially equal to the flow of gas in the outlet duct 110, and a substantially isokinetic sample of flue gas can be obtained from each tube 12, 14, 16, 18. Also, a substantially equal amount of flue gas can be obtained from each tube 12, 14, 16, 18, and the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 can be blown back if pluggage should occur.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flue gas “G” in the tubes 12, 14, 16, 18 flows up into the common tube 42, and flows into the cyclone separator 40, where the flue gas “G” is cycloned, and fly ash and other solid material “A” carried in the flue gas “G” falls to the bottom of the separator 40. The separated fly ash “A” falls through the bottom opening of the separator 40 and into the collection container 44 below the separator 40, and the flue gas “G” travels up the exit tube 46 and exits the system 10 through an outlet 56. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a filter 48 is positioned in the exit tube 46 above the cyclone separator 40 to capture fly ash that does not initially separate into the container 44, but instead flows upward with the flue gas. When the aspirator 50 is turned off so that gas “G” is no longer being suctioned through the system 10, the fly ash “A” captured on the filter 48 falls down into the collection container 44.

The separated fly ash “A” is held in the collection container 44, thereby providing an accurate and representative sampling of the fly ash “A” being produced and emitted from the power plant 100. As noted above, the collection container 44 can be removable from the separator 40. Accordingly, the container 44 holding the fly ash sample can be removed, such as by unscrewing complementary threads, and transported away from the system 10 to a remote destination, such as a laboratory for analysis. Laboratory analysis of the fly ash sample can determine the presence of multiple pollutants, including dioxin and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Also, the fly ash sample can be analyzed for particle sizing to determine pulverizer performance.

It should be noted that while the multi-point emission sampling system 10 is described above as being used in the outlet duct 110 of a power plant 100, the system 10 can be used in other ways and environments. For example, the system 10 can be utilized at the precipitator inlet in order to collect a fly ash sample for analysis in order to determine additives and dosages required for precipitator performance. The system 10 can also be utilized as a tool for collecting ash, gas and temperature measurements to determine flue gas due point, in order to avoid ash collector and back end corrosion. Furthermore, the system 10 can be utilized for combustion tuning and optimization. The system 10 can be used in a variety of dust laden work environments, such as coal fired boilers, oil fired boilers, wood fired boilers, kilns and cement manufacturing facilities, to collect representative emission samples. The emission samples can be comprised of particles ranging in size from one micron to one-eighth of an inch.

Because it is automated, the multi-point emission sampling system 10 can minimize the labor required to collect an accurate fly ash sample. The system 10 is capable of collecting individual samples per probe 11 and/or per tube opening 12, 14, 16, 18 to determine the level of carbon in the fly ash or the limiting oxygen index (LOI) across the outlet duct 110 to assist with combustion and performance tuning. Preferably, the system 10 can operate in a temperature range of ambient to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and can operate in a duct static pressure range from −60″ w.c. to 60″ w.c. The system 10 can be used to collect samples of solid particles from nearly zero to 525 grains/ft³ (equivalent to one pound of ash per pound of flue gas at standard conditions), but sampling times can vary.

A multi-point emission sampling system, and methods of using same are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. The foregoing description of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for collecting emission samples comprising:

(a) a plurality of elongate tubes, each of the plurality of tubes including an opening formed therein for positioning in an emission producing facility, wherein the openings reside at varying spaced-apart points in the facility;

(b) suction means operatively connected to the plurality of tubes for suctioning gas in the facility through the openings and into the tubes, whereby emissions carried in the suctioned gas are drawn into at least one of the plurality of tubes; and

(c) a collection container operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the suction means, whereby the emissions are suctioned into the tubes and deposited into the collection container.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongate tubes comprises at least four elongate tubes of varying length, and the opening of each tube is proximate a first terminal end of each respective tube, whereby the tube openings reside at varying depths when positioned in the facility.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction means comprises an aspirator operatively connected to the plurality of elongate tubes, wherein the aspirator suctions gas in the facility through the openings of the tubes and into the tubes.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the emissions producing facility comprises a fossil fuel burning boiler, and further comprising:

(a) a pipe connected to the aspirator, wherein the pipe supplies compressed air from the boiler; and

(b) a valve operatively connected to the pipe and the aspirator for controlling the flow of the compressed air to the aspirator.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emissions producing facility comprises a boiler having an outlet duct, and the tube openings are positioned in the outlet duct, and further wherein the gas in the facility comprises flue gas flowing through the outlet duct, and the tube openings are positioned to face the flue gas flowing through the outlet duct.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the elongate tubes are adapted for being positioned through a top surface of the outlet duct, and further wherein each elongate tube includes a nozzle residing substantially parallel to the outlet duct and defining the tube opening.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for measuring and controlling the flow of gas in each of the elongate tubes, whereby a substantially isokinetic sample of gas from the facility is collected in each tube.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a substantially equal portion of emissions is collected in each of the elongate tubes.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for measuring and controlling the flow of gas comprises an orifice and a control valve operatively connected to each of the elongate tubes.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of thermocouples, wherein each of the thermocouples is operatively connected to one of the elongated tubes and positioned proximate the tube opening.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gas sampling ports, wherein each of the elongated tubes is in communication with one of the plurality of gas sample ports, whereby a sample of gas flowing through each of the tubes can be obtained.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emissions comprise fly ash produced by combustion of fossil fuel.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a cyclone separator having a first opening in communication with the plurality of elongate tubes, a second opening in communication with the suction means, and a third opening in communication with the collection container, the separator receiving the gas suctioned through the tubes and creating a cyclone of the suctioned gas, wherein the fly ash in the suctioned gas is deposited into the collection container.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a filter operatively connected intermediate the suction means and the cyclone separator for capturing fly ash escaping the second opening of the cyclone separator while the suction means is operative, wherein the filter is positioned above the cyclone separator and the cyclone separator is positioned above the collection container, whereby the fly ash captured on the filter returns to the cyclone separator and the collection container when the suction means is inoperative.

15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the collection container is removably connected to the cyclone separator proximate the third opening, whereby fly ash collected in the collection container can be removed and transported.

16. An apparatus for collecting samples of fly ash produced by combustion of fossil fuel in an emission producing facility comprising:

(a) at least one probe comprising a plurality of elongate tubes, each of the plurality of tubes including an opening formed therein for positioning in the facility, and wherein the openings reside at varying points within the facility when positioned in the facility;

(b) an aspirator operatively connected to the plurality of tubes for suctioning flue gas in the facility through the openings and into the tubes, whereby fly ash present in the suctioned flue gas is drawn into at least one of the plurality of tubes; and

(c) a collection container operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the aspirator, whereby the fly ash present in the suctioned flue gas is deposited into the collection container.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the emission producing facility includes an outlet duct, and further wherein the at least one probe comprises at least four elongate tubes of varying length, and the opening of each tube is proximate a first terminal end of each respective tube, whereby the tube openings of each probe reside at varying depths of the outlet duct when positioned in the outlet duct of the emission producing facility.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one probe further comprises a cyclone separator having a first opening operatively connected to the plurality of elongate tubes, a second opening operatively connected to the aspirator, and a third opening operatively connected to the collection container, the cyclone separator receiving the flue gas suctioned through the tubes and creating a cyclone of the suctioned flue gas, wherein the fly ash in the suction gas is separated from the flue gas and deposited into the collection container.

19. A method for collecting samples of fly ash emissions in an emission producing facility comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an apparatus comprising: (i) a plurality of elongate tubes of varying length, each tube having an opening proximate a first terminal end of the tube, (ii) an aspirator operatively connected to the plurality of tubes, and (iii) a collection container operatively connected to the plurality of tubes and the aspirator;

(b) positioning at least a portion of each of the plurality of elongate tubes in the emission producing facility, such that the tube openings reside within the facility;

(c) activating the aspirator, and suctioning flue gas in the facility through the tube openings and into the plurality of tubes whereby the fly ash present in the suctioned flue gas is suctioned into the tubes;

(d) measuring and controlling flow of the flue gas in each of the elongate tubes, whereby a substantially isokinetic sample of flue gas from the facility is collected in each tube; and

(e) separating the fly ash from the suctioned flue gas.

20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

(a) depositing the fly ash into the collection container; and

(b) removing the collection container from the apparatus after the suctioned fly ash has been deposited into the collection container.