Characterization of Emissions of Condensable Particulate Matter in Clinker Kilns Using a Dilution Sampling System

Although significant steps have been taken over the last few decades in terms of creating policies aimed at controlling emissions, with the consequent toughening of the emission thresholds, the damage to air quality caused by particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter particles currently represents a major worry on a global scale, mainly as a result of its involvement in significant harm to human health and the environment alike. Within this subgroup, the condensable particulate matter (CPM) produced in large combustion plants is susceptible to being a major contributor to the total mass of fine particles present in the air that we breathe. This work compiles the results obtained from CPM concentration measurements taken at the source of combustion gas emissions in an industrial clinker kiln, using an innovative sampling train developed at the University of Seville. In addition to this and applying adequate analytical techniques, we have characterized the nature of the CPM emitted at this facility and its morphology, obtaining varying results, depending upon the nature of the fuel in question, the raw material involved in the process, and the different operating modes of the system. The conclusion to this paper confirms that clinker production plants emit CPM in concentrations that are below the current legal limits for particle emissions in this kind of facility, although they are, for the most part, higher than the usual emissions of filterable particles.