Size Distribution, Chemical Composition, and Hygroscopicity of Fine Particles Emitted from an Oil-Fired Heating Plant

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 47; no. 24; pp. 14468 - 14475
• Main Authors: Happonen, Matti, Mylläri, Fanni, Karjalainen, Panu, Frey, Anna, Saarikoski, Sanna, Carbone, Samara, Hillamo, Risto, Pirjola, Liisa, Häyrinen, Anna, Kytömäki, Jorma, Niemi, Jarkko V, Keskinen, Jorma, Rönkkö, Topi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 17.12.2013
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - analysis; Air pollution; Air pollution caused by fuel industries; Airborne particulates; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Chemicals; Coal-fired power plants; Combustion and energy production; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel Oils; Heating; Metering. Control; Outdoor air quality; Particle Size; Particulate Matter - analysis; Particulate Matter - chemistry; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Wettability; Europe; Finland; Particle size distribution; Fine particle; Heat production; Hygroscopic property; Aerosols; Air pollution; Chemical composition; Light fuel oil; Electric power production; Heavy fuel oil
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es4028056

Heavy fuel oil (HFO) is a commonly used fuel in industrial heating and power generation and for large marine vessels. In this study, the fine particle emissions of a 47 MW oil-fired boiler were studied at 30 MW power and with three different fuels. The studied fuels were HFO, water emulsion of HFO, and water emulsion of HFO mixed with light fuel oil (LFO). With all the fuels, the boiler emitted considerable amounts of particles smaller than 200 nm in diameter. Further, these small particles were quite hygroscopic even as fresh and, in the case of HFO+LFO emulsion, the hygroscopic growth of the particles was dependent on particle size. The use of emulsions and the addition of LFO to the fuel had a reducing effect on the hygroscopic growth of particles. The use of emulsions lowered the sulfate content of the smallest particles but did not affect significantly the sulfate content of particles larger than 42 nm and, further, the addition of LFO considerably increased the black carbon content of particulate matter. The results indicate that even the fine particles emitted from HFO based combustion can have a significant effect on cloud formation, visibility, and air quality.