How do you do Method 9?
A single Method 9 reading requires a total of 24 visible emissions observations taken at 15-second intervals, for a total of six (6) minutes. Those observations are averaged to calculate the opacity value.
What is the difference between Method 9 and Method 22?
While method 9 is a quantitative test (as it attempts to measure opacity levels and thereby indirectly measure particulate concentrations), method 22 is a qualitative test used only to determine the presence or absence of visible emissions.
What is the standard duration of a Method 9 test?
The duration of the EPA Method 9 test shall be thirty minutes.
How do you do the method 22?
They must be the accumulative type and must measure to at least ½ of a second. If you make observations inside a building, you will need a light meter. The brightness of the lighting must read at least 100 lux or 10 foot candles on the light meter in order to perform Method 22 observations inside a building.
What are the advantages of visual plume evaluation?
With PLUMES it was often difficult to tell how individual cases varied from each other. VP alleviates that problem by file separation, which avoids repetition of ambient data. The advantage of storing the data in separate files is that ambient data files can be used for other projects.
Where should you read a vapor plume?
Determine the Point on the Plume Visible emissions observations should be read at the point of the plume where the opacity is the greatest. Method 9 states that Opacity observations shall be made at the point of greatest opacity in the portion of the plume where condensed water vapor is not present.
Who regulates opacity?
The regulation requires that individuals conducting opacity tests must have completed training conducted by the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology (CCDET) and obtained certification on the proper administration of the SAE J1667 test procedure.
What is opacity testing?
Opacity test means the testing procedure for diesel-powered vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less that measures the amount of light transmitted through an exhaust plume.
What is plume opacity?
The visual impact of primary particles emitted from stacks is regulated according to stack opacity criteria. IMPLICATIONS Stack plume opacity results from the visual effect of (1) particles emitted from the stack and (2) secondary par- ticulate material due to nucleation or condensation of stack gases.
How do you measure opacity?
The opacity of a material is an indication of how much light passes through the material. The higher the opacity, the lower the amount of light that can pass through. Generally, opacity is calculated from reflectance measurements of the material with a black backing and the material with a white backing.
What does an opacity meter measure?
Smoke and smoke opacity meters are instruments measuring the optical properties of diesel exhaust. These instruments have been designed to quantify the visible black smoke emission utilizing such physical phenomena as the extinction of a light beam by scattering and absorption.
How many smoke readings constitute a test run during a smoke School field test?
50 plumes
The certification test consists of showing the candidate a complete run of 50 plumes—25 black plumes and 25 white plumes—generated by a smoke generator.
What is the most common method for monitoring opacity?
For decades, the most common method used to monitor opacity levels has been the EPA method 9 and 22 visual observation tests. Consistent economical compliance relies on a better understanding of these tests, how they related to legacy air permits in the past ,and how they will relate going forward. What are Method 9 and Method 22?
What is a method 9 test and how is it performed?
A method 9 test essentially is a planned observation of the stack conducted by a “smoke reader” – an individual certified to conduct the test per the guidelines in the EPA method 9 publication. During the test, the person observes the plume coming from the stack for a period of time, and makes an assessment of the visual opacity.
What is the plume opacity method?
This method involves the determination of plume opacity by qualified observers. The method includes procedures for the training and certification of observers, and procedures to be used in the field for determination of plume opacity.
What is the @CFR promulgated test method 9?
CFR Promulgated Test Method 9 Visual determination of the opacity of emissions from stationary sources. Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.