8 - Treatment of Air Discharges from Industry

Abstract

The discharge, or release, of substances to the air is regarded as air pollution. Discharges can be direct, by means of a stack, vent, or hood, or indirect, by way of leaks from a building's windows, doors, or other openings. Discharges can be in one of the two categories: within compliance or out of compliance. Major sources of criteria pollutants and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are regulated by the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, and administered by state or local air quality management agencies. After all potential sources of air pollutants have been identified, the process of developing an air-pollution-control plan can begin. Control of the discharges of air pollutants from industries can be organized into three categories: waste minimization and reduction at the source, containment, and removal by use of one or more treatment technologies. In general, there are five methods used for controlling particulate emissions: gravity separators, inertial separators, electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, and wet scrubbers. Treatment objectives are needed to complete the development of the design criteria for handling and treatment equipment. When designed, operated, and maintained properly, biofilter technology offers an effective, low-cost solution to control air pollution.