The evolution and impact of testing baghouse filter performance

Abstract

In 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program for the purpose of generating both independent and credible performance verification of innovative technologies and helping to accelerate acceptance of these products into the marketplace to further benefit the environment and protect public health. The EPA has approved a testing protocol under this program to verify the performance of commercially available filtration products for pulse-jet baghouses in removing fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm; PM2.5). This verification testing protocol was later used as a basis for the development of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method D6830-02 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Method 11057. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California and the EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) highly encourage the use of ETV/ASTM-verified filtration media. This paper highlights the evolution of the standard test methods, the EPA's and SCAQMD's regulatory activities, the benefits of using verified filtration media, and the importance of including the filter performance testing in future consideration of baghouse permitting, baghouse operation and maintenance (O&M) plans, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and bag monitoring plans. Implications: Environmental engineers, managers, and the public will benefit from the information related to the PM2.5 emissions documented in the EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program for baghouse filtration products. The South Coast Air Quality Management District and the EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards are in support of the ETV program. Baghouse users are recommended to use the ETV-verified filtration products and incorporate the performance testing in their baghouse monitoring program. This action will reduce air pollution and create a positive impact on public health and public relations.