Control of Combustion Turbine Particulate Emissions Verified by Improved Measurement Technology

Early field tests on 25- and 33-MW combustion turbines indicated that, with modest controls on fuel sulfur content, compliance with strict regulations on particulate emissions, such as the 10 lb (4.5 kg) per hour Rule 67 of the Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District, was feasible. This paper describes the field development program to demonstrate Rule 67 compliance on an 80-MW combustion turbine for which the 10-lb/hr (4.5-kg/hr) limit is approximately 4 psm by weight. Particulate controls were implemented by installing improved-smoke combustors, and using water injection and low sulfur fuel. Meticulous sampling and analytical procedures were developed, using a specially designed and equipped environmental test laboratory trailer, to study the properties of particulate collection filters, and to improve the precision of measurements from each portion of the particulate sampling system: probe, filter, and water impingers. The test results clearly indicate that with proper attention to the details of sample system preconditioning, sample collection and analysis, the large combustion turbine can comply with the stringent 10-lb/hr (4.5-kg/hr) particulate limit of Rule 67.