Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Condensable Particulate Matter from an Ultralow-Emission Coal-Fired Power Plant

Condensable particulate matter is the predominant contributor to the total particulate matter emissions of coal-fired power plants. In the studied ultralow-emission coal-fired power plant, the emission concentrations of condensable and filterable particulate matter in the stack were 1.6 mg/Nm3 and 7.9 mg/Nm3. The organic fraction in condensable particulate matter was mainly composed of alkanes, esters, and other complex organic compounds. The organic fraction comprised 54% of the total concentrations of condensable particulate matter tested at the stack. The organic fraction in condensable particulate matter might contribute significantly to the organic carbon in atmospheric PM2.5. SO42– accounted for the highest concentrations in the inorganic fraction of condensable particulate matter. Na and Ca were predominant metal elements in the inorganic fraction. The inorganic fraction of condensable particulate matter mainly contributed to the water-soluble ions in atmospheric PM2.5. The total particulate matter elimination effect of the air pollution control devices used in the studied plant was good. The removal efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator for condensable particulate matter was much higher than those of the wet flue gas desulfurization system and the wet electrostatic precipitator. The wet flue gas desulfurization system performed well in eliminating the inorganic fraction of condensable particulate matter. Further studies should be conducted on the pollutant control effects of the wet electrostatic precipitator. It is important to study the emission characteristics, chemical compositions, and control methods for condensable particulate matter from coal-fired power plants.