ARS | Publication request: Mote cleaner system PM2.5 emission factors and rate for cotto gins

Submitted to: Journal of Cotton Science
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: January 28, 2013
Publication Date: January 28, 2013
Citation: Buser, M.D., Whitelock, D.P., Boykin Jr, J.C., Holt, G.A. 2013. Mote cleaner system PM2.5 emission factors and rate for cotto gins. Journal of Cotton Science. REPORT #OSU12-59.

Technical Abstract: This manuscript is part of a series of manuscripts that detail a project to characterize cotton gin emissions from the standpoint of stack sampling. The impetus behind the project was the 2006 EPA implementation of a more stringent standard for particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and the fact that there was very little available cotton gin PM2.5 emissions data. The objective for this study was the development of PM2.5 emission factors for cotton gin mote cleaner systems based on the EPA-approved stack sampling methodology, Other Test Method 27. The project plan included sampling seven cotton gins across the Cotton Belt. Key factors for selecting specific cotton gins included: 1) facility location (geographically diverse), 2) industry representative production capacity, 3) typical processing systems. and 4) equipped with properly designed and maintained 1D3D cyclones. Two of the seven gins had mote cleaner systems. The exhaust from one of the mote cleaner systems was combined with the module feeder dust system. In terms of capacity, the two gins were typical of the industry, averaging 35.1 and 47.1 bales/hr during testing for the stand-alone mote cleaner system and mote cleaner and module feeder dust system, respectively. Average measured PM2.5 and total particulate emission factors for the stand-alone mote cleaner system were 0.004 kg/bale (0.008 lb/bale) and 0.065 kg/bale (0.143 lb/bale). The ratio of PM2.5 to total particulate was 5.5%. Average measured PM2.5 emission factors for the mote cleaner system combined with the module feeder dust system was 0.022 kg/bale (0.050 lb/bale); no total particulate emission factor was reported because isokinetics were not met.