ARS | Publication request: Standardization of flux chambers and wind tunnels for area source emission measurements at animal feeding operations

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 27, 2011
Publication Date: September 1, 2011
Citation: Parker, D.B., Ham, J., Woodbury, B.L., Cai, L., Spiehs, M.J., Trabue, S.L., Casey, K., Todd, R.W., Cole, N.A. 2011. Standardization of flux chambers and wind tunnels for area source emission measurements [abstract]. In: Proceedings 242nd American Chemical Society National Meeting, Denver, CO; Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2011. Abstract no. 142.

Technical Abstract: Researchers and practitioners have used many varied designs of wind tunnels and flux chambers to measure the flux of volatile organic compounds, odor, and ammonia from area sources at animal feeding operations. The measured fluxes are used to estimate emission factors or compare treatments. We show that flux of these gas-film limited compounds varies greatly among the types and configurations of measurement devices, leading to highly varied flux estimations of unknown accuracy or comparability. A method was developed for standardizing and comparing flux measurements among the various devices. The method is based on mass-balance-measured evaporative flux at standard temperature. We demonstrate the method using the USEPA flux chamber and two wind tunnels. The method can be adapted to any design of flux chamber or wind tunnel using standard equipment at low cost.