Method 30B

Determination of Total Vapor Phase Mercury Emissions From Coal-fired Combustion Sources Using Carbon Sorbent Traps


This method is for the collection and analysis of total vapor phase mercury (Hg) emissions including elemental Hg (Hg0) and oxidized forms of Hg (Hg+2) from coal-fired combustion sources. The sample is collected on a multi-section sorbent tube which is typically activated carbon treated with iodine using a heated probe. The sections are separated with glass wool. The tubes are analyzed using thermal desorption and cold vapor atomic absorbtion (CVAA). For each test it's required to collect the sampling trains in duplicate in order to determine the measurement precision and verify the acceptability of the measured emissions data. The paired tube results must be ≤10% RD (relative deviation) for Hg concentrations >1 μg/dscm (dry standard cubic meter) or ≤20% RD for Hg concentrations ≤1 μg/dscm . A field recovery spike is also required to assess the measurement bias and verify data acceptability. The average recovery must be between 85% and 115% for elemental Hg. The method specified that any sorbent trap and analytical technique that can meet the method performance criteria may be used. The tubes must have at least two sections in order to check for sampling breakthrough. This method is a reference method for the relative accuracy test audits (RATAs) of vapor phase Hg CEMs (continuous emission monitors) installed at coal-fired boilers. It is intended for use under relatively low particulate conditions. High levels of sulfur trioxide may compromise the performance of the sorbent tube mercury capture.


(EPA 40CFR Part 60 Appendix A)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in the method.
Preservatives:   None specified in the method.
Required Preps:   2-section iodinated, acid-washed coconut shell charcoal, 300mg each section
Collection Method:   30B sampling train
Analytical Methodology:   CVAA
Documentation:   30B

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Mercury
Hg
7439-97-6
1
 ng

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.