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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
08:53
Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants
Published on: September 23, 2013
Continuous emissions monitoring using spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy
A J Hunter1, J R Morency, C L Senior
1Physical Sciences Inc., Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|February 19, 2000
Summary
A novel spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS) instrument effectively monitored airborne lead and chromium in real-time during incinerator tests. This technology demonstrated reliable performance and accurate detection of heavy metals in flue gas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Airborne heavy metals pose environmental and health risks.
- Monitoring particulate matter and aerosols is crucial for emission control.
- Spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS) offers potential for real-time elemental analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a SIBS instrument for monitoring airborne heavy metals.
- To assess the SIBS technology's capability in detecting lead and chromium in simulated flue gas.
- To validate SIBS performance against established EPA Reference Methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a SIBS instrument configured for in situ, real-time measurement.
- Tested the instrument at a rotary kiln incinerator simulator (RKIS) facility.
- Compared SIBS data with concentrations measured by EPA Reference Method 29 for lead and chromium.
Main Results:
- The SIBS technology successfully detected both lead and chromium at target concentrations.
- The instrument operated reliably for over 100 hours with no failures.
- SIBS data acquisition covered 100% of the reference method tests.
- Chromium data showed strong correlation with operational changes known to affect dust entrainment.
Conclusions:
- SIBS is a viable technology for real-time monitoring of airborne heavy metals in industrial emissions.
- The SIBS instrument demonstrated robustness and accuracy in a challenging simulated environment.
- This technology can provide valuable data for environmental compliance and process optimization.
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