Optimal Air Pollution Control Strategy Based on Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

Air pollution prevention and control is one of the key factors for sustainable Environmental Management System. Among all air pollutants, particulate matter attracted considerable attention of researchers. Particles smaller than 10 μm (PM10) & 2.5 μm (PM2.5) are associated with a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Overall collection efficiency of each one of the air pollution control devices depends on particle size distribution (PSD) of inlet stream. Existing air pollution control strategies does not consider PSD of particulate matter emitted into atmosphere and its impact on the environment. In the present work a Mixed Integer Non Linear model has been presented for selection of optimal air pollution control strategy. Collection efficiency of control equipments based on PSD has been considered. The Optimization model presented minimizes total cost of air pollution control strategy including economical and environmental cost meeting prescribed emission norms. The efficacy of the model has been successfully evaluated using a case study of typical process plant. The model presented can be used for selection of optimal emission norms with minimum social cost