Project/Task Organization and Schedule
Personnel and Agencies Involved
Larry Jacobson University of Minnesota 612-625-8288 jacob007@maroon.tc.umn.edu Dick Nicolai University of Minnesota 612-625-3701 nicol009@tc.umn.edu
Verlyn Johnson University of Minnesota 612-625-2720 Johns357@tc.umn.edu
Phil Goodrich University of Minnesota 612-625-
David Schmidt University of Minnesota 612-625-
Jiqin Ni Purdue University 765-494-1195 jiqin@ecn.purdue.edu
Teng Lim Purdue University 765-494-1195 limt@purdue.edu
Yuanhui Zhang University of Illinois 217-333-
2693 yhz@sugar.age.uiuc.edu
Matt Robert University of Illinois 217-333-2611 m-robert@age.uiuc.edu Joshua McClure University of Illinois 217-244-
Steven Hoff Iowa State University 515-294-
Dwaine Bundy Iowa State University 515-294-
David Beasley North Carolina State Univ 919-515-
Gerald Baughman North Carolina State Univ 919-515-
Jodi Pace North Carolina State University 919-513-
Roberto Munillo North Carolina State University 919-515-
Bok-Haeng Baek Texas A&M University 806-359-
Confidential Indiana Producer Confidential Confidential
Confidential Iowa Producer Confidential Confidential
Confidential Minnesota Producer Confidential Confidential
Confidential North Carolina Producer Confidential Confidential
Confidential Illinois Producer Confidential Confidential
Confidential Texas Producer Confidential Confidential
Personnel Responsibilities/Project Organization
Project Leaders Jacobson and Heber
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Heber
QAPP Review/Approval Jacobson, PIs, EPA advisors
Internal QA/QC Audits of Field Tests PIs
External Field Oversight Heber, PIs
Field Data Analysis Heber, PIs
Data Compilation/Final Report PIs
Final Report Review & Approval Jacobson/Heber/Hegg
Project Schedule
Figure 1 Locations of measurement sites.
CO 2 2K from TEOMs in barns
5/16”or 7.9 mm OD, 3/16”or 4.8 mm ID vinyl tubing 7/8”or 22.2 mm OD, 5/8”or 15.9 mm ID vinyl tubing 3/8”or 9.5 mm OD, ẳ”ID or 6.4 mm Teflon tubing
1/4”or 6.4 mm OD, 1/8”or 3.2 mm ID Teflon tubing PS: pressure sensor
Problem Definition/Background
Air pollutants in livestock buildings pose significant health risks to both animals and workers, as well as potential environmental pollution Key pollutants of concern include ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and particulate matter (PM10 and TSP) Additionally, odors from these facilities can create nuisances for nearby communities While carbon dioxide (CO2) is recognized as a major greenhouse gas, it is primarily measured to evaluate building ventilation, with vegetation serving as an important sink for these emissions.
Project/Task Description
Project Objectives
The objectives of this study are to:
1 Quantify aerial pollutant emissions from confined animal buildings.
2 Provide valid baseline data on aerial emissions from typical U.S livestock and poultry buildings to regulators, producers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders.
3 Determine long-term characteristics of odor, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and particulate matter emissions from representative types of livestock and poultry buildings.
4 Study trends of ventilation rate, animal weight, humidity, temperature, and manure management on aerial pollutant emissions.
Project Description
A collaborative emission measurement campaign involving Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas will assess aerial pollutant emissions from livestock and poultry buildings Each state will utilize mobile laboratories to collect data on emissions from swine and poultry, with monitoring plans detailed in Appendices A-F The mobile labs, positioned between two identical production barns, will be equipped with gas sampling systems, analyzers, and environmental instrumentation This study will span 15 months, commencing in summer/fall 2002, to ensure comprehensive long-term emission characterization and meet regulatory needs for annual emission factors Continuous sampling will capture variations in emissions influenced by seasonal changes, animal growth cycles, and daily fluctuations.
Aerial pollutant emissions will be directly measured at the source, specifically at the exhaust of two mechanically ventilated animal buildings Each laboratory will monitor concentrations of NH3, H2S, CO2, and PM10 in the exhaust fans and air inlets, while continuously tracking building airflow Spot measurements of odor emissions will occur bi-monthly, with periodic assessments of total suspended particulates (TSP) Emission rates for gases, odors, and particulate matter (PM10, TSP) will be calculated by multiplying the concentration differences between inlet and outlet air by the building's airflow rates, with calculations performed every five minutes during each sampling period.
Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement Data
The primary goal of this research is to ensure high data quality that meets the project's objectives To achieve this, the data will undergo a thorough quality assurance review, evaluating key aspects such as representativeness, completeness, comparability, and accuracy.
Data representativeness is crucial for accurately reflecting population characteristics at specific sampling points, as highlighted by the USEPA guidelines Recent research indicates significant seasonal variations in gas and dust emissions within confined animal buildings (CAB), with NH3 emissions per animal unit in July being approximately four times higher than in April, and even greater fluctuations observed for H2S emissions To ensure data representativeness and comprehensively assess seasonal impacts on air quality, measurements should span all four seasons or an entire year, conducted at the same site and building This consistency is essential, as variations in site, building structure, and farming practices can obscure seasonal effects A robust sampling design, characterized by high-frequency sampling over a 15-month period in two similar side-by-side barns, will enhance data representativeness.
The variability in ventilation exhaust air streams and significant background concentrations at CAB complicate the selection of measurement locations for pollutant concentrations that accurately reflect the overall exhaust mean To ensure data representativeness, it is crucial to carefully select buildings and utilize multiple exhaust locations, ideally two to four, in addition to measuring concentrations at the ventilation inlet Optimal placement of exhaust measurement points should be tailored to each site due to the diverse building layouts and configurations, as detailed in the site monitoring plans in the Appendices.
Data completeness refers to the percentage of valid measurements collected from a measurement system compared to the planned measurements It is crucial for ensuring the reliability of data, as outlined in the EPA's guidance for quality assurance project plans Achieving data completeness can be challenging due to various factors such as potential lightning strikes, equipment failures, academic schedules, agricultural issues, and budget constraints for additional monitoring.
To ensure data completeness, it is essential to monitor a single site to minimize installation time, utilize well-maintained and reliable instruments, and keep a sufficient supply of spare parts Additionally, installing electrical backups like uninterruptible power supplies, conducting regular calibration checks, enabling frequent remote access to the DAQ computer, and fostering collaboration among producers are crucial steps in maintaining data integrity.
To ensure data comparability, we will utilize consistent analytical methods and sampling protocols aligned with recent emission studies in confined livestock and poultry facilities Additionally, we will compare our measurements with prior mass balance and emissions rate estimates documented for swine and poultry buildings, as well as evaluate the measured results against a nitrogen mass balance.
S at the test buildings, and 4) requiring all study partners to use common equipment and protocol.
Accuracy is a critical quality indicator that encompasses both bias, which refers to systematic error, and precision, indicating random error It measures how closely individual or average measurements align with the true value, expressed as a percentage increase or decrease from the known value, as well as the absolute difference between measured and known values Precision, on the other hand, assesses the consistency of replicate measurements taken under similar conditions, defined by the standard deviation of these measurements as a percentage difference from the known value To ensure both accuracy and precision, regular calibration of instruments is essential, involving the performance of replicate analyses on samples with known concentrations.
If any acceptance criteria outlined in Table 2 are not met, an immediate review of sampling and analytical practices will be conducted to address the issue, rendering any data collected under these circumstances as invalid.
Special Training/Certification
Field measurement personnel will possess relevant training and experience, either from university programs or equivalent industry training This expertise will be developed through multiple in-person meetings and workshops conducted by the APECAB research team, guided by knowledgeable members A comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be established and managed by Al Heber and the Purdue Agricultural Air Quality Lab throughout the project, ensuring accessibility at each research site.
Documents and Records
Each university partner will maintain permanent ink field logs that document site drawings, daily monitoring notes, field quality control results, and any deviations from the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Essential information, including the sample collector's details, time, weather conditions, and other relevant parameters, will be meticulously recorded Chain of custody forms will be preserved for all samples analyzed off-site These logs will be stored in a centralized location within the field laboratory Corrections to any accountable documents will be made by striking through errors with a single line, followed by initialing and dating the correction, while a third-party witness will sign and date all log entries.
The collaborating producer will maintain detailed records of animal mortalities, inventory, weight, and production metrics such as egg yield Additionally, they will track water and nutrient consumption, as well as document significant activities including generator tests, manure management, dietary changes, animal health assessments, temperature settings, ventilation adjustments, building sanitation, and power outages A standardized form for these records is needed; any existing templates would be appreciated.
Records resulting from this project will be retained for a period of not less than five years following the end of the project.
This article outlines the methodologies for data generation and acquisition, beginning with an overview of the project's experimental design Subsequent sections detail the sampling methods, analytical techniques, sample handling procedures, and data management strategies employed in the study.
The basis for the experimental design of this project is continuous measurements of gas and PM concentrations, periodic measures of odor concentration, and building ventilation rates
The gas sampling system (SOP 2) involves collecting gas samples from two to four exhaust air locations, a group of ventilation inlets, and a group for animal exposure Each gas sampling location group (SLG) will include multiple tubes that transport air into a mixing manifold from various sampling points For instance, the animal exposure SLG will consist of two or three tubes that gather air from representative sampling locations.
For a large house equipped with 50 to 90 fans, or a swine finishing building with at least four variable speed fans, a minimum of four emission points is recommended However, depending on the specific layout and number of fans at certain farms, only two exhaust points may be necessary Additionally, multiple inlet locations might be required, especially in structures with preheated hallways or both ceiling and end wall inlets When assessing emission rates, spatial variation between fans must be considered, particularly if they are distanced apart or located in different areas, such as one in a pit and another in a wall In scenarios where fans are clustered, like in tunnel ventilation systems, a single exhaust point can effectively represent the airflow from all fans.
Exhaust fans can be configured in various ways, such as four pit exhaust fans or five end wall tunnel fans (Heber et al., 2001) Individual sampling points are preferable to composited points because they allow for data integrity; if one fan fails, the overall data remains valid Additionally, not all exhaust points may operate continuously, and multiple fans might have different capacities By averaging individual concentrations, we can obtain a mean value while retaining specific information about each exhaust point's characteristics In contrast, composited data only provides an overall mean, obscuring the contributions from each individual point.
Air sampling will be conducted at 12 locations, with each site measured for 5 minutes, resulting in a total sampling cycle of 60 minutes This approach allows for 24 sampling periods per day at each location, as detailed in Table 1 To ensure accurate gas concentration readings, the first 4 minutes of data will be disregarded to allow gas analyzers to stabilize A preliminary test using a 50-L calibration gas bag will determine if this purge period achieves a minimum 90% response rate If a gas analyzer, such as CO2, reaches equilibrium faster, the initial data exclusion may be reduced to 2 or 3 minutes Conversely, if the equilibrium time exceeds 5 minutes, the sampling duration will be extended accordingly.
Hourly sampling at each site is deemed adequate to monitor emission variations, particularly with two to four exhaust locations in each building This approach allows for the measurement of pollutant concentrations in exhaust air between 48 and 96 times daily for each building.
The duration of samples at a specific location is determined by multiplying the total number of samples by the readings per sample, resulting in 24 minutes, which is 1/60th of a day While this may appear to be a minimal amount of time, the key factor is the frequency of sampling in relation to the variability of the measured emissions, rather than the total sampling duration The 24 one-minute samples are strategically spaced throughout the day, effectively capturing the diurnal variations in emissions.
2.1.2 Gas Concentration Sampling and Measurement
The ammonia concentration will be measured using a chemiluminescence NH3 analyzer (Model 17C, Thermal Environmental Instruments, Franklin, MA), which integrates an NH3 converter with an NO-NO2-NOx analyzer The analyzer's full scale will be adjusted between 20 to 200 ppm based on anticipated maximum levels within the building, such as 150 ppm for layer housing and 24 ppm for swine finishing If initial measurements of NO and NO2 are minimal, the analyzer will effectively provide accurate results.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) will be accurately measured in real time using a pulsed fluorescence sulfur dioxide (SO2) detector (TEI Model 45C), following the conversion of H2S to SO2 with a converter (TEI Model 340) as outlined in SOP 4 The SO2 analyzer operates within a range of 0.05 to 100 ppm, featuring a response time of 60 seconds and a 10-second averaging time, with a sample flow rate of 0.5 L/min It ensures a guaranteed precision of 1% of the reading or 1 ppb, whichever is greater, with the data averaging time set to 60 seconds.
Prior to testing and on a weekly basis, zero and span checks will be conducted The calibrations will utilize zero air, sulfur dioxide (SO2) in nitrogen (N2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in nitrogen (N2).
The CO2 concentrations will be assessed using photoacoustic infrared analyzers with 2,000-ppm and 10,000-ppm capabilities (Model 3600, Mine Safety Appliances, Co., Pittsburgh, PA) This sensor employs dual frequency photoacoustic infrared absorption technology and is adjusted for water vapor interference The analyzer guarantees an accuracy of ±2% of full scale, with a sample flow rate of approximately 1.0 L/min, as detailed in the MSA Model 3600 NEMA 4X Infrared Gas Monitor Instruction Manual.
The TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) will be utilized to continuously monitor PM10 particles, which are 10 μm and smaller This device, equipped with the appropriate inlet, is recognized by the USEPA as an equivalent method for measuring PM10 levels.
No EQPM-1090-079) See SOP 6 for more details on the description, operation, calibration and maintenance of the TEOM.
Continuous PM10 sampling will be performed with the TEOM at one minimum winter ventilation fan in each building, alongside an exhaust air sampling point The sampling location will be inside the building, positioned near the fan inlet but sufficiently distanced to prevent anisokinetic sampling issues, ensuring air velocity around the sampling head does not exceed 400 fpm (2 m/s), which aligns with the minimum air velocity in tunnel-ventilated buildings during summer Additionally, periodic measurements of particle size distribution will utilize a multistage cascade impactor and aerodynamic particle sizers, including the TSI Model APS 3320 for 0.5-20 μm particles and the TSI Model APS DPS for particles ranging from 0.3 to 700 μm.
Measurement Data Acquisition 12 1 Experimental Design
PM 10 Sampling
The TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) will be utilized to continuously monitor PM10 particles, which are 10 micrometers and smaller This device, equipped with the appropriate inlet, is recognized by the USEPA as an equivalent method for measuring PM10 levels.
No EQPM-1090-079) See SOP 6 for more details on the description, operation, calibration and maintenance of the TEOM.
Continuous PM10 sampling will be conducted using a TEOM at a winter ventilation fan in each building, alongside an exhaust air sampling point The sampling will take place indoors, close to the fan inlet but positioned to prevent anisokinetic sampling issues, with air velocity around the sampling head maintained at 400 fpm (2 m/s) or less, reflecting the minimum air velocity in summer tunnel-ventilated buildings Additionally, periodic measurements of particle size distribution will be performed using a multistage cascade impactor and aerodynamic particle sizers, including the TSI Model APS 3320 for 0.5-20 μm particles and the TSI Model APS DPS for particles ranging from 0.3 to 700 μm.
The total suspended particulates (TSP) concentration at the exhaust fan inlets will be measured gravimetrically using a multipoint sampler that draws 20 L/min through 37-mm glass fiber filters housed in a two-piece open face filter holder, employing a critical venturi method Filters will be replaced weekly and positioned at three different heights within the fan for comprehensive analysis.
Temperature and Relative Humidity Measurement
Ambient temperature will be monitored to calculate the mean daily temperature for comparison with historical data and to analyze its impact on emission rates Accurate volume correction to standard conditions requires measuring the temperature and humidity of exhaust air, as well as barometric pressure Sixteen copper-constantan thermocouples (Type T) will be strategically placed in various locations, including heated raceways, the trailer and instrumentation area, animal exposure zones, summer and winter air inlets, and exhaust sampling points These thermocouples will be utilized in conjunction with a 16-bit thermocouple module (FP-TC-120, National) for precise temperature sensing.
Instruments, Austin, TX) The sensors will be calibrated prior to and following each 15-month monitoring period using a constant-temperature bath
An electronic RH/temp transmitter (Model HMW61, Vaisala, Woburn, MA) housed in a NEMA
Four enclosures will be utilized to monitor temperature and relative humidity at key exhaust points within each building An electronic RH/temp transmitter, specifically the Model HMD60YO from Vaisala, equipped with a passive solar radiation shield, will measure these parameters at a designated outdoor location between the buildings Both the HMW61 and HMD60YO RH/temp transmitters utilize a HUMICAP sensor unit, ensuring ±2% accuracy for relative humidity levels ranging from 0 to 90%, and ±3% accuracy for levels between 90% and 100%.
Pressure Measurement
Continuous monitoring of static pressure will be implemented in buildings adjacent to exhaust fans using a differential pressure transmitter (Setra Part No 2671-100-L-B-11-9K-F-N), featuring a range of ±100 Pa and an accuracy of ±0.5 Pa, or an alternative range of 0-100 Pa with an accuracy of ±1 Pa This differential pressure measurement is crucial for assessing the ventilation system's performance and calculating fan airflow To ensure accurate readings, the pressure sensor will undergo zero calibration and will be compared with an inclined manometer at various span pressures Additionally, static pressure taps will be designed to mitigate the impact of wind-induced air movement on the measurements.
Atmospheric pressure will be monitored with a barometric pressure transducer in the TEOM.
Ventilation Fan Monitoring
The operation of exhaust fans will be monitored using auxiliary contacts from motor relays, voltage relays, current relays, and various limit switches, including Grainger 4B799 and sail limit switches These components will interface with a data acquisition system in a mobile lab, with a focus on methods that accurately measure air velocity within the exhaust fan housing To ensure reliable data, an average of sixty 1.0-Hz readings will be recorded every minute.
Estimating airflow in a building involves comparing measured static pressure to published fan curves; however, this method may introduce systematic errors due to factors like dust buildup, belt wear, and shutter degradation Recent unpublished tests indicate that actual airflow can be 5 to 25% lower than the published data (Heber, 2002), and field measurements of fan airflow capacity can be inaccurate by more than 10% This discrepancy can lead to inflated emissions reports unless corrected To obtain precise airflow measurements, a FANS analyzer (Becker, 1999) will be employed, utilizing a calibrated anemometer system with multiple traversing impellers Calibration of the FANS analyzer will ideally occur at the University of Illinois BESS Lab, which can measure fan capacity with an accuracy of ±2% using standard methods (AMCA).
1985) The spot measurements will be conducted in summer, fall and winter and will consist of at least three replications per fan each time.
To calculate the total building airflow rate, multiply the representative fan airflow rate by the number of identical operating fans The representative airflow rate for each set of identical fan models is determined by measuring 25% of the fans using the FANS analyzer If the coefficient of variation exceeds 5%, additional fans will be assessed with the FANS analyzer This method provides an estimated accuracy of ±10% in measuring the daily mean building airflow.
For ongoing monitoring of fan performance and airflow, a bi-directional vane anemometer (SVA), which is smaller in diameter than the fan itself, can be calibrated at the UIUC BESS lab and installed on representative fans in the field The key benefit of using an SVA is its ability to effectively account for the impacts of wind and building static pressure To ensure accuracy, these anemometers must be calibrated during both the BESS tests and the field tests conducted with the FANS analyzer.
Continuous monitoring of wind speed and direction will be conducted using a wind direction vane and a cup anemometer This wind data will be utilized to correlate and validate the effects of wind-induced static pressure on fan airflow.
Sampling Methods
For determining emission factors, odor samples will be collected from ventilation inlet and outlet
Odor samples will be collected bi-monthly, adjusted for animal flow, using Teflon sample tubing and 10-L Tedlar bags Each building will have duplicate samples taken from an inlet location and triplicate samples from two exhaust locations, resulting in a total of eight samples per building Detailed sampling locations are provided in the appendix alongside the building layout figures.
The collected samples will undergo evaluation for dilutions to threshold (DT) within 30 hours using the AC'SCENT® International Olfactometer from St Croix Sensory, Inc in Minnesota The timing of the sampling will be based on specific site information.
2 animal flow within the building
3 comparability to other building types.
4 representative of the odor emissions from this building.
5 valid data for input to setback guidelines and models, and air dispersion models.
6 correlation with gas and dust concentrations.
Samples will be collected directly from the sampling manifold exhaust in the trailer, with a bag attached to a port downstream of the sampling pump to fill under its pressure During this process, automatic sampling by the DAQ system will pause, but gas monitoring at the selected location will persist The specific location will be manually chosen using the LabView program, as detailed in SOP 13 on Data Acquisition Software After allowing at least seven minutes for equilibrium, the bag will be filled one-third full for preconditioning, then emptied before being filled with the sample.
Collecting air samples in the trailer minimizes the risk of sampling errors and human mistakes associated with working outside in extreme weather conditions Additionally, gathering samples indoors is not recommended due to potential animal disturbances, which could lead to increased odor emissions.
Samples will be collected using 10- to 50-liter Tedlar™ bags, which are 0.05 mm thick and equipped with polypropylene fittings To ensure accuracy, each bag will be flushed with compressed air or nitrogen at least three times before sampling, and new bags will be utilized for each collection.
Sample Handling and Custody
Before use, dust filters paired with the cascade impactor for particle size distribution analysis will undergo thorough inspection for contamination and defects After sampling, the filters will be carefully removed from their holders and visually examined before being sent to the laboratory Great care will be taken during the removal process to prevent the loss of fibers The filters will then be equilibrated at a controlled temperature of 20 ± 1° and relative humidity of 30 ± 5% for a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation Additionally, pre- and post-weighing will be conducted following standard protocols for gravimetric analysis (Carlton and Teitz, 19??).
Odor, dust, manure, and water samples will be labeled and recorded on standard field data sheets at the time of collection, as outlined in the SOPs, and documented in the field log book Following collection, the samples will be promptly delivered to the laboratory for analysis.
Dust filter data sheets include essential details such as date, time, personnel, sampling location, airflow rate, sampling times, temperature, observations, pre- and post-sampling weights, and particulate matter concentration Similarly, odor sample data sheets capture date, time, personnel, sampling location, sampling times, temperature, and any notable observations All field data will be meticulously recorded and verified for completeness and accuracy before leaving the site Additionally, laboratory data sheets will be prepared and signed during sample processing, and a documented chain of custody will ensure accountability through signatures of individuals who handle the samples, as outlined in SOP 14 for odor sampling.
Analytical Methods
When utilizing standard EPA or ASTM analytical methods, it is essential to reference them appropriately Additionally, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and instrument manuals must be included as appendices in the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
Quality Control
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) involve the use of reliable instrumentation, approved analytical methods, and standardized operating procedures to ensure data integrity This process includes external data validation, well-trained analysts, electrical backups, regular audits, and thorough documentation Published EPA analytical methodologies will be utilized when applicable, and the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) must clearly specify which EPA methods are employed Additionally, detailed logs will be maintained for each instrument to track performance and compliance.
A measurement of certified zero air will be included as a field blank for gas concentration measurements once a week.
Initially, a replicated multipoint calibration of analyzers will be conducted, and this will be repeated whenever span checks exceed acceptable limits Additionally, weekly calibration checks, including zero and span assessments, will be performed on gas analyzers All calibration records will be systematically documented in the project log book.
The study will involve a comparison of TEOM PM10 monitors with Federal Reference Method (FRM) PM10 samplers, conducted during both summer and winter seasons The objective is to establish a consistent relationship between the two monitoring methods.
Thermocouples will be calibrated before and after the 15 month collection period with spot checks of each sensor every three months
Temperature and relative humidity probes will be tested with a NIST transfer standard.
Research personnel will check the on-line display at least daily by either remote or on- site access
Logged data files in the PC in the previous day will be checked the next business day to find and correct any problems with the system.
Experienced analysts will run all equipment.
Internal performance and system audits will assess the accuracy of NH3 and H2S field measurements Samples, coordinated by the Project QA Manager on a single-blind basis, will be sourced from a reputable vendor and dual-analyzed for certification These samples will be delivered to the inlet of the sampling system rather than directly into the analyzer Manufacturer-provided acceptable ranges will guide the evaluation of the measurement system's performance, and if results fall outside these ranges, corrective actions will be implemented before proceeding with further analysis.
An uninterruptible power supply with battery backup will be used to prevent damage to sensitive equipment and data loss in case of power failure.
Surge suppressors will be used to protect the PC and the instruments.
The following are quality control measures to be used in the olfactometry lab.
In accordance with section 6.7.2 of the draft CEN standard TC264, anosmic individuals and those with heightened odor sensitivity will be identified and excluded from the panelist selection process during formal training Furthermore, all panelists must sign a compliance form prior to each session, confirming adherence to the established rules for odor panelists.
Odor samples will be taken in triplicate at the PREF and in duplicate for ambient air The geometric mean odor concentration will be reported.
During each odor evaluation session, n-butanol will serve as a reference odorant to ensure the olfactometer's performance and the reliability of each panelist Data from panelists who do not meet the established criteria will be excluded from the analysis Additionally, retrospective screening of panel members will be implemented on the measurement values, as outlined in Ref 9.2.2 CEN TC264.
This study will adhere to the quality criteria for accuracy and repeatability of the olfactometer as outlined by CEN TC264 Should the olfactometer's performance fall outside the specified control limits, the analysis will be suspended, and corrective actions will be implemented Analysis will only resume after a successful accuracy verification has been completed.
The olfactometer airflow rates will be calibrated each day before and after testing
Precision airflow calibrators (Mini-Buck, Gilian, Alltech) will be used to calibrate the airflows over the full range of dilutions to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Panelists must have at least a two- hour break between sessions.
Panelists will be required to serve as a trainee if they have not served in a session for two months or longer.
See Ch 3.3.5 of R5 What about blanks, duplicates, matrix spikes, control samples and surrogates?
To ensure quality control (QC) in sampling, analysis, or measurement techniques, it is essential to identify specific QC activities for each method used For every QC activity, detail the associated method or procedure, acceptance criteria, and necessary corrective actions Standard methods often lack clarity regarding QC requirements, making it inadequate to rely solely on them QC activities in both field and laboratory settings may include the use of blanks, duplicates, matrix spikes, lab control samples, surrogates, and second column confirmation Additionally, specify the frequency of analysis for each QC activity, along with the sources and levels of spike compounds Clearly state the required control limits for each QC activity, outline the corrective actions needed when these limits are exceeded, and describe how the effectiveness of these corrective actions will be determined and documented.
To calculate relevant statistics like precision and bias, it is essential to outline the specific procedures involved This includes providing the necessary formulas alongside a clear narrative that explains how these calculations will handle challenging scenarios, such as missing data values and instances of "less than" or "greater than" values Addressing these common data qualifiers ensures that the statistical analysis remains robust and reliable.
Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance
All analytical equipment, including meteorological instruments and sampling pumps, will undergo regular maintenance and testing to ensure optimal functionality according to the manufacturer's guidelines Inspections will be conducted during each sampling event, and any issues will be addressed promptly Adherence to the manufacturer's routine maintenance instructions is essential, and all testing, inspection, and maintenance activities will be meticulously documented in the field project log book.
Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency
A multipoint calibration of analyzers will be performed in triplicate using either a precision gas mixing and dynamic dilution system with span gas and zero air or multiple calibration gas cylinders to cover the expected concentration range for the target analyte The analyzers' accuracy and precision will be assessed from these measurements, with the maximum gas concentration for calibration set between 70% and 200% of anticipated emission levels Weekly routine calibration checks will be conducted by introducing span gas into manifold M2, ensuring that the calibration gas flows through the same plumbing as the samples, except for the 3-way solenoids Some universities will utilize a computer-controlled calibration system to maintain consistency and reduce human error Additionally, bimonthly, a bag of calibration span gas and a bag of zero gas will be manually introduced into the filtered end of a sampling tube.
The NH3 analyzer will undergo testing with zero air, a dual-certified NH3 span gas, and a NIST-traceable NO span gas, with weekly NH3 calibration and NO calibration every 1 to 3 months to assess converter efficiency The H2S analyzer will be challenged with zero air and a known concentration of H2S span gas weekly, along with SO2 span gas every 1 to 3 months, both certified through NIST-traceable analyses Additionally, the CO2 analyzer will be tested with zero air and a known concentration of NIST-traceable CO2 span gas.
The TEOM filter weighing microbalance will undergo calibration with a NIST-traceable preweighed filter before the study and every three months thereafter Additionally, precision airflow calibrators (Gilian Airflow Calibrators for flow rates of 0.02-6.0 L/min and 2-30 L/min) will be used to calibrate TEOM airflows, with calibration performed each time the filter is replaced.
Particle size distribution of dust samples will be determined periodically with the following instruments: TSI Aerodynamic Particle Sizer 3320: 0.5 - 20 μm, TSI Dynamic Particle Sizer: 0.3
- 200 μm, Cascade Impactor: 0.4–10 μm, Climet Laser Particle Counter: 0.3–10 μm, and a Coulter Multisizer: 0.6–20 μm (up to 120 μm)
Prior to the study, thermocouples will undergo calibration, with subsequent calibrations scheduled every three months Calibration will be performed using a water bath alongside two precision ASTM mercury-in-glass thermometers, which have a temperature range of -8 to 32 °C and 25 to 55 °C, with a precision of 0.1 °C Additionally, a salt calibrator kit (Model) will be utilized to ensure accuracy.
The HMK1520000A01000 from Vaisala, Woburn, MA, will be utilized for the calibration of capacitance-type RH/temp sensors before the study begins and will be recalibrated every three months Although not included in the project budget, a portable RH/temp probe (Model HMP46, Vaisala, Woburn, MA) along with an indicator (Model HM141, Vaisala, Woburn, MA) may be used as a NIST-traceable transfer device to verify the RH/temp transmitters and thermocouples on a quarterly basis.
Differential pressure transmitters will undergo calibration before use and will be recalibrated after testing, ensuring accurate measurements at 0 and typical building static pressures of 20-40 Pa through direct comparison with an inclined manometer.
All calibration procedures must be thoroughly documented, at a minimum in the form of appendices It is essential to describe or reference the methods of calibration that utilize certified equipment and standards with established relationships to nationally recognized performance standards, as outlined in Chapter 3.3.7 of R5.
All tools, gauges, instruments, and other equipment used for data generation or collection that impact quality must be identified and controlled These tools should be calibrated at specified intervals to ensure they perform within established limits Calibration procedures must be described, referencing certified equipment and standards that align with nationally recognized performance benchmarks In cases where such standards are unavailable, alternative calibration methods should be specified Additionally, records of calibration must be maintained and traceable to the corresponding instruments For instance, if a gauge's reading deviates by more than 2% from the reference, any data collected must be deemed invalid, or adjustments to the results may be made with the Administrator's approval.
The electronic barometric in the TEOM unit will be calibrated against a mercury barometer or the nearest weather station.
Calibration records of gas analyzers, PM10 monitors, temperature sensors, and pressure
Inspection/Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables
All atmospheric gas measurements will be linked to dual-analyzed and certified standards from a trusted supplier, Matheson Gas in Joliet, Illinois The NH3 span gas will undergo dual certification through NIST-traceable gravimetric formulation and analysis, ensuring accuracy based on vendor reference standards.
Upon receipt, supplies will undergo immediate inspection, and any unusable items will be returned to the vendor To facilitate uninterrupted data collection, a stock of functional spare parts will be maintained whenever feasible.
Data Acquisition Requirements (Non-Direct Measurement)
Data Management
Chapter 3.3.10 of R5 outlines the necessity for the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to detail all data handling equipment and the procedures for processing, compiling, and analyzing data It is essential to include the specific procedures and formulas needed for effective data work-up.
The project data management process encompasses the entire lifecycle of data, from its generation in the field, office, or laboratory to its final storage or utilization It adheres to standard record-keeping procedures and employs a robust document control system to ensure data integrity Effective data storage and retrieval methods on electronic media are implemented to facilitate easy access A comprehensive control mechanism is in place to detect and correct errors, as well as to prevent data loss during critical phases such as data reduction, reporting, and entry into forms, reports, and databases Examples of useful tools include specific forms and checklists designed to streamline these processes and enhance data accuracy.
To effectively manage and analyze data, it is essential to outline the necessary data handling equipment and procedures This encompasses methods for processing, compiling, and analyzing both project-generated data and information sourced from external entities Additionally, it is important to identify the required computer hardware and software that support these data handling processes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to data management.
To ensure compliance with the Agency's information resource management requirements outlined in EPA Directive 2100, it is essential to focus on the development and implementation of EPA Quality Assurance (QA) Project Plans These plans must incorporate all applicable data management standards, including the Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number Data Standard (EPA Order 2180.1) and the Data Standards for the Electronic Transmission of Laboratory Measurement Results (EPA Order 2180.2) Additionally, any new standards issued by the EPA should be actively monitored and integrated into existing processes to maintain alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.
All original and final data will be meticulously reviewed and validated by qualified technical personnel, with thorough documentation maintained in the program records This documentation will capture the dates of the work performed, the names of the reviewers, and the specific items that were reviewed or validated.
Corrections and additions to original data must be made as follows:
1 After correction, original entries must remain legible (for manual corrections) or intact (for computerized corrections).
2 The correction or addition must be readily traceable to the date and staff who performed the correction or addition.
Electronic raw data and computer records will be backed up weekly on a network drive, with daily backups for added security When connected to the internet, data will be automatically emailed to other computers using Labview Additionally, raw tables and graphs will be printed and organized in a loose-leaf notebook for storage in various campus laboratories.
Field test documentation and electronic data storage will adhere to standard operating procedures, as outlined in Table 3 (refer to the Appendices for complete SOPs) All raw electronic data will be stored in ASCII file format for future analysis using commercially available spreadsheet and statistical programs (SOP 20 Data Management) A significant portion of the data will be organized in spreadsheets, encompassing NH3, H2S, CO2, PM, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction This data will be compiled electronically to enable the calculation of hourly and daily averages efficiently.
Qualified personnel will generate reports exclusively using thoroughly reviewed and validated data All reported data will be presented in units that align with other measurements, ensuring consistency Additionally, any assumptions made will be clearly articulated, highlighting their validity and limitations.
The principal investigator of each State will ensure the accurate maintenance of all project documentation, including logbook entries, original data, calculations, deviations from approved procedures, data uncertainties, assumptions, QA/QC results, and external performance data, as well as audits and validation reviews These records will be systematically organized and adequately filed for quick retrieval until they are transferred to the University archives, ensuring proper accountability and indexing.
Assessment/Oversight 24 1 Assessments and Response Actions
Reports to Management
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP) are essential for identifying conditions that necessitate corrective actions If such conditions are discovered during a review by the Project QA Manager, a concise report will be prepared for the Project Manager and Principal Investigator (PI) Immediate corrective actions will be implemented based on verbal discussions that occur during the review process.
The draft and final project reports will present all valid monitoring data as hourly and daily values, accompanied by graphical representations of measurement locations They will include numerical and qualitative results from quality control (QC) measures, comparing them to acceptance criteria If data is invalidated, the report will specify the reason and corrective actions taken, along with a summary of these actions and their impact on data quality Additionally, the report will outline corrective actions for analytical system failures, detailing responsibilities for corrective measures and methods for documenting their effectiveness It will also specify laboratory turnaround times if they are critical to the project schedule Drafts and final reports will be distributed to relevant individuals and agencies, including principal investigators and producer contacts in each state.
Bruce Harris U.S EPA Research Triangle Park
Cary Secrest U.S EPA Enforcement Division
The following individuals or Agencies will receive copies of the final report
Carrie Tengman National Pork Board
Charles Beard US Poultry and Egg Association
Roel Vining USDA Agricultural Air Quality Committee
Data Validation and Usability 25 1 Data Review, Verification, and Validation
Reconciliation with User Requirements
Any data not meeting the DQOs as outlined above will be flagged as invalid for comparison to screening level criteria DQOs were inadequately described above.
AMCA 1985 Laboratory methods of testing fans for rating AMCA Standard 210-85 Arlington Heights, IL: Air Movement and Control Association.
Becker, H 1999 FANS makes measuring air movement a breeze Agricultural Research
Magazine, July [http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jul99/fans0799.htm].
Carlton, A.G and A Teitz Design of a cost-effective weighing facility for PM quality assurance. Journal of Air and Waste Management Association 52:506-510.
CEN 2001 CEN/TC264/WG2 Determination of Odor Concentration by Dynamic
Olfactometry, Draft Air Quality Standard PrEN 13725 Brussels, Belgium: European Committee for Standardization.
Heber, A.J 2000 “Nitrogen Loss Measurements in Swine and Poultry Facilities”, ADSA DISCOVER Conference on Nitrogen Losses to the Atmosphere from Livestock and Poultry Operations Nashville, IN, April 28-May 1.
Heber, A.J., J.-Q Ni, B.L Haymore, R.K Duggirala, and K.M Keener 2001 Air quality and emission measurement methodology at swine finishing buildings Transactions of ASAE 44(6):1765–1778.
Table 1 Sample Collection and Analysis
Ventilation inlet locations Air NH3, H2S, CO2 Hourly
Ventilation exhaust locations Air NH3, H2S, CO2 Hourly
Animal exposure locations Air NH3, H2S, CO2 Hourly
Ventilation exhaust locations Air PM10 1 min
Ventilation exhaust locations Air TSP Weekly
Ventilation exhaust locations Air PSD Twice
Ventilation exhaust locations Air Odor Biweekly
Ventilation inlet locations Air Odor Biweekly
Manure pit* Manure N, S, pH, MC Monthly
Feed supply* Feed N, S Per diet
Wind direction Air 0 deg 360 deg 3 deg 3 deg.
*ISU and UM will use 0 Pa as lower limit.
**ISU and UM will use 1% accuracy units.
Table 4 Characteristics of Test Sites
IN MN IL IA NC TX
Species Layers Gestation Farrow Finish Broilers Finish
Building type High-rise PPR PP Deep pit litter PPR
Outdoor storage none basin None* none lagoon
Type of inlet slot CCB CCB
Inlet control method pressure pressure pressure
Fan company AT AV Multifan Multifan HH AS
Controls company AE AV Multifan HH AS
Summer cooling EP EP EP/tunnel SK/tunnel EP/tunnel tunnel
*manure stored in deep pit of adjacent building
APECAB Aerial Pollutant Emissions from Confined Animal Buildings
BESS Bioenvironmental Systems and Simulations Lab at the University of Illinois CAB Confined animal buildings
CCB Center-ceiling baffled inlet
IFAFS Initiative for Future Agricultural and Food Systems
PP Pull-plug manure pit
PPR Pull-plug manure pit with recharge
PM10 Particulate matter less than 10 μm diameter
PREF Primary representative exhaust fan
QAPP Quality assurance project plan
TEOM Tapered element oscillating microbalance
Appendix A Description of Laying Houses in Indiana
Purdue University is conducting emissions measurements from two newly constructed caged-hen laying houses, located 64 km from campus, with completion expected by July 1, 2002 Each building, measuring 610 ft x 99 ft, will accommodate 250,000 hens across ten rows of stacked crates Manure will be collected and dried on the first floor, enhanced by auxiliary circulation fans, while ventilation is managed through temperature-adjusted baffled inlets and evaporative cooling cells The buildings are equipped with 37 exhaust fans on one side and 38 on the opposite side, arranged in groups for optimal airflow Additionally, each building features 15 temperature sensors and operates in seven ventilation stages Egg production data, along with water and feed consumption, is recorded automatically, while daily mortalities are noted manually.
The measurement sites are barns 13 and 14, located in a new complex adjacent to 12 older buildings, as illustrated in Figures A2 and A3 Exhaust sampling will occur at four fan locations: two on the west side (W10 and W29 for barn 13, W1 and W20 for barn 14) and two on the east side (E57 and E75 for barn 13, E47 and E67 for barn 14) Each exhaust will be sampled individually using a tube positioned 0.5 m in front of the fan at hub height For air inlet and animal exposure sampling, three lateral tubes will be connected in parallel to a mixing manifold, with air inlet tubes located in the attic above the baffled ceiling and animal exposure tubes positioned in emptied cages above the manure slot The control sequence for these sampling locations is detailed in Table A2.
A TEOM will be located immediately upstream of fan E57 of barn 13 and fan W20 of barn 14 heretofore denoted as the primary representative exhaust fan (PREF), Figure A3
Capacitance-type relative humidity and temperature probes will be installed at gas sampling locations 4 and 6, as shown in Figure A3 Additionally, a solar radiation shielded RH/temperature probe, along with a cup anemometer and wind vane, will be mounted on a 9-meter pole near the trailer.
Thermocouples will be utilized to monitor temperatures at exhaust fan locations 1-3, within the animal exposure sampling locations of the SLG, in the heated raceway connecting the barn and trailer, inside the trailer, and at the instrument rack Additionally, Purdue University will measure further temperatures using AD592 sensors, although this falls outside the scope of this Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
Static pressure measurements will be taken from the center of the manure pit to both the north and south sides of the building, with an outside port positioned between two fans on the external wall These measurements will vary depending on the direction of the wind, specifically from the north and south Additionally, static pressure within the trailer will also be assessed.
Fan operation will be closely monitored through auxiliary contacts of fan motor relays in 24-VDC circuits, integrated with the digital inputs of the data acquisition system Furthermore, standard ventilation assessments (SVAs) will be conducted on the four monitored exhaust fans, with cleaning scheduled on a weekly basis.
Table A- 1 Fan numbers and ventilation stages Fans for stages 1 and 2 will be swapped in barn 13 to bring a stage 1 fan of each building close to the trailer.
Stage Number ID of fans for each stage
9 75-19V Evaporative pads on, stage 8 fans off
Table A- 2 Air stream control sequence Solenoids 1 to 12 direct air streams to either the bypass manifold (M1) or the sampling M2 (when “open”) A = barn 13 B = barn 14.
Figure A-1 Indiana measurement site New buildings under construction.
Figure A-2 Layout of buildings Barns 1-12 are west of these 4 new barns.
Figure A-3 Schematic of measurement locations and instrument configuration Note: dP, differential pressure; F, Teflon filter
Floor plan (610 ft x 99 ft or 186 m x 30 m)
Animal exposure SLG Air inlet SLG
Thermocouple Air sampling Anemometer (SVA)
RH/Temp probe Static pressure port TEOM
Swine Finishing Houses in Iowa
Appendix C Swine Gestation Houses in Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is conducting an emissions measurement study on two swine gestation barns, each measuring 254 ft by 48 ft and designed to accommodate 629 sows in six rows of crates These barns are oriented north-south and are spaced 30 ft apart, featuring roofs with a 4:12 slope Manure is collected in shallow pull-plug pits beneath the slatted floors for one week, after which the plug is removed to allow liquid manure to flow into the first stage storage basin The shallow pits are then replenished with liquid from the second stage manure storage unit following the weekly removal process.
The barn features a tunnel ventilation system that allows minimum air to enter from the attic via gravity baffled ceiling inlets During mild and summer conditions, ventilation air is drawn through evaporative cooling cells located on the south end wall, opposite the exhaust fans The north end wall is equipped with five 48-inch and one 36-inch Aerovent belt-driven exhaust fans, with the 36-inch fan running continuously while the 48-inch fans are activated in stages as room temperature rises.
Sows transition from the farrowing barn to the west breeding/gestation barn for breeding, with some being moved to the east barn for their 115-day gestation period Throughout this cycle, their feed rations stay consistent, although individual feed consumption may vary based on each sow's condition.
Table C- 1 Fan numbers and ventilation stages.
Stage Number ID of fans for each stage
The air stream control sequence, as outlined in Table C-2, involves solenoids 1 to 12 that regulate air streams directed to either the bypass pump or the analyzer set when activated Each sampling period is set to last for 10 minutes, with the east gestation barn (BE) and west breeding/gestation barn (BW) being the key areas of focus.
4 BW cool cell inlet open
10 BE cool cell inlet open
Figure C-1 Schematic of measurement locations and instrument configuration
F ar ro w in g B re ed in g - 51 2 cr ea te s G es ta ti on - 6 29 c re at es
Appendix D Swine Farrowing Houses in Illinois
The facility is a 2400 sow breeding and gestation operation featuring six rooms, each equipped with 56 crates arranged in four rows The layout includes two central rows with walkways on either side, and two edge rows separated by a narrow walkway next to the wall Oriented North-South, the buildings are situated near a blacktop road to the south, a small corn field to the east, and a mix of storage, ponds, trees, and corn to the north, with an open field to the west Additionally, a gravel access road on the east side allows for easy loading of feed bins, with a dedicated bin for each room and a trailer positioned between two of the bins for efficient operation.
Each room is equipped with four fans, including one 18” VS fan, one 24” VS fan, and two 48” SS fans, with stage 5 functioning as a heater The attic ventilation system features drop inlets for winter use and tunnel ventilation for summer Manual closure of ceiling inlets is required, which are supplied by air from the overhangs During the tunnel ventilation process, air flows through evaporative cooling pads on the west wall, travels through the hallway, and enters the room via flap inlets.
Samples will be collected from two central rooms within the facility, with a trailer positioned strategically between the feed bins to ensure it does not obstruct the fans Ample space allows for the trailer's placement, while sampling lines will be routed through the eaves and down through the ceiling inlets, eliminating the need for any additional holes.
The chosen sampling points, depicted in the diagrams, include two inlet locations—one at a ceiling inlet and another at a wall inlet—to ensure year-round inlet concentration data It is essential to confirm the inlet conditions (open or closed) with facility workers The need for two inlet concentrations arises from the airflow direction of the breeding barn fans towards the farrowing barn's evaporative coolers Additionally, two outlet locations have been selected: an 18” minimum ventilation fan and a third-stage 48” fan, which will provide baseline winter emissions and summer tunnel-ventilated emissions Two additional sampling points at fan center/chest height will be established, one in the room's center and the other opposite the third-stage fan, to assess worker exposure and spatial uniformity A TEOM will be positioned in front of the 18” fan for continuous measurements throughout the year, with the possibility of constructing a platform for the device near the pen.
Table D-1 Farrowing house in Illinois
Type of Facility Gestation (and Breeding)
Pit Shallow pull plug no recharge, drains to deep pit under breeding barn Fans per room 2-48” SS, 1-24” VS, 1-18” VS
Ventilation style Tunnel ventilated in summer, attic in winter (ceiling inlets are manually shut) Stages 1: 18” VS; 2: 24” VS; 3: 48” SS; 4: 48” SS; 5: Heater (ceiling inlets manually shut off around 3)
Electricity Facility will allow addition to existing boxes, will need to discuss with electric company
Figure D-1 Layout of Illinois site.
Evaporative cooling pads along wall
Gravel access road Feed tanks
Evaporative cooling pads along wall
Gravel access road Feed tanks
Figure D-3 Farrowing house, Illinois site.
Worker & animal exposure/Spatial Distribution points
Worker & animal exposure/Spatial Distribution points
Worker & animal exposure/Spatial Distribution points
Appendix E Broiler Houses in North Carolina
Figure E-1 North Carolina measurement site.
Appendix F Swine Finishing Houses in Texas
Texas A&M University is conducting emissions measurements from swine finishing houses located approximately 100 miles from the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Amarillo, Texas These facilities, operational since April 2000, are situated in a flat, semiarid region with limited farming, consisting of five buildings that house 1,080 swine each The structures, oriented east-west and spaced 60 feet apart, measure 249 feet by 41.5 feet, featuring a 3:12 sloped roof Feces and urine from the swine fall through slatted floors into a shallow pit with a maximum depth of 4 feet, which is flushed every seven days to an on-site lagoon located 100 feet north and downwind of the houses After flushing, the pit is refilled with several inches of recharge water from the lagoon to maintain moisture on the surface.