Abstract
To develop an effective air quality management programme (control strategies, change in production processes, fixing of norms etc.) estimation of emission load from any specific operation is a must. The survey and subsequent emission aspects (fuel used and its composition, type and size of kilns, firing conditions and periods, measurement of process emissions, determination of emission factor and estimation of pollution load) reveal that the particulate matter (PM) emissions from coal-fired Down Draft (D D) Kiln in the ceramic industries is one of the major concerns for air quality within Kolkata Metropolitan Authority (KMA) area. Control systems for such high PM emissions (4000–5000 mg/Nm3) through out the firing cycle (36-42 hours) is not favoured considering the over all process of D D Kiln. Oil-fired Shuttle Kiln or Tunnel Kiln appeared to be the best alternative for ceramic industries considering production, space utilization and compliance to new emission standard of 150 mg/Nm3 for PM. Conversion of ceramic kilns from coal-fired within KMA area to oil-fired under India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF) Project includes emission measurement after conversion and compliance to new emission standards, training program to the operators and financial assistance i.e. 50% of the total expenditure from WBPCB and ICEF for the conversion to the industries. At present, ceramic industries are operating oil-fired kilns with PM emissions 30-70 mg/Nm3 (>99% reduction in PM emission), less firing cycle (12-24 hours), better quality ceramic products and less rejection of materials.
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