Mass Balance Method An Essential Tracker Of Harmful Emissions
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 74 | Word Count: 397
Current levels of harmful chemicals, including hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons are calculated and assessed by using the mass balance method. The data enables environmental scientists to predict future levels of emissions that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.
The difference between the starting amount of any substance, for example refrigerant gas, and the ending amount is calculated by using the mass balance method. This enables scientists to calculate the quantity of the chemical that was in daily use as well as the level of discharge.
Adding the amount of chemicals entering a process plus the different avenues used by those chemicals, for example waste or accumulation, we arrive at an equation used for the mass balance method. The end result equates to the final amount of substance entering the global atmosphere. If we use refrigerant gas as an example, we take the starting amount, transformation through the cooling process and the waste amount.
Officials use the mass balance method to track the volume of substances used for a given function. This is broken down by how much enters and leaves a system and how much is stored within and this is the approach taken when accounting for pollutants.
The EPA requires the use of the mass balance method to monitor and track chemicals that have been identified as harmful. In particular contributors to air pollution, deterioration of the stratospheric ozone layer and global warming. The list includes methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons.
In simple terms, the mass balance method can be defined as inputs = output plus accumulation. The mass balance method is critical in designing and analyzing processes, such as refrigerant gas as it moves its way through various systems, including air conditioning, heating ventilation and AC or refrigeration. Whatever substances or chemicals enter or leave a system must be accounted for.
There is a strict reporting procedure under the mass balance method. Facilities must report venting of hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, including total inventory at the beginning and end of the reporting period, any purchases and any capacity changes.
There are several factors used in the mass balance method. The type and number of cooling equipment machines that are used, the refrigerant type used in each system, leak rates and total refrigerant discharge. Mass flows that might otherwise have been difficult to measure are identified in the equation, such as evaporated substances or parts of a chemical reaction.
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Daniel Stouffer has a lot more data on the need for effective refrigerant gas management and more data about the mass balance method .
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