Parametric Study of Fireplace Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide Emissions

Abstract

A study of fundamental issues in the development of a standard laboratory test method for fireplace emissions is described and a definition for residential wood-burning fireplaces is proposed. Results of a survey to determine typical fireplace use patterns across the nation are summarized and used to establish a baseline wood loading pattern for laboratory testing. The sensitivity of particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions from fireplaces to a variety of fuel and operating parameters expected to vary under field conditions is reported. The methods employed in test set-up and monitoring techniques rely heavily on currently practiced U.S. EPA methods for measurement of woodstove emissions. Emissions are found to be strongly affected by the pitch content, moisture content, shape, and size of the fuel.