ISO 23210:2009

Overview

ISO 23210:2009 specifies a reference method for measuring PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations in flue gas from stationary sources using two‑stage impactors (round‑nozzle design). The method is optimized for low concentrations (suitable up to about 40 mg/m3 as 30‑minute averages in standard conditions: 273 K, 1013 hPa, dry gas). It describes design, theory and use of impactors, sampling trains, calculation and reporting, and includes validation and performance criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Separation principle: Inertia‑based impaction divides particles into >10 µm, 2.5–10 µm and <2.5 µm fractions, achieving the same separation curves as ISO 7708:1995.
• Two‑stage, round‑nozzle impactors: The standard details nozzle geometry, nozzle‑to‑plate spacing, nozzle length/diameter ratios, and flow requirements to meet specified cut‑off diameters (d50).
• Sampling conditions: Measurements are referenced to standard conditions (273 K, 1013 hPa, dry gas). ISO 23210:2009 is not applicable to flue gases saturated with water vapour or where most particles exceed PM10 (e.g., raw gases or major process upsets).
• Performance and validation: Impactors other than round‑nozzle are allowed only if they meet the standard’s performance criteria and are validated by an independent testing laboratory.
• Sampling train and gravimetric analysis: Requirements for collecting plates, backup filters, sample volumetric flow calculations, handling, and post‑treatment are specified; collecting plates and backup filters can be used for further chemical analysis.
• Supporting theory & calculations: Includes Stokes number, Reynolds number considerations, Cunningham correction, and annexes with equations, validation results and guidance on representative sampling points.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: Environmental laboratories, stack testing contractors, process operators (cement, steel, combustion plants), air quality consultants, and regulators responsible for emissions monitoring and compliance.
• Practical uses:
  • Routine stack monitoring of fine particle emissions (PM10/PM2.5) at low concentrations
  • Regulatory compliance testing and emissions inventories
  • Source contribution studies where primary particulate emissions need quantification
  • Sampling prior to chemical speciation of collected particulate matter
• Limitations: Not for measuring total dust mass, saturated gas sampling, or processes dominated by coarse particles.

Related standards

• ISO 7708:1995 - particle size fraction definitions (references separation conventions)
• ISO 12141:2002 - manual gravimetric method for low concentrations
• ISO 20988:2007 - guidelines for estimating measurement uncertainty
• Also aligned with EN 13284‑1:2001 and EN 15259:2007 requirements referenced in ISO 12141.

Keywords: ISO 23210:2009, PM10, PM2.5, flue gas, stationary source emissions, two‑stage impactor, round‑nozzle impactor, low concentration measurement, stack monitoring.