| Mass Balance Method An Essential Tracker Of Harmful Emissions |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer | |
| Monday, 06 April 2009 | |
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Information on the rate of global warming is gathered by environmental scientists by using the mass balance method, where current levels of harmful chemicals are calculated. Hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons are rated and predictions of future levels assessed. The rate of global warming is evaluated by reference to the usage of emissions that contribute to ozone layer depletion
Information on the rate of global warming is gathered by environmental scientists by using the mass balance method, where current levels of harmful chemicals are calculated. Hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons are rated and predictions of future levels assessed. The rate of global warming is evaluated by reference to the usage of emissions that contribute to ozone layer depletion The mass balance method is employed to determine the difference between the starting amount and the ending amount of a substance such as refrigerant gas. How much of the chemical was in daily use and how much of it was discharged into the air may then be determined. The equation used for the mass balance method adds the amount of chemicals that enter a process plus the different avenues in which those chemicals are used, such as waste or accumulation, to equal the final amount of substances entering the global atmosphere. Using refrigerant gas as an example, the calculation takes into account the starting amount, its transformation throughout the entire cooling process and the waste amount. By using a mass balance method, a facility is tracking the amount of substances used for a specific function. It is broken down by how much enters the system, how much leaves the system and how much is stored within the system. This approach is used when it is necessary to account for pollutants. The mass balance method is required by the EPA to monitor and track chemicals that have been identified as harmful contributors to air pollution, the deterioration of the stratospheric ozone layer and global warming. These chemicals include chloroflurocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. The calculation that determines the exact amount includes the total amount of materials entering the equipment or a system versus the amount leaving the system. 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. The mass balance method incorporates strict reporting requirements. Facilities will report venting of hydrofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons and records total inventory at the beginning and end of the reporting period. Any purchases of refrigerant and any changes in capacity that occurred in the reporting timeframe must also be accounted for. 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. The Article Author: Daniel Stouffer has a lot more information on the need for effective refrigerant gas management and more data concerning the mass balance method . |
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