VDI 2066 Blatt 11:2018-05

This standard specifies the standard reference method for the determination of the mass concentrations of crystalline silicon dioxide in the form of quartz and cristobalite in the PM4 fraction at stationary emission sources. The measurement method is based on sampling according to the principle of impaction and determination of the mass of crystalline silicon dioxide in a subsequent analytical step on the basis of infrared spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. The Committee for Hazardous Substances (Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe AGS) already stated in 2002 that crystalline silicon dioxide in the form of quartz and cristobalite (alveolar dust content) has a carcinogenic effect on human beings. As a result, activities and procedures, where employees are exposed to alveolar dusts of these substances, were classified according to TRGS 906 as carcinogenic. An expertise of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) on the re-evaluation of carcinogenic substances concluded that crystalline silicon dioxide in the form of quartz and cristobalite (alveolar dust content) has to be listed in the Technical Instruction o Air Quality (TA Luft) as 'Carcinogenic substances'. Therefore, the emissions of these substances in the waste gas of stationary sources shall not exceed a specified mass flow or a specified mass concentration. The measurement method specified in this standard allows the quantification of quartz emissions in form of particulate matter and thereby the check of compliance with corresponding limit values. This standard is not applicable in case of waste gas saturated with water-vapour as well as waste gas with a total dust concentration above 20 mg/m3, temperatures above 130 °C and moisture content above 100 g/m3. The gravimetric determination of the PM4 fraction is not part of this standard. This standard cannot be used for the determination of the total mass concentration of dust. This standard is addressed to test laboratories performing measurements of quartz emissions in form of particulate matter, to manufacturers of corresponding measuring systems, to competent authorities and to research facilities active in this field.