In the context of air quality management, **AQMD** typically stands for the **Air Quality Management District**, which are local agencies responsible for regulating stationary sources of air pollution in their jurisdictions (such as the **South Coast AQMD** in Southern California).
A **”Procedure 5″** (or **P5**) refers to a specific testing protocol used to measure particulate matter (PM) emissions from industrial sources, particularly from combustion processes.
### **What is AQMD Procedure 5 (P5)?**
**Procedure 5** is an **emission testing method** designed to determine:
1. **Filterable Particulate Matter (FPM)** – Solid particles captured on a filter.
2. **Condensable Particulate Matter (CPM)** – Gaseous emissions that condense into particles after cooling.
3. **Total Particulate Matter (TPM)** – The sum of FPM and CPM.
This method is often required for permitting and compliance with air quality regulations, especially for sources like boilers, incinerators, and industrial furnaces.
### **Key Steps in a Procedure 5 Test:**
1. **Sampling Setup** – A probe extracts emissions from the stack under controlled conditions.
2. **Filterable PM Collection** – Particles are captured on a heated filter.
3. **Condensable PM Collection** – Gases pass through an impinger train (cold traps) to collect PM that forms as the exhaust cools.
4. **Lab Analysis** – The collected samples are analyzed to determine PM concentrations.
### **Regulatory Importance:**
– Used to comply with **AQMD, EPA, and state air pollution control rules**.
– Helps determine compliance with **PM10** and **PM2.5** standards.
– Often required for **Title V permits** and **New Source Review (NSR)** permits.
If you’re looking for a specific AQMD’s version of Procedure 5 (e.g., South Coast AQMD, Bay Area AQMD), check their official manuals or **Source Test Manuals** for exact protocols.
Would you like details on a specific AQMD’s P5 requirements?