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Control of particulate matter emissions by means of hybrid filter has been included in the experimental plan of a research project in the field of Mediterranean agro-forestry waste biomass combustion at medium scale. Application of hybrid filters to biomass combustion has not been thoroughly experimented so far. An identification of the most important parameters in particulate matter emissions control by means of a hybrid filter was undertaken. The filter involves two of the most significant technologies in fly ash emission control, electrostatic precipitation and fabric filtration A discussion of these parameters and principles of operation of said technologies is presented, as well as the final selection of parameters to be included in the experimental matrix of the project in regards to emissions control. A novel approach is proposed for testing of filtration velocity influence in fabric filter module without impacting on operation of electrostatic precipitation module.

A simple analytical method using low volumes of solvent for determining selected PAHs and NPAHs in PM samples is presented. The proposed extraction method was compared with pressurized fluid (PFE) and microwave (MC) extraction techniques and intermediate precision associated to analytical measurements were estimated. Extraction by agitation with 8 mL of dichloromethane yielded recoveries above 80% compared to those obtained from PFE extraction. Regarding intermediate precision results, values between 10-20% were reached showing increases of dispersion for compounds with high volatility and low levels of concentration. Within the framework of the INTA/CIEMAT research agreement for the PM characterization in gas turbine exhaust, the method was applied for analysis of aluminum foil substrates and quartz filters with mass loading ranged from 0.02 to 2 mg per sample.