Page 1 of 16 **Subpart V —** 

**Nitric Acid Production**

A nitric acid production facility uses one or more trains to produce weak nitric acid (30 to 70 percent in strength). A nitric acid train produces weak nitric acid through the catalytic oxidation of ammonia. § 98.220 Definition of source category.

You must report GHG emissions under this subpart if your facility contains a nitric acid train and the facility meets the
req uirements of either §98.2(a)(1) or (a)(2). § 98.221 Reporting threshold.

(a) You must report N § 98.222 GHGs to report.

2

(b) You must report under subpart C of this part (General Stationary Fuel Comb ustion Sources) the emissions of CO O process emissions from each nitric acid production train as required by this subpart.

2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O from each stationary combustion unit by following the requirements of subpart C.

(a) You must determine annual N § 98.223 Calculating GHG emissions.

2

(1) Use a site

- specific emission factor and production data according to paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section. O process emissions from each nitric acid train accordin g to paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.Page 2 of 16 (2) Request Administrator approval for an alternative method of determining N 2

(i) You must submit the request within 45 days following promulgation of this subpart or within the first 30 days of each subsequent reporting year. O emissions according to paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

(ii) If the Administrator does not appro ve your requested alternative method within 150 days of the end of the reporting year, you must determine the N 2

(b) You must conduct an annual performance test for each nitric acid train according to paragraphs (b)(1) through ( b) ( 3) of this section. O emissions for the current reporting period using the procedures specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(1) You must conduct the performance test at the absorber tail gas vent, referred to as the test point, for each nitric acid train according to §98.2 24(b) through (f). If multiple nitric acid production units trains exhaust to a common abatement technology and/or emission point, you must sample each process in the ducts before the emissions are combined, sample each process when only one process is oper ating, or sample the combined emissions when multiple processes are operating and base the site

- specific emission factor on the combinedPage 3 of 16 production rate of the multiple nitric acid production units trains
. (2) You must conduct the performance test under nor mal process operating conditions. (3) You must measure the production rate during the performance test and calculate the production rate for the test period in metric tons (100 percent acid basis) per hour. (c) Using the results of the performance test in paragraph (b) of this section, you must calculate an average site

- specific emission factor for each nitric acid train “t” according to Equation V

– 1 of this section:

W here:

EF N 2 Ot = Average site

- specific N 2 O emissions factor for nitric acid train “t” (lb N 2
C O/ton nitric acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

N2O = N 2 O concentration for each test run during the performance test (ppm N 2 1.14 × 10 O). −7 = Conversion factor (lb/dscf

- ppm N 2 Q = Volumetric flow rate of effluent gas for each test run during th e performance test (dscf/hr). O).

P = Production rate for each test run during the performance test (tons nitric acid produced per hour, 100 percent acid basis).
n = Number of test runs.Page 4 of 16 (d) If nitric acid train “t” exhausts to any N 2 O abatement technology “N ” after the test point, ”, you must determine the destruction efficiency for each N 2

(1) Use the manufacturer's specified destruction efficiency. O abatement technology “N” according to paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), or (d)(3) of this section.

(2) Estimate the de struction efficiency through process knowledge. Examples of information that could constitute process knowledge include calculations based on material balances, process stoichiometry, or previous test results provided the results are still relevant to the current vent stream conditions. You must document how process knowledge (if applicable) was used to determine the destruction efficiency. (3) Calculate the destruction efficiency by conducting an additional performance test on the emissions stream followin g the N 2 (e) If nitric acid train “t” exhausts to any N O abatement technology.

2 O abatement technology “N ” after the test point, ”, you must determine the annual amount of nitric acid produced on nitric acid train “t” while N 2 O abatement technology “N” is op erating according to §98.224(f). Then you must calculate the abatement utilization factor for each N 2 O abatement technology “N” for each nitric acid train “t” according to Equation V

– 2 of this section.Page 5 of 16

W here:

AF t,N = Abatement utilization factor of N 2

P O abatement technology “N” at nitric acid train “t” (fraction of annual production that abatement technology is operating).

t

P = Total annual nitric acid production from nitric acid train “t” (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

a,t ,N = Annual nitri c acid production from nitric acid train “t” during which N 2

(f) [Reserved] O abatement technology “N” was operational (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

(g) You must calculate N 2

(1) If nitric acid train “t” exhausts to one N O emissions for each nitric acid train “t” according to paragraph (g )(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this section.

2 O abatement technology “N” after the test point, you must use the emissions factor (determined in Equation V

– 1 of this section), the destruction efficiency (det ermined in paragraph (d) of this section), the annual nitric acid production (determined in paragraph (i) of this section), and the abatement utilization factor (determined in paragraph (e) of this section) according to Equation V

– 3a of this section:

W he re:Page 6 of 16

E N 2 Ot = Annual N 2

EF O mass emissions from nitric acid production unit train “t” according to this Equation V

– 3a (metric tons).

N 2 Ot = Average site

- specific N 2 O emissions factor for nitric acid train ”t” (lb N 2
P O/ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

t

DF = Destruction efficiency of N = Annual nitric acid production from the nitric acid train “t” (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

2 O abatement technology N that is used on nitric acid train “t” ( percent decimal fraction of N 2
AF = Abatement utilization factor of N O removed from vent stream).

2

2205 = Conversion factor (lb/metric ton). O abatement technology “N” for nitric acid train “t” ( percent decimal fraction of time that the annual production during which abatement technology is operating).

(2) If multiple N 2 O abatement technologies are located in series after your test point, you must use the emissions factor (determined in Equation V

– 1 of this section), the destruction efficiency (determined in paragraph (d) of this section), the annual nitric acid production (determined in paragraph ( f i ) of this section), and the abatement utilization factor (determined in paragraph (e) of this section), according to Equation V

– 3b of this section:

W here:Page 7 of 16

E N 2 Ot = Annual N 2

EF O mass emissions from nitric acid prod uction unit train “t” according to this Equation V

– 3b (metric tons).

N 2 O,t = N 2 O emissions factor for unit nitric acid train “t” (lb N 2 P O/ton nitric acid produced).

t

DF = Annual nitric acid produced from unit nitric acid train “t” (ton acid produced, 100 perc ent acid basis).

1 = Destruction efficiency of N 2 O abatement technology 1 ( percent decimal fraction of N 2
AF O removed from vent stream).

1 = Abatement utilization factor of N 2

DF O abatement technology 1 ( percent decimal fraction of time that abatement technology 1 is operating).

2 = Destruction efficiency of N 2 O abatement technology 2 ( percent decimal fraction of N 2
AF O removed from vent stream).

2 = Abatement utilization factor of N 2

DF O abatement technology 2 ( percent decimal fract ion of time that abatement technology 2 is operating).

N = Destruction efficiency of N 2 O abatement technology N ( percent decimal fraction of N 2
AF O removed from vent stream).

N = Abatement utilization factor of N 2

2205 = Conversion factor (lb/metric ton). O abatement technology N ( percent decimal fr action of time that abatement technology N is operating).

N = Number of different N 2 (3) If multiple N O abatement technologies.

2 O abatement technologies are located in parallel after your test point, you must use t he emissions factor (determined in Equation V

– 1 of this section), the destruction efficiency (determined in paragraph (d) of this section), the annual nitric acid production (determined in paragraph ( f i ) of this section), and the abatement utilizationPage 8 of 16
fact or (determined in paragraph (e) of this section), according to Equation V

– 3c of this section:

W here:

E N 2 Ot = Annual N 2

EF O mass emissions from nitric acid production unit train “t” according to this Equation V

– 3c (metric tons).

N 2 O,t = N 2 O emissions factor for unit nitric acid train “t” (lb N 2 P O/ton nitric acid produced).

t

DF = Annual nitric acid produced from unit nitric acid train “t” (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

N = Destruction efficiency of N 2 O abatement technology “N” ( p ercent decimal fraction of N 2
AF O removed from vent stream).

N = Abatement utilization factor of N 2

FC O abatement technology “N” ( percent decimal fraction of time that abatement technology “N” is operating).

N = Fraction control factor of N 2

2205 = Conversion factor (lb/metric ton). O abatement technol ogy “N” ( percent decimal fraction of total emissions from unit nitric acid train “t” that are sent to abatement technology “N”).

N = Number of different N 2 (4) If nitric acid train “t” does not exhaust to any N O abatement technologies with a fraction control factor.

2 O abatement technology after the test point, you must use the emissions factor (determined in Equation V

– 1 of this section), and the annual nitric acid production (determined in paragraph (i) of this secti on) according to Equation V

– 3b of this section:Page 9 of 16

W here:

E N 2 Ot = Annual N 2

EF O mass emissions from nitric acid production unit train “t” according to this Equation V

– 3d (metric tons).

N 2 Ot = Average site

- specific N 2 O emissions factor for nitric acid train ”t” (lb N 2
P O/ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

t =

2205 = Conversion factor (lb/metric ton). Annual nitric acid production from nitric acid train “t” (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).
(h) You must determine the annual nitric acid produ ction emissions combined from all nitric acid trains at your facility using Equation V

– 4 of this section:

Where:

N 2 O = Annual process N 2
E O emissions from nitric acid production facility (metric tons).

N2Ot = N 2

m = Number of nitric acid trains. O mass emissions per year for nitric acid tr ain “t” (metric tons).
(i) You must determine the total annual amount of nitric acid produced on nitric acid train “t” for each nitric acid train “t” (tons acid produced, 100 percent acid basis), according to §98.224(f). § 98.224 Monitoring and QA/QC requirements.Page 10 of 16 (a) You must conduct a new performance test according to a test plan as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section. (1) Conduct the performance test annually. The test should be conducted at a point during the campaign which is representative of the average emissions rate from the nitric acid campaigns. Facilities must document the methods used to determine the represen tative point of the campaign when the performance test is conducted. (2) Conduct the performance test when your nitric acid production process is changed, specifically when abatement equipment is installed. (3) If you requested Administrator approval for a n alternative method of determining N 2

(b) You must measure the N O emissions under §98.223(a)(2), you must conduct the performance test if your request has not been approved by the Administrator within 150 days of the end of the reporting year in which it was submitted.

2

(1) EPA Method 320 at 40 CFR part 63, appendix A, Measurement of Vapor Phase Organic and Inorganic Emissions by
Extract ive Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. O concentration during the performance test using one of the methods in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section.Page 11 of 16
(2) ASTM D6348

– 03 Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy (incorporated by reference in §98.7). (3) An equ ivalent method, with Administrator approval. (c) You must determine the production rate(s) (100 percent acid basis) from each nitric acid train during the performance test according to paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section. (1) Direct measurement of production and concentration (such as using flow meters, weigh scales, for production and concentration measurements). (2) Existing plant procedures used for accounting purposes (i.e. dedicated tank

- level and acid concentration measurements). (d) You must determine the volumetric flow rate during the performance test in conjunction with the applicable EPA methods in 40 CFR part 60, appendices A

– 1 through A

– 4. Conduct three emissions test runs of 1 hour each. All QA/QC procedures specified in the reference t est methods and any associated performance specifications apply. For each test, the facility must prepare an emission factor determination report that must include the items in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section. (1) Analysis of samples, dete rmination of emissions, and raw data.Page 12 of 16 (2) All information and data used to derive the emissions factor(s). (3) The production rate during each test and how it was determined. (e) You must determine the total monthly amount of nitric acid produced. You must also determine the monthly amount of nitric acid produced while N 2

(f) You must determine the annual amount of nitric acid produced. You must also determine the annual amount of nitric acid produced while N O abatement technology (located after the test point) is operating from each nitric acid train. These monthly amounts are determined according to the methods in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section.

2 O abatement technology (located after the test point) is operating for each nitric acid train. These

a nnual amounts are determined by summing the respective monthly nitric acid quantities determined in paragraph (e) of this section.

A complete record of all measured parameters used in the GHG emissions calcu lations is required. Therefore, whenever a quality

- assured value of a required parameter is unavailable, a substitute data value for the missing parameter shall be used in the calculations as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. § 98.225 Procedures for estimating missing data.Page 13 of 16
(a) For eac h missing value of nitric acid production, the substitute data shall be the best available estimate based on all available process data or data used for accounting purposes (such as sales records). (b) For missing values related to the performance test, in cluding emission factors, production rate, and N 2 O concentration, you must conduct a new performance test according to the procedures in §98.224 (a) through (d).

In addition to the information required by §98.3(c), eac h annual report must contain the information specified in paragraphs (a) through (p) of this section. § 98.226 Data reporting requirements.

(a) Train Nitric Acid t rain identification number. (b) Annual process N 2

(c) [Reserved] O emissions from each nitric acid train (metric tons).

(d) Annual ni tr i c acid production from each nitric acid train during which N 2

(e) Annual nitric acid production from the nitric acid facility (tons, 100 percent acid basis). O abatement technology is operating (ton acid produced, 100 percent acid basis).

(f) Number of n itric acid trains. (g) Number of different N 2 O abatement technologies per nitric acid train “t”.Page 14 of 16 (h) Abatement technologies used (if applicable). (i) Abatement technology destruction efficiency for each abatement technology (percent destruction). (j) Abatement utilization factor for each abatement technology (fraction of annual production that abatement technology is operating). (k) Type of nitric acid process used for each nitric acid train (low, medium, high, or dual pressure). (l) Number of times in the reporting year that missing data procedures were followed to measure nitric acid production (months). (m) If you conducted a performance test and calculated a site

- specific emissions factor according to §98.223(a)(1), each annual report must also cont ain the information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (7) of this section. (1) Emission factor calculated for each nitric acid train (lb N 2 (2) Test method used for performance test. O/ton nitric acid, 100 percent acid basis).

(3) Production rate per t est run during performance test (tons nitric acid produced/hr, 100 percent acid basis). (4) N 2 O concentration per test run during performance test (ppm N 2 (5) Volumetric flow rate per test run during performance test (dscf/hr). O).Page 15 of 16
(6) Number of test runs d uring performance test. (7) Number of times in the reporting year that a performance test had to be repeated (number). (n) If you requested Administrator approval for an alternative method of determining N 2

(1) Name of alternative method. O emissions under §98.223(a)(2), each annual repor t must also contain the information specified in paragraphs (n)(1) through ( 4) of this section. (n)(1) through ( n)(4) of this section for each nitric acid production facility.

(2) Description of alternative method. (3) Reque st date. (4) Approval date. (o) [Reserved] (p) Fraction control factor for each abatement technology (percent of total emissions from the production unit nitric acid train that are sent to the abatement technology) if equation V

– 3c is used.

In addition to the information required by §98.3(g), you must retain the records specified in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section for each nitric acid production facility: § 98.227 Records that must be retained.

(a) Records of significant changes to process.Page 16 of 16 (b) Documentation of how process knowledge was used to estimate abatement technology destruction efficiency (if applicable). (c) Performance test reports. (d) Number of operating hours in the calendar year for each nitric acid train (hours). (e) Annual ni tric acid permitted production capacity (tons). (f) Measurements, records, and calculations used to determine reported parameters. (g) Documentation of the procedures used to ensure the accuracy of the measurements of all reported parameters, including but not limited to, calibration of weighing equipment, flow meters, and other measurement devices. The estimated accuracy of measurements made with these devices must also be recorded, and the technical basis for these estimates must be provided.

All terms used in this subpart have the same meaning given in the Clean Air Act and subpart A of this part. § 98.228 Def initions.