Methods for improving emissions estimates. Report for August 1992-July 1993

The paper discusses the development of an emission estimating method that utilizes both advanced computational techniques and updated, comprehensive, emissions-related information, using the automobile refinishing industry for a detailed area source case study. The development includes a thorough characterization of the area source industry, an analysis of current estimation methods, the development and execution of a nationwide industry survey, and a compilation and analysis of the survey results and other explanatory variables. Results are to be captured in a personal-computer-based volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions estimating system called VOCEES. VOCEES is a dual-use tool, the users of which can both prepare VOC emissions inventories and analyze the impact of numerous factors on emissions. This methodology and VOCEES are readily extendable to other area sources.