Electron Microscopy Studies of Silica Fume Emissions from a Silicon Smelter in Southern Tasmania, Australia

Particle size of silica fume emissions from a silicon smelter in southern Tasmania has been studied by using a transmission electron microscope methodology. Primary particles and aggregates were sized, involving the analysis of some 16,593 primary particles at a magnification of 54,800×, and aggregates at varying magnifications depending on their size. Varying frequency distributions of primary particles and aggregates from three emission orifices were derived, and it was established that the fume could be accurately classified as an ultrafine aerosol. All count distributions were found to be lognormally distributed; in addition, they were standardized, and confidence limits were established. Findings are discussed and comparisons made with other major work in the field. The size distributions as established in this study may be important when considering the health implications of silica fume.