Characterization of Publication Rotogravure Press Emission Rates and Compositions

Abstract

Emission compositions and rates were determined during production for a publication rotogravure press room at a large rotogravure printing company. The press room housed a single 4-color, 8-print-stand press, with an 84 paper web. Average press speed was 1800 feet per minute. Data were collected over a 2-day period and included measurements of ventilation, room area concentrations, duct exhaust compositions, amount and composition of inks used, and worker exposures. These data were used with mass balance models that were appropriate for the workspace. Toluene comprised more than 90 percent of the inks and solvents and accounted for more than 90 percent of the press emissions. Average toluene emissions during press operation and press off conditions were 222 kg/hr and 8-38 kg/hr, respectively. The uncontrolled toluene emission on the basis of printed paper throughput was 3 g/m². Of the total toluene released, 90 percent was captured by the local exhaust ventilation. The measured control efficiency was much lower than the average efficiency of 97 percent for the month of the test reported by the plant. A mass balance model evaluation demonstrated that only the lower efficiency was consistent with measured room concentrations. Using the measured emission rates and actual monthly press on and press off conditions, the difference in efficiency for the plant (10 rotogravure presses) extrapolates to the additional release to the workspace and ambient environment of over 700 tons/yr of toluene.