ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY STUDIES OF SILICA FUME EMISSIONS FROM A SILICON SMELTER IN SOUTHERN TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

Particle size of silica fume emissions from a silicon smeller in south ern Tasmania has been studied by using a transmission electron microsc ope methodology. Primary particles and aggregates were sized, involvin g the analysis of some 16,593 primary particles at a magnification of 54,800 x, and aggregates at varying magnifications depending on their size. Varying frequency distributions of primary particles and aggrega tes 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 a ddition, they were standardized, and confidence limits were establishe d. Findings are discussed and comparisons made with other major work i n the field. The size distributions as established in this study may b e important when considering the health implications of silica fume.