Which of the following processes would most likely utilize a particulate control device?

• A. Water treatment facility
• B. Petroleum refining distillation column
• C. Natural gas pipeline
• D. Coal-fired power plant

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a particulate control device is: it is equipment designed to remove particulate matter (solid particles) from gases emitted during industrial processes, often to reduce air pollution.
2. Analyze each option to determine if particulate matter is a significant byproduct that needs to be controlled:
3. - Water treatment facilities primarily deal with liquid contaminants and do not typically emit particulate matter in gaseous form that requires such devices.
4. - Petroleum refining distillation columns separate components based on boiling points and generally do not produce large amounts of particulate emissions needing particulate control devices.
5. - Natural gas pipelines transport gas and do not usually generate particulate emissions that require particulate control devices.
6. - Coal-fired power plants burn coal, which produces significant particulate matter (ash, soot) in the flue gases, making particulate control devices essential to reduce air pollution.