A chart which has been used in
air pollution evaluation for assigning the degree of blackness of
smoke emanating from a source. The observer compares the shades of grey (white to black)
with a series of shade diagrams formed by horizontal and vertical black grid lines
on a white background. A corresponding number, the Ringelmann number, is then assigned
to the describe the best match; numbers range from 0 (white) to 5 (black). This method
of pollution evaluation, although relevant to the enforcement of legislation still
in force in many countries, is not recommended for use today since more quantitative
indicators of the efficiency of the combustion are now available.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167
(Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990))
on page 2211