United States EPA-340/1-80-010
Environmental Protection Office of General Enforcement March 1980
Agency Washington DC 20460
Stationary Source Enforcement Series
Summary of Available
Portable VOC
Detection Instruments
-------
EPA-340/1-80-010
Summary of Available
Portable VOC
Detection Instruments
by
Mazen Y Anastas. Herbert J. Belknap
PEDCo Environmental, Inc.
1006 N. Bowen Road. Suite 201
Arlington. TX 76012
Contract No. 68-01-4147
Task No 120
EPA Project Officer: John R. Busik
Prepared for
U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of General Enforcement
Division of Stationary Source Enforcement
Washington. DC 20460
March 1980
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report was furnished to the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency by PEDCo Environmental, Inc., in fulfillment of
Contract No. 68-01-4147. The contents of this report are repro-
duced herein as received from the contractor. The opinions,
findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the author and
not necessarily those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-
cy. Mention of company or product names is not to be considered
as an endorsement by the Environmental Protection Agency. All
costs are in fourth quarter 1979 dollars.
11
-------
CONTENTS
Tables iv
Acknowledgment v
1 Introduction and Summary 1
Background 1
Summary of Findings 2
2 Measurement Of VOC 5
Introduction 5
Reference Methods 5
Types Of VOC Detectors 7
References 10
3 Portable VOC Instruments 12
Performance Characteristics 12
Survey of Instrument Manufacturers 12
Survey Results 22
4 Conclusions and Recommendation 27
lonization Detectors 27
Infrared Detectors 28
Combustibles Analyzers 29
Miscellaneous Instruments 29
Development Plans 29
Appendix - Sources Of VOC A-l
111
-------
TABLES
Number Page
1 Instrument Parameters 13
2 Portable lonization Detectors 15
3 Portable Infrared Instruments 18
4 Portable Combustibles Analyzers 20
IV
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This report was prepared under the direction of
Thomas C. Ponder, Jr. The project was managed by Mazen Y. Anastas
The principal investigators were Mazen Y. Anastas and
Herbert J. Belknap. Task Manager for the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency was Mr. Robert L. King.
-------
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued
control techniques guidelines (CTG) for a number of sources that
emit volatile organic compounds (VOC). These guidelines concern
industries that emit significant quantities of air pollutants in
oxidant nonattainment areas for National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS). The industries and appropriate controls are
discussed in the Appendix.
Control methodologies described in these documents represent
reasonably available control technology (RACT) that can be ap-
plied to existing sources. The definition of RACT is the lowest
emission limit that a particular source can meet by application
of control technology that is reasonably available, considering
technological and economic feasibility. Thus, RACT may require
technology that has been applied to similar, but not necessarily
identical, source categories. The intention is not to require
extensive research and development before a given control techno-
logy can be applied to the source. This does not, however,
preclude requiring a short-term evaluation program to permit the
application of a given technology to a particular source; such an
effort is an appropriate technology forcing aspect of RACT.
For many VOC sources, the control technologies must be
implemented by January 1, 1982. This implies the monitoring of
compliance of many sources. In doing so, Federal, state, and
local enforcement agencies will require accurate, portable, and
relatively inexpensive instruments and methods to determine
compliance.
-------
Depending on the industry, VOC emissions may include single
compounds or mixtures of compounds. In the latter case, an
effective measurement method is difficult to determine. Because
of the large number of organic compounds or species that may be
present in a given emission (gasoline vapors are a good example),
determining individual compounds is difficult and costly. As a
result, EPA has adopted Reference Method 25, which measures the
organic carbon content of VOC emissions. Total gaseous nonmeth-
ane organic compounds (TGNMO) are measured by (1) removal of
methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from the sample,
(2) combustion of organic compounds to carbon dioxide, (3) con-
version of the carbon dioxide to methane, and (4) measurement in
a flame ionization detector (FID).
The cost of equipment to perform Method 25 is between
$10,000 and $20,000, and the method requires well trained person-
nel for operation and maintenance. The EPA recognizes that for
certain sources "alternative" or "screening" methods may be
available in lieu of Method 25 for compliance determinations.
Under Contract No. 68-01-4147, Task 120, the Division of
Stationary Source Enforcement (DSSE), U.S. EPA, authorized PEDCo
Environmental, Inc., to conduct a survey to investigate current
instruments available for field-screening VOC emissions. PEDCo
investigated the availability of accurate, relatively inexpensive
portable instruments and methods of measuring VOC. This report
presents the information gathered on performance characteristics
of these instruments and the plans reported for future develop-
ment to reduce instrument costs and widen the applicability of
instruments.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
PEDCo conducted a survey of instrument manufacturers and
obtained information on the cost, weight, and performance char-
acteristics of various instruments. Four categories of portable
instruments, classified by principle of operation, are ionization
-------
detectors, infrared detectors, combustibles analyzers, and mis-
cellaneous instruments.
Most of the instruments identified in this survey are cur-
rently used to detect process leaks. With relatively minor
modifications, however, many of these instruments could be used
for determining compliance. Some care should be exercised to
select instruments compatible with the particular constituents of
the exhaust gas stream. The FID's use a method similar to
Method 25. '
It is possible that none of these instruments would be
compatible with emissions whose chemical composition fluctuates
greatly or is unknown. When all components are known, gas chro-
matograph (GC) separation facilitates measuring individual com-
ponent concentrations.
The portable ionization detectors, notably FID's, are ver-
satile, accurate, and highly sensitive. The FID's detect organic
carbon and are recommended for Method 25 determinations. Costs
of currently available models range from $2300 to $5000. Ioni-
zation detectors manufactured by HNU Systems, Inc., and Century
Systems can be widely applied for detection of leaks from such
sources as petroleum refineries and organic chemical manufactur-
ing plants; these models sell for about $3500 with $1000 addi-
tional for a GC option. Analytical Instrument Development, Inc.,
also manufactures FID instruments, which are less portable and
slightly more expensive.
Portable infrared (IR) instruments may be used in the deter-
mination of single components or hydrocarbon mixtures such as
gasoline and naphtha. The determination of mixtures depends upon
the incorporation of multiwavelength capability into instruments
and the full characterization of components emitted by the
source. The costs of available infrared instruments range from
$1250 to $6600. The less expensive instruments are usually
preset to measure one species only. The more expensive devices
have a built-in capability for continuous variation of the wave-
length in the IR spectrum.
-------
Combustibles analyzers, as the name implies, measure the
concentration of combustible organic compounds in air as a per-
centage of the lower explosive limit (LEL). They are currently
used in leak detection and industrial safety applications and
cost from $160 to $1200. The more expensive instruments are more
accurate in ranges from 0 to 100 ppm and 0 to 1000 ppm. Their
use for monitoring compliance activities will be limited to leak
detection.
A few. instruments in the miscellaneous category should be
studied. Two instruments of potential use in industries involv-
ing halogenated hydrocarbons (such as degreasers and drycleaning
systems) are a halide detector and an alarm manufactured by Gas
Tech. The halide detector can measure concentrations in ranges
from 0 to 100 ppm and 0 to 1000 ppm and costs $1125. The alarm,
which costs about $400, can be preset to "sound-off" at any
concentration from 0 to 100 ppm.
Detector tubes to measure specific organic compounds are
available at a cost of $1 to $3 each. They are used in conjunc-
tion with a pump, which meters a specified volume of gas sample
and costs about $200. The accuracy, precision, and range of the
detector tubes have not been established.
The survey of manufacturer development plans to reduce costs
or widen the application range of instruments found that manu-
facturers would rather respond to changes in demand for instru-
ments than anticipate them. Also, a tenfold increase in demand
would reduce costs by only 10 to 15 percent.
-------
SECTION 2
MEASUREMENT OF VOC
INTRODUCTION
This section discusses acceptable EPA and other reference
methods for VOC emission measurement and outlines the principles
of operation of various VOC detectors. No instrument applicable
to all sources combines the desired features of accuracy, quick
response, portability, and low cost.
Most rules concerning VOC emissions either regulate the
volatile organic content of solvents or limit the exhaust volume
or mass concentrations, mass emission rates, or control equipment
efficiencies.
In many cases total organic carbon must be used as a measure
of VOC emissions, because no detector responds quantitatively to
the total molecular structure of the mixture. Although several
detectors respond to organic compounds, their response may vary
widely from compound to compound and may not be proportional to
the total organic mass or volume in a mixture.
REFERENCE METHODS
Several reference methods for the determination of single
components or TGNMO in emissions are described below.
Reference Method 25
Reference Method 25 measures TGNMO as organic carbon.1 It
requires the separation of nonmethane organics from other carbon
compounds, combustion of organics to carbon dioxide, conversion
of carbon dioxide to methane, and analysis of methane by a flame
ionization detector. This method has been employed in
-------
Los Angeles County for many years and is considered valid and ef-
fective for compliance determinations.2
The performance characteristics of Method 25 are as fol-
lows:3
Accuracy: ± 10 percent
Precision: ± 5 percent
Minimum detectable concentration: 10 ppm
Range: 10 ppm to 2 percent by volume
Portability: Sampling apparatus is portable; sample
must be analyzed in laboratory
Equipment cost: $20,000
A commercially available instrument for the measurement of
TGNMO by Method 25 is manufactured by Byron Instruments, Inc.,
Raleigh, North Carolina.4 The Model 401 hydrocarbon analyzer
chromatographically isolates TGNMO from methane, carbon monoxide,
and carbon dioxide; oxidizes TGNMO to carbon dioxide; reduces
carbon dioxide to methane; and measures the methane in an FID.
The estimated performance characteristics of this instrument are
as follows:3'4
Accuracy: Unknown
Precision: ± 2 percent
Minimum detectable concentration: 1 ppm
Range: 1 ppm to 5 percent
Response time: 10 min
Portability: Semiportable at 60 Ib
Cost: $10,000
Other Reference Methods
Other EPA reference methods can detect and measure some
organic species. The EPA test methods for vinyl chloride (Method
106) and benzene (Method 110) have been published. A New Source
Performance Standards test method (Method 23) for halogenated
compounds (perchloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene
dichloride, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, 1,1,1-trich-
loroethane, and trichlorotrifluoroethane) has also been publish-
ed. All these methods involve collection of a gas sample con-
taining VOC in a plastic bag. The VOC concentration in the
sample is determined by gas chromatograph with an FID.
-------
TYPES OF VOC DETECTORS
The U.S. EPA recognizes that alternative methods may be used
in lieu of reference methods for determination of compliance by
certain sources. For example, an FID may be used where a single
component is present. Screening methods may also be used in
certain situations despite their lack of precision. A hot wire
detector, although not precise, can find gross leaks. The fol-
lowing types of VOC detectors are discussed:
Flame ionization detector
Photoionization (ultraviolet) detector
Nondispersive infrared detector
Thermal conductivity detector
Hot wire detector
Flame Ionization Detector
In an FID, the sample is introduced into a hydrogen flame.5
The combination of even 0.1 ppm of a hydrocarbon produces measur-
able ionization, which is a function of the number of carbon ions
present. A positively charged collector surrounds the flame, and
the ion current between the flame and the collector is measured
electronically. Pure hydrogen burning in air produces very
little ionization, so background effects are essentially masked
by the hydrogen flame. The calibrated output current is read on
a panel meter or chart recorder.
Organic compounds containing nitrogen, oxygen, or halogen
atoms give a reduced response. The FID hydrocarbon analyzers are
usually calibrated in terms of a gas such as methane or hexane,
and the output is read in parts per million of carbon measured as
methane or hexane.
Although nitrogen (N2), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon
dioxide (C02) do not produce interferences, FID's show a very low
sensitivity to water vapor (H20). Condensed water vapor can
block the sample entry tube and cause erratic readings. Also,
when oxygen exceeds 4 percent, a significantly lower output
reading can occur. The relative response of the FID to various
-------
organic compounds, including those with attached oxygen, chlo-
rine, and nitrogen atoms, varies from compound to compound.
Photoionization Detector
Photoionization is the process where ultraviolet light
ionizes a molecule as follows: R + hv/ •» R + e~ where R is the
ionized species and hv represents a photon with energy less than
or equal to the ionization potential of the molecule.6 All
species with an ionization potential less than 10 electron volts
(eV) are detected. Because the ionization potential of all major
components of air [oxygen (02), N2, CO, C02, and H20] is greater
than 10 eV, they are not detected.
The sensor consists of an argon-filled, ultraviolet (UV)
light source that emits photons. A chamber adjacent to the
sensor contains a pair of electrodes. When a positive potential
is applied to one electrode, the field created drives any ions
formed by the absorption of UV light to the collector electrode,
where the current (proportional to the concentration) is mea-
sured.
Nondispersive Infrared Detector
Nondispersive infrared (NDIR) spectrometry is a technique
based upon the broadband absorption characteristics of certain
gases. Infrared radiation is typically directed through two
separate absorption cells: a reference cell and a sample cell.
The sealed reference cell is filled with nonabsorbing gas, such
as nitrogen or argon. The sample cell is physically identical to
the reference cell and receives a continuous stream of the gas
being analyzed. When a particular hydrocarbon is present, the IR
absorption is proportional to the molecular concentration of that
gas. The detector consists of a double chamber separated by an
impermeable diaphragm. Radiant energy passing through the two
absorption cells heats the two portions of the detector chamber
differentially. The pressure difference causes the diaphragm
between the cells to distend and vary a capacitor. The variation
8
-------
in capacitance is proportional to the concentration of the com-
ponent of gas present and is measured electronically.
The NDIR instruments are usually subject to interference,
because other gases (e.g., H20 and C02 ) absorb at the wavelength
of the gas of interest. Efforts to eliminate the interferences
by use of reference cells or optical filters are only partially
successsful. For hydrocarbon (HC) monitoring, the detector is
filled with one or several different hydrocarbons, which may be
different from the HC contained in the sample; this causes a
disproportionate response. Other sources of errors include gas
leaks in detector and reference cells, inaccurate zero and span
gases, nonlinear response, and electronic drift.
Thermal Conductivity Detector
The thermal conductivity of a gas provides a physical method
of quantitative measurement.7 The method is nonspecific, how-
ever, for a mixture of gases. When mixtures can be resolved into
components, as in a chromatographic column, thermal conductivity
is used extensively. For a mixture of a few components in which
one gas with a high coefficient of thermal conductivity is highly
concentrated, thermal conductivity can also be used with some
success. Often, differential measurement can eliminate the
influence of other gases, so that a change in concentration of
the gas of interest can be detected. If a combustible hydro-
carbon is burned in air, the carbon dioxide concentration can be
measured before and after combustion, and the change in carbon
dioxide is related to the hydrocarbon content. In applying this
technique, one must consider the increased water vapor as a
product of combustion. It can be accounted for by drying or
saturating the sampled air stream before and after combustion.
Although the solubility of carbon dioxide in water is low, such a
procedure at very low hydrocarbon concentrations can present
additional problems.
-------
Hot Wire Detector
The heat of combustion of a gas is sometimes used for quan-
titative detection of that gas. Suffering the same limitation as
thermal conductivity, this method is nonspecific and depends upon
sampling and measurement conditions to give satisfactory results.
One type of thermal combustion cell uses a resistance bridge
in which the arms of the bridge are heated filaments. The com-
bustible gas is ignited in a gas cell upon contact with a heated
filament, and the resulting heat release changes the filament
resistance, which is easily measured and related to the gas con-
centration.
Another combustion method uses catalytic heated filaments or
oxidation catalysts. Filament temperature or resistance change
is measured and related to gas concentration.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Measurement of Vola-
tile Organic Compounds. EPA-450/2-78-041, 1979.
2 Salo, A. E., S. Witz, and R. D. MacPhee. Determination of
Solvent Vapor Concentration by Total Combustion Analysis: A
Comparison of Infrared With Flame lonization Detectors.
Presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Air Pollution
Control Association, Boston, Massachusetts, June 15-20,
1975.
3. Personal communication between Johnson, L. D., U.S. EPA, and
M. Y. Anastas, PEDCo Environmental, Inc. December 19/9.
4. Byron Instruments, Inc. Air Quality Analytical Instruments.
Promotional literature. 1979.
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions from Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
I: Control Methods for Surface Coating Operations.
EPA-450/2-76-028, 1976.
6 Willey M A., and C. S. McCameron, Jr. Evaluation of
Portable, Direct-Reading Hydrocarbon Meters. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. HEW No.
(NIOSH) 76-166.
10
-------
7. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
Air Sampling Instruments For Evaluation Of Atmospheric
Contaminants. 5th ed. 1978.
11
-------
SECTION 3
PORTABLE VOC INSTRUMENTS
PEDCo conducted a survey to obtain information about perfor-
mance characteristics and costs of portable VOC instruments, and
several instrument manufacturers provided literature describing
their instruments. PEDCo telephoned the manufacturers of the
more promising instruments to determine their current and future
development activities to reduce costs and develop new applica-
tions. The results of the survey are summarized below.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Before surveying instrument manufacturers, PEDCo defined
instrument parameters and performance specifications of interest
for this task. Based on consultation with in-house personnel who
are familiar with the operation and capabilities of various
monitoring instruments, PEDCo compiled Table 1, a list of instru-
ment parameters that are necessary for a complete description of
the instruments. From this list, PEDCo developed a survey form
to help summarize data and identify gaps in information.
SURVEY OF INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURERS
Tables 2, 3, and 4 list the instrument manufacturers most
likely to offer portable ionization detectors, infrared instru-
ments, and combustibles analyzers. Sources of information in-
cluded: "Analytical Chemistry," October 1978; "Thomas Register"
for 1978; "Pollution Equipment News," April 1979; the exhibitor
listing for the 1979 Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemis-
try and Applied spectroscopy; and the fifth edition of "Air
Sampling Instruments for Evaluation of Atmospheric Contaminants,"
12
-------
TABLE 1. INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS
Class - Portable: Instrument can be readily transported for field use.
Principle of Operation - The technique used to detect and measure the pollu-
tant or parameter.
Lower Detectable Limit - The smallest quantity or concentration of a sample
that causes a response equal to twice the noise level. (Not to be con-
fused with sensitivity, which is response per unit of concentration.)
Range - The lower and upper detectable limits. (The lower limit is usually
reported as 0.0 ppm. This is somewhat misleading and should be reported
as the true lower detectable limit.)
Interferences - Any substance or species causing a deviation of instrument
output from the value that would result from the presence of only the
pollutant of concern.
Multiparameter Capability - Ability to measure other pollutants or parameters.
Sampling Method - Specified as continuous, semicontinuous, or intermittent.
Accuracy - The difference between the measured value and the true values which
has been established by an accepted reference method procedure. In most
cases, a value is quoted by the manufacturer, and no description is given
to indicate how this value was obtained.
Precision - The degree of variation between repeated measurements of the same
concentration.
Noise - Spontaneous deviation from a mean output not caused by input concen-
tration changes (expressed as a percentage of the full scale).
Lag Time - The time interval from a step change in the input concentration at
the instrument inlet to the first corresponding change in the instrument
output.
Rise Time - The time interval between the initial response and a 90% response
(unless otherwise specified) after a step increase in the inlet concen-
tration.
Response Time - The time interval from a step change in the input concentra-
tion at the instrument inlet to a reading of 90% (unless otherwise speci-
fied) of the ultimate recorded output. This measurement is the same as
the sum of lag time and rise time.
(continued)
13
-------
TABLE 1. (continued)
Fall Time - The time interval between the initial response and a 90% response
unless otherwise specified) after a step decrease in the inlet concen-
trTlion. This measurement is usually, but not necessarily, the same as
the rise time.
7pro Drift - The change with time in instrument output over a stated time
?er° geHod of unadjusted continuous operation when the input concentrate is
e
zero (expressed as a percentage of the full scale).
Drift - The change with time in instrument output over a stated time
°p r od ofunaSjusted continuous operation when the input concentration is
"stated value other than zero (expressed as a percentage of the full
scale).
An.hi.nt Temperature Range - The range of ambient temperature over which the
- instrument meets stated performance specifications.
Calibration - The method for determining thelnstruiient response to calibra-
- tTbTgases (dynamic calibration) or artificial stimuli (static calibra
tion).
Warmup Time - The elapsed time necessary after startup for the instrument to
meet stated performance specifications when the instrument has been shut
down for at least 24 hours.
14
-------
TABLE 2. PORTABLE IONIZATION DETECTORS
U1
Manuf ac turer
Analytical
Instrument
Development.
Inc .
Avondale,
Pennsylvania
8endi». Envi-
ronmental and
Process Instru-
ments Division,
Levisburg.
West Virginia
Century
Systems.
Arkansas City,
Kansas
General Elec-
tric. Instru-
ment Products.
iv nn
Massachusetts
*eati Consul-
ta-«ts. Inc .
>l?uqhto".
Massarnuset t«.
Model
No
550b
and
551
555C
5H-l2d
8401*
OVA- 118
OVA- 128f
OVA- 98
OVA- 1089
TVM-1
Detecto,
PftK II
Pollu-
tant(s)
detected
Nonmethane
total hy-
drocarbons
Total hy-
drocarbons
Total hy-
drocarbons
and i nd i -
vidual
compounds
with GC
| Total hy-
drocarbons
i
! Total hy-
drocarbons
1 Total hy-
drocarbons
Total hy-
1 drocarbons
Total hy
! drocarbons
Halogenated
compounds
i
Total hy-
drocarbons
i
Principle
of "e
operation Cost, S
FID J 3711 1
FID 3987 2
1
,
FIO/CC 4968
1
I !
FID \ 3195
i
1
FID 3500
FIO/GC 4200
FID 3500
FIO/GC 4200
Ion h 4060
capture
F|D ?950 !
i
ight, : Range,
Ib ppm
6 5 0-200 and
0-2000 for
Model 550,
0-200 and
0-10,000, for
Model 551
0 5 0-10,000,
0-2000. and
i 0-100
Accu-
racy,
13
Sensi-
tivity
0 1 ppm
on a
scale
of
• 0-200
13
1 1
(
41 '.
i
40 1-1000 1 12
12 0-10 and
0-100
i2 0-1000
12
12
12 0-10.000 12
ppm
1 ppm on
a scale
of
0- 2000
ppm
0 05 ppm
as pro-
pane
0 01 ppm
0 2 ppm
methane
0 2 ppm
•ethane
0 5 ppm
Ml han»
12 0-10.000 12 05 pp("
i methane
23 9 ranges *10 01 ppm
0- 1 through ,
0-10,000
! '
8 0-10 J 2 ppi»
0-100 14 2 ppm
0-1000 , J ; 5 PP"
Pre-
cision,
t
13
Re-
sponse
time, s
S
Noise
Less than
0 1 pp"
on a
0-200
PP"
13
5
1 ppm
on a
scale
of
0-2000
1 ppm
i
i
1
tem-
pera-
ture.
°C
0-40
0-40
Drift*
5-45 !
j
i • •
12 ' 8 !t«
j
12
2 1
5-40
i = lit <2«)
s = lit (24)
i
i
i
1
-20 to s = lit (1)
40 !
-20 to s = Ht (1)
• 40
tt ' 2 -20 to , s = in <>)
1 40
1 -20 to s = lit (1)
! 40
1 ' .1
120 . 0-55
• Negl igible
i
• i
1
1 'S ^ ,...»,„
S-^,7,
1
(continued)
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
Manufacturer
HNU Systeai.
Inc .
Newton
Upper Falls.
Massachusetts
Melroy Labs
Springfield,
Virginia
Mine Safety
Appliances
Co .
Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania
Survey and
Analysis.
Inc
No'thboro,
Massachusetts
Model
No
Pl-1011
HC-500
Total HC
analy-
zer
Snlfty
Model
A-500
Pollu-
tant(t)
detected
Chlorinated
hydrocar-
bons, aro-
matic*.
aldehydes.
ketones ,
any sub-
stance
which ad-
sorption
of UV
light
results In
ionfzatlon
Total hy-
drocarbons
Total hy-
drocarbons
Total hy-
drocarbons
1 1
Principle ,
of (Weight. Rang*.
operation Cost, f Ib ppai
Photolon- ' 3395 <9 ; 0-20.
Izatlon , i 0-200. and
0-2000
i
,
i
FIO ' 40 0-10.
0-50,
0-100.
0-500. and
0-1000
FIO 3850 35 0-4 and
1 0-12.000
!
FID 1695 17 0-10
for
basic 0-100
unit,
SJ295 0-1000
entire 0-10.000
po-ta-
C'lity
package
Accu-
racy.
lj
tl on
low
scale
til
-55
-35
-3
•20
I
Sensi-
tivity
1 pp*
0 1 PP»
CH4
2 PP"
i
Pre-
clilon.
1
tl
tponse
tlM. S
5
i
I
' 45
1
1 1
4
Noise
i
•tO 05
PP»
CM.
|
to sx
1
i
tablent
leer
pera-
ture,
•c
-IB to
SO
1
10-40
i
*t
i 4-45
i
0-50
Drift*
I - « (7)
f - 31 (6)
for a range
O f 0' a?0 DOB *
no drift for
other ranges
z = 0 2 pp. (24)
s = 0 2 PP" (24)
for a range of
0-10 PP"
s = 0 51 (24)
1
= 1201 (7)
' = 1121 (7)
= 0
= 141 (7)
= 10 n (7)
. = 0
= to n (7)
= 0
(continued)
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
* The letters "i" and "s" Indicate lero drift and span drift The numbers of hours over which drift occurs Is given In parenthesis
b A charcoal tub* Is used to adsorb organic! except -ethane, and a range of 0-10 ppm Is available with the recorder The Instrument can be used as alar
by setting In 0-1000 range This is a screening and leak detection device
c The following features are available a range of 0-100 ppn with recorder only. Internal power, oxygen, and hydrogen supplies, a heated probe; and a
battery-operated recorder with a range of 0-100mV d c
** Capabilities equal or exceed those of Models bbO and 555
' Capabilities to detect higher concentrations require further Investigation This My be suitable for anbient air measurement only
Optional GC
9 Optional CC
h A heated platinum wire embedded In rubidium combusts incoming gases Combustion of halogenated materials causes electrons to flow from the rubidium
The electrical flow Measured is proportional to the amount of halogenated materials present
1 Performance characteristics as measured by H10SH Reference 6, Section 3
•* Inaccurate
-------
TABLE 3. PORTABLE INFRARED INSTRUMENTS
Manufacturer
Anarad, Inc .
Santa Barbara,
California
Aitro
Resources
Corp .
Houston.
Texas
Chrysler
HuntivHle
Electronics
Division
Huntiville,
Alabama
Foxboro
Analytlctl.
Wilks Infra-
red Center.
S Norvalk.
Connecticut
Nodal
No
AR-400b
5000e
in-cd
Nopar"
,f
Atlas"
Pol lit- Prlnc
tant(s) of
detected opera
Individual IR
ipecies
absorbing •
IR :
1
,
•
I
•
I
I
Iple
tlon Cost. $
2195
for an
analy-
icr aea-
surlng
1 single
gas
5745
weight,
Ib
for an
analy- i
1 ler Mea-
suring
three >
• gases
. (Node!
403)
Individual IR ' 25
hydro-
carbons
' 1
.
,
Total hy- IR 20
drocarbons
Range
Specified
by custom-
er , up to
100X
0-300 and
0-2000 DM
Total hy- IR 20
drocarbons
Total hy- IR 30
! drocarbons
1
Hlran Any species IR
-104* absorbing IR
between 2 5
and M 5 urn
Hlran-lA
In wave-
length
Any species IR
absorbing IR
between 2 5
and 14 5 pn
in wave-
length
0-300 and
0-2000 pp»
0-300 and
0-2000 pp»
Not sold 24 ppte to per-
in cent
United '
Stales
but
. price '
•ay be ,
sfmi lar
to
Accu-
racy.
X
11
il
a
a
12
15
Miran-lA i
6600 32
-2
1
Re-
sponse
tiae. i
5
6
Noise, X
Aa*l«nt
tem-
pera-
ture,
•c
0-49
1
i
i
Drift1
I * 11X (24)
a = IIS (24)
• i
-40 to
55
z =
46
I.'.IO. ' C-46 l = 10 3* (8)
jrfl
«.. ,
1 •
1.4 10. 0 3 0-40 1 = 10 Z* (8)
«-: 40
1
CD
(continued)
-------
TABLE 3. (continued)
VO
Manufacturer
Gas Tech. Inc ,
Mountain View,
California
Infrared
Industries.
Inc ,
Santa
Barbara,
California
Mine Safety
Appliances Co. .
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
Node!
No
Halide
de-
tector
Pollu-
tant(s)
detected
Halogenaled
hydrocar-
IR-711 Alkane hy-
drocarbons
l
lR-702f Any species
absorbing
IR
IH-703 Any species
f
!R-705r
absorbing
IR
Any species
absorbing
1 IK
LIRA
303s
Hydrocarbon
species
that
absorb 1R
Principle
of
operation
Enhance-
ment of
radia-
tion
from a
spark by
halogens
IR (solid
state
detect-
or)
IR
IR
Cost, S
1125
1250
2895
2395
Weight,
Ib
13
9
34
34
i i
IR
IR
•
2950
34
'
2970 i 37
1
Range
0-100 and
0-10,000
PP«
0-100* LEI
and
0-1000 pom
IR 702.
1R 703, and
IR 70S are
available
•tth analog
or digital
scales.
analog scales
range from
0-1 00* to 0-
200 ppm,
digital
scales range
fro- 0-lOOZ
to 0 IX
0-100* IEL
and
0-1000 ppm
Accu-
racy,
t5
tl
Sensi-
tivity
Pre-
cision,
I
j
Re-
sponse
tlM. S
5
15 120
i
'
I
t
'
'
i
i
i
Noise. 1
I
«
1
»
i
•
i
i
,
11 5 <1
1
1
tabUnt
te»-
pera-
ture,
•c
0-50
0-50
4-45
Drift*
I = Itt (8)
z = tit (24)
s = tlX (24)
I =
-------
TABLE 4. PORTABLE COMBUSTIBLES ANALZERS
10
o
Manufacturer
lacnarich
Instrument Co. ,
Santa Clara.
California
Blomarlne
Industries.
'1C ,
Malvern,
Pennsylvania
Control
Instruments
Corp ,
Fairfleld.
New Jersey
Gas Tech. Inc ,
Mountain View,
California
International
Sensor Tech-
nology.
Santa »ru.
Cal ifornia
Mine Safely
Appl lances
Company ,
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
Model
No
G
l_
H°
Tl»
Sniffer'
922
900.
900*.
and
900RS
FF*Pd
1J77
1238
AGS100
20e
f
30f
40"
Pollu-
Unt(s)
detected
Combustible
gases
Combustible
gises and
vapors
Combustible
gases and
vapors
Flammable
gases and
vapors
Combustible
gases
' Combustible
l gases
i
Combustible
gases and
vapors
Combustible
gases
Combustible
i gases
Combustible
gases
Principle
of
operation
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Thermal
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Change in
resist-
ance
•tthin
detector
Catalytic
' combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Catalytic
combus-
tion
Cott. S
2S3
160
279
896
49S
68S
695. and
7IS
S2S
69S
1200
for ppm
1 scale.
B2S (or
LEL
scale
374
! 374
i
' 374
i
Weight.
Ib
4
4
S
5
1.5
3
28
6
7
6
Range
0-100* LEL
0-10CX LEL
0-100* LEL
0-100.
0-1000. and
0-10.000 ppm
0-100* LEL
0-100* LEL
0-100* LEL
0-1 DOS LEL
0-100* LEL
and
0-SOO ppm
LEL and ppm
1
0-100* LEL
, 0-IOOX LEI
0-10* and
0-100* LEL
Accu-
racy,
X
13
tSX LEI
15* LEI
13
ts
M
tS
Sensi-
tivity
t ppm
Prt-
clilon,
X
±3
11
±2
12
t5
tponsa
time, i
S
S
<10
4
10
ID on
LEL
scale
and 60
on ppm
scale
mjfttwil
tar
pera-
tur«.
•c
o-so
-IS to
40
-IS to
40
0-52
0-40
-20 to
SO
Drift'
1 = <1« (1 yr)
S = <15X (1 yr)
Negligible In
a 3-month
period
i
i
(continued)
-------
TABLE 4. (continued)
Manufacturer
Survey and
Analysis, Inc
Northboro.
Massachusetts
Teledyne
Analytical
Instruments.
Jan Gabriel,
Call forma
Model
Mo
OrMark
I*"'
980
•ollu-
Unt(s)
detected
Combustible
gasef and
vapors
Total com-
bustibles
and oxygen
Principle
of
operation
Thermal
conduc-
tivity
Catalytic
combustion
Cost, t
28S
Weight.
Ib
-------
published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists in 1978.
Instrument manufacturers were requested to provide informa-
tion on portable instruments that are capable of detecting and
measuring VOC concentrations from 10 to 10,000 ppm. PEDCo de-
cided that instruments weighing 40 Ib or less may be considered
portable. Although most manufacturers were responsive to the
survey, information received after the initial contact was usual-
ly incomplete. Followup contacts were often necessary. After
the list of manufacturers was exhausted and the accumulated data
were analyzed, manufacturers of apparently promising instruments
were again contacted to determine their plans for further devel-
opment. Specifically, they were asked to project future costs on
the basis of order of magnitude increases in demand for their
instruments.
SURVEY RESULTS
Four classes of detectors or methods of VOC detection and
measurement) were revealed by the survey. These are:
lonization detectors
Infrared detectors
Combustibles analyzers
Miscellaneous instruments, including detector tubes and
intermittent colorimetric methods
Data on performance characteristics, measurement capabilities,
and costs are summarized below.
lonization Detectors
The performance characteristics of ionization detectors are
summarized in Table 2. Prominent among these are the FID's,
which can measure TGNMO or individual organic compounds. When a
GC option is available, the instrument can be used to measure
concentrations of various components in a mixture, after cali-
bration curves are obtained for each component.
22
-------
In general, instruments with FID detectors, are read direct-
ly and are more accurate in the range from 0 to 10 ppm than
infrared instruments. They do not respond to water vapor, but
particulate matter must be removed from the gas sample.
PEDCo found only one photoionization detector (the HNU
Systems Model PI-101) that uses ultraviolet light to effect
ionization. As with FID's, the detector's response varies with
the functional group in the organic species. Although the in-
strument has been used as a screening device for leak detection
in processes involving synthetic organic chemicals, its applica-
bility in compliance determinations, especially when mixtures are
involved, is uncertain. The unit is not known to have been used
for measuring organic species that had been separated with a GC.
Another ionization instrument detector is the General Elec-
tric Model TVM-1 for measurement of halogenated species. Litera-
ture about the instrument suggests that combustion of the halo-
genated organic species results in an electronic flow whose
magnitude is proportional to concentration. The manufacturer
recommends using the instrument in industrial hygiene appli-
cations. Its use, however, in determining VOC emissions from
such sources as degreasers and drycleaning systems should be
explored, because the detection range suggests suitability to
these sources.
The costs of available ionization detectors range from $2300
to $5000. Addition of a GC unit can increase the cost by $1000.
The lowest priced FID has been used to detect methane in leaks
from pipelines and in sewer gases. The FID's used as screening
devices for leak detection in the petroleum and petrochemical
industries (such as the Century Systems and HNU Systems instru-
ments) cost about $3500.
Infrared Instruments
Performance characteristics of portable infrared detection
devices are summarized in Table 3. These devices are suitable
for the detection and measurement of single organic compounds.
23
-------
The wavelength at which a certain compound absorbs infrared
radiation is predetermined, and the device is preset (by the use
of optical filters) for that specific wavelength. If set to a
wavelength of 3.4 micrometers, infrared devices can be used to
detect and measure petroleum fractions, including gasoline and
naphtha, which are known to be mixtures of aliphatic (saturated
and unsaturated) and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Particulates and water vapor should be removed from VOC gas
samples to- be measured. Water absorbs IR radiation over the
entire spectrum. The IR devices can be used to determine TGNMO
in mixtures by setting the device to one component if the rela-
tive concentrations of the constitutents do not vary or by chang-
ing the setting of the wavelength to accommodate each component.
The costs of available IR detection devices range from $1250
to $6600. The less expensive instruments (such as the Infrared
Industries Model IR-711) do not offer built-in multiparameter
capabilities and require calibration at the factory. The more
expensive devices (such as the Foxboro-Wilks Model Miran-lA)
offer multiparameter capabilities and can measure a wider range
of concentrations.
Combustibles Analyzers
Performance characteristics and capabilities of combustibles
analyzers are summarized in Table 4. With few exceptions, these
instruments measure VOC concentration as a percentage of the LEL
of combustible hydrocarbons; the LEL is generally on the order of
10,000 ppm.
Currently, these analyzers are used in leak detection and
explosion-safety applications. The detectors are nonspecific,
and with the exception of the Bacharach Model TLV Sniffer and
International Sensor Technology Model AG5100, their accuracy in
the range from 0 to 100 ppm is questionable.
The costs of these instruments vary from $160 to $1200.
More expensive units can measure concentrations in ranges from 0
to 1000 ppm and 0 to 100 ppm.
24
-------
Miscellaneous Instruments
PEDCo found other instruments that may be useful in compli-
ance determination for various sources of VOC. For example, Gas
Tech, Inc., of Mountain View, California, offers two commercially
available devices for detection of halogenated hydrocarbons. The
first, called Halide Detector, operates on the principle of
enhancement of UV radiation emitted from a spark in the presence
of halogenated species. This instrument weighs 13 lb, costs
$1125, and has concentration ranges of 0 to 100 ppm and 0 to
10,000 ppm. Another instrument offered by the same manufacturer
acts as an alarm for the presence of halogenated species at
preset concentration levels in the range of 0 to 100 ppm; the
alarm costs $400.
A number of potentially useful methods can measure individ-
ual organic species at concentrations below or at the threshold
limit value (TLV) and up to several thousand parts per million,
depending on species. These methods involve passing a gas sample
of known volume through a small glass detector tube. The tube is
packed with a sorbent that has been impregnated with a chemical
reagent known to produce a coloration or stain in the presence of
the organic species of interest. The length of stain or colora-
tion produced indicates the concentration, and calibration charts
that relate stain length to concentration are provided.
Detector tubes certified by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health are sold in packages of 10 tubes
at a cost between $13 and $30 per package, depending on species
to be measured. The pumps used to meter known volumes of gas
through the tube usually cost about $200. Two manufacturers of
detector tubes and pumps are Mine Safety Appliances and National
Draeger, Inc.; both firms are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The accuracy of detector tubes is about ±25 percent at five
times TLV and ±35 percent at one-half TLV. The precision ranges
from 10 to 15 percent, but is difficult to quantify because of
25
-------
variations among different batches of detector tubes. The poten-
tial use of detector tubes to determine VOC compliance would be
restricted to situations where regulations limit the concentra-
tion of a given species (e.g., perchloroethylene drycleaning,
where a limit of 100 ppm is specified).
Safety Certification
Portable instruments to detect VOC emissions from stationary
sources may be used in hazardous locations such as petroleum
refineries and bulk gasoline terminals. The National Electrical
Code requires that instruments to be used in hazardous locations
be certified to be explosion proof, intrinsically safe, or
purged.
Hazardous locations are divided into three classes:
Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each class has two divisions
(Division 1 or 2) according to the probability that a hazardous
atmosphere will be present; and also into seven groups depending
on the type of hazardous material exposure. Groups A through D
are flammable gases or vapors, and Groups E, F, and G apply to
combustible or conducting dusts. Class I, Division 1, Groups A,
B, C, and D locations are those in which hazardous concentrations
of flammable gases or vapors may exist under normal operating
conditions. Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D locations
are those in which hazardous concentrations of flammables may
exist only under unlikely conditions of operation.
Only five manufacturers produce certified portable VOC
detection instruments. Table 5 lists these manufacturers, ap-
proved instrument model numbers, and instrument certification
categories.
26
-------
TABLE 5. PORTABLE VOC DETECTION INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATION
K)
Manufacturer
Bacharach Instrument Co.,
Santa Clara, California
Century Systems,
Arkansas City, Kansas
HNU Systems, Inc.
Newton Upper Falls,
Massachusetts
Mine Safety Appliances Co.,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Survey and Analysis, Inc.,
Northboro, Massachusetts
Model No.
TLV Sniffer
OVA-128
OVA-108
PI-101
OnMark
Model 5
Certification
Intrinsically safe, Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D
Intrinsically safe, Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D, and
Class I, Division 2, Groups A & B
Intrinsically safe, Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, & D
Intrinsically safe, Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B. C, & D
Intrinsically safe. Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, & D
Intrinsically safe. Class I, Division 1, Group D, and
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, & C
Intrinsically safe, Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, & D
-------
SECTION 4
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Of the four classes of VOC detectors described in the last
section, ionization detectors appear (1) the most versatile in
terms of applicability to various sources of VOC, (2) the most
accurate, especially in the lower ranges (0 to 10 ppm) of concen-
tration, and (3) the most sensitive, both in terms of minimum
detectable limit and instrument response per unit change of
concentration in the lower concentration range. This section
examines the applicability of each instrument class in VOC com-
pliance monitoring.
IONIZATION DETECTORS
Ionization detectors, notably FID's, are applicable to
nearly all sources of VOC. Although most current models are
mainly used to detect hydrocarbon leaks in petroleum refineries,
petrochemical plants, etc., they can be modified to measure VOC
control device efficiencies, source emission concentrations, and
fugitive emissions.
As a result of their capability to detect organic carbon,
ionization detectors may be used to determine mixtures as well as
individual components. If the individual species in a mixture
are known, the components can be separated in a GC column, and
the detector can be calibrated for those species.
For a single component a GC is usually not necessary. VOC
sources with a single component include perc drycleaning systems
and degreasers.
Available ionization detectors can require modifications to
improve their capabilities for extractive sampling from stacks,
28
-------
vents, and ducts. These modifications1may include provisions for
removal of particulates and heating of sampling probe and line to
prevent loss of the sample through condensation.
lonization detectors are not suitable to determine the
compliance of sources with a control device (such as a fume
incinerator) that chemically alters emission species. In such
cases, Reference Method 25 should be used to measure organic
carbon.
INFRARED DETECTORS
As mentioned earlier, infrared detectors are suitable for
application when only a single component is present or when
emissions consist of petroleum fractions (such as naphtha and
gasoline) in the vapor phase. The less expensive devices are
calibrated for one component at the factory or can use optical
filters to change the wavelength. The more expensive devices can
continuously vary wavelength over the useful infrared spectrum.
Where infrared devices are used in extractive sampling of
stacks and vents, provisions should be made for the removal of
particulates and moisture. The latter absorbs radiation over the
entire spectrum.
Infrared devices can be used to determine compliance of
surface coating operations if a single-component coating is used
or if the devices offer multiparameter capabilities and all
coating components are known. These instruments can also be used
to monitor bulk gasoline plants, petroleum liquids storage facil-
ities, tank truck gasoline terminals, perc drycleaning plants,
solvent metal cleaning operations, pharmaceutical plants, and
pneumatic tire manufacturers.
The minimum detectable limit of many infrared devices ranges
from a few parts per million to 100 ppm, depending on species and
path length of the detectors.
29
-------
COMBUSTIBLES ANALYZERS
Combustibles analyzers are mostly used to detect leaks and
monitor LEL percentages. Potential uses in leak detection are in
refineries and facilities for petroleum liquids storage and
loading. Applications involving the measurement of LEL percent-
ages include surface coating operations, graphic arts, and refin-
eries.
In surface coating operations that operate spray booths and
bake ovens in the range of 10 to 25 percent LEL, the accuracy of
these devices can be sufficient for control and maintenance of
this level of combustibles. In their present state of develop-
ment, however, combustibles analyzers cannot be used to determine
compliance because they offer no reliable methods of data inter-
pretation in terms of organic carbon and because (with the excep-
tion of the Bacharach Model TLV Sniffer) their accuracy in ranges
from 0 to 100 ppm and 0 to 1000 ppm is in doubt.
MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUMENTS
Detector tubes with proven accuracy and precision can be
used to determine compliance if the organic species is known.
Their applicability may be limited by the recommended concentra-
tion range in which they can be used.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS
After completing the initial survey, PEDCo contacted a se-
lected number of instrument manufacturers to obtain information
on their plans for further development. Specifically, PEDCo
asked the following questions:
Are there plans for further development of currently avail-
able models in order to reduce cost and improve capabili-
ties?
What reductions in costs (if any) can be anticipated if
demand increases tenfold?
30
-------
what are the current and projected applications of the
available instruments in theF monitoring of emissions from
sources of VOC?
in general, instrument manufacturers were reluctant to
develop further capabilities and applications of their instru-
ments before a clearly positive demand develops. One manufactur-
er currently plans to develop another portable photoionization
(ultraviolet) detector, and another is developing temperature
controls for the GC column in a GC/FID instrument.
Approximately one-third of the manufacturers contacted
mentioned that a fivefold to tenfold increase in demand would
reduce the costs of their instruments by 10 to 15 percent. Many
said they would not reduce costs for such increases in demand,
and others could not provide answers.
31
-------
APPENDIX
SOURCES OF VOC
-------
SOURCES OF VOC
SOURCES AND EMISSIONS - GENERAL
As of November 1979, CTG documents covering the following
industries and activities had been issued:1'21
1. Surface coating of cans, coils, paper, fabrics, auto-
mobiles, and light-duty trucks
2. Surface coating of metal furniture
3. Surface coating of insulation of magnet wire
4. Surface coating of large appliances
5. Surface coating of miscellaneous metal parts and pro-
ducts
6. Factory surface coating of flat wood paneling
7. Graphic arts—rotogravure and flexography
8. Bulk gasoline plants
9. Storage of petroleum liquids in fixed roof tanks
10. Tank truck gasoline loading terminals
11. Refinery vacuum producing systems, wastewater separa-
tors, and process unit turnarounds
12. Use of cutback asphalt
13. Gasoline service stations
14. Leaks from petroleum refinery equipment
15. Manufacture of vegetable oils
16. Petroleum liquid storage in external floating roof
tanks
A-l
-------
17. Perchloroethylene drycleaning systems
18. Gasoline tank trucks and vapor collection systems
19. Solvent metal cleaning
20. Manufacture of synthesized pharmaceutical products
21. Manufacture of pneumatic rubber tires
The first six industries are coating operations in which
surfaces are cleaned and dried before single or multiple coatings
are applied. Coatings can be applied by dipping, flowcoating, or
electrostatic spraying. After each coating is applied, the parts
may go through a flash tunnel to allow the coating to flow out
properly and through a bake oven to cure the coating. The ap-
plied coatings are usually polymers, such as polyesters and epoxy
resins, and their application requires the use of solvents as
thinners to reduce viscosity. The solvents used can consist of a
single component or a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocar-
bons, ketones, esters, and alcohols. Many of the solvent mix-
tures form explosive mixtures with air upon evaporation from the
coated parts in such process equipment as spray booths, flashoff
tunnels, and bake ovens. Fire insurance underwriters require
that the concentration of combustibles be maintained below 25
percent LEL unless adequate LEL monitoring equipment is used (in
which case 50 percent LEL is allowed).
Many spray booths, bake ovens, etc. are operated in the
range from 5 to 15 percent LEL to prevent leakage of vapors into
the work area. Also, in spray booths where worker exposure is
likely, the LEL is maintained at or below 1 percent. As a rule-
of-thumb, 100 percent LEL results from the evaporation of 1 gal-
lon of solvent in 2500 standard cubic feet of air.22 Depending
on molecular weight and density, this may result in a concentra-
tion of about 10,000 parts per million by volume (ppmv).
Emission reduction alternatives for surface coating opera-
tions include (1) the substitution of powder, water borne, or
high-solids coatings, (2) the use of activated carbon adsorption
A-2
-------
to control emissions from application and flashoff areas when
conventional solvents are used, and (3) the use of fume incinera-
tion for reduction of emissions from bake ovens. A typical regu-
lation limits emissions to 0.36 kilograms VOC/liter (3.0 Ib
VOC/gal) of coating applied.
When control devices such as activated carbon adsorbers or
fume incinerators are used, the regulations may specify the effi-
ciency (80 to 95 percent) at which the device should be operated.
Hydrocarbon emissions from bulk gasoline plants result from
filling of trucks and storage tanks and breathing and drainage
losses from storage tanks. Control alternatives include the
utilization of submerged filling and vapor balance systems.
Compliance monitoring would consist of onsite inspections to
ensure that proper operating procedures are implemented.
Hydrocarbon emissions from fixed-roof tanks may be con-
trolled by installing internal floating roofs.
Hydrocarbon emissions from tank truck gasoline loading ter-
minals result from filling of tank trucks and from leaks in pumps
and pipe fittings. Vapor recovery or combustion devices can be
used to control emissions from filling operations.
Control of emissions from refinery vacuum producing systems,
wastewater separators, and process unit turnarounds usually
involves modifying the operating procedures or changing the
process so that hydrocarbon emissions from the various sources
are manifolded to the refinery flare system.
The VOC emissions from the use of cutback asphalt can be
controlled by substitution of emulsified asphalt involving only
water and an organic emulsifier.
Emissions of halogenated hydrocarbons from solvent metal
cleaning operations can be controlled by implementing operating
procedures that minimize solvent loss and by retrofitting control
systems, such as carbon adsorbers and freeboard chillers.
In September 1979, the EPA issued a guidance document to
state and local agencies that contained model regulations affect-
ing nine industries and activities.23 Table A-l summarizes
A-3
-------
TABLE A-l. CONTROL OF VOC EMISSIONS FROM STATIONARY SOURCES
Industry
Petroleum
refinery
equipment
Surface coat-
ing of mis-
eel laneous
metal parts
Surface coat-
ing of flat-
wood panel ing
Source
Leaks from pipe
connections,
valves, pump
seals, etc.
Same as above
Spray coating,
flow coating
(flashoff)
Ovens
Coating operations
Pollutant species
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons
Ketones, esters,
alcohols, ali-
phatic HC,
ethers, aromatic
HC, terpenes
Same as above
Same as above
Same as above
Same as above
Ketones, esters,
alcohols, hydro-
carbons, toluene,
xylene
Uncontrolled
concentration,
ppm
>10,000
>10,000
100-4003
100-4003
100-4003
100-800a
100-8003
100-300b
Controlled
concentration
Negligible
Negligible
10-100 ppm
(60 to 90%
reduction)
5-40 ppm
(90% reduc-
tion)
90% reduction
90% reduction
90% reduction
2.9-5.8 kg
per 100 m2
Control
method
Repair leak im-
mediately
Repair leaks dur-
ing shut down
Waterborne coating
Carbon adsorption
Incineration
Carbon adsorption
Incineration
Afterburner carbon
adsorption
Stream
pressure
Slightly
below at-
mospheric
Slightly
below at-
mospheric
temper
ature
Ambien
Ambier
Ambien
Ambien
Ambie-
ioo°-
400°F
ioo°-
400° '
Amb i e i
V
I
(continued)
-------
TABLE A-l. (continued)
i
Lfl
Industry
Synthesized
pharmaceuti-
cal products
manufacture
Pneumatic
rubber tire
manufacture
Graphic arts
systems
(f lexography
and roto-
gravure
Source
Reactors
Undertread
cementing
Green tire
spraying
Tread-end
cementing
Bead dipping
Tire bui Ming
Printing rollers
Pollutant species
Ethyl acetate,
methanol , chloro-
form, xylene,
benzene, heptane,
toluene
Heptane, hexane,
isopropanol ,
naphtha, toluene
Heptane, hexane,
toluene
Gasoline, hexane,
isopropanol ,
naphtha, toluene
Same as above
Gasoline, hexane,
methanol , naph-
tha, isopropanol,
toluene
Alcohols, glycols,
esters, hydrocar-
bons, ethers,
ketones
Jncontrol led
concentration,
ppm
No data
200-1500°
100-1400C
100-1500°
60-1200C
3-95°
500-2400d
Controlled
concentration
No data
40-300 ppm
(80% reduc-
tion)
10-140 ppm
(90% reduc-
tion)
10-150 ppm
(90% reduc-
tion)
6-120 ppm
(90% reduc-
tion)
50% reduc-
tion
Control
method
Condensers, ad-
sorbers, liquid
scrubbers, incin-
erators
Carbon adsorption
or incineration
Carbon adsorption
or incineration
Carbon adsorption
or incineration
Carbon adsorption
or incineration
Controls not
needed
Waterborne inks
Stream
pressure
Slightly
above or
below
atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Slightly
below
atmos-
pheric
for all
sources
Stream
temper-
ature
65°-85
60°-
110°F
60°- 7t
Ambier
Ambier
Ambie
(continued)
-------
TABLE A-l. (continued)
Storage tanks
with external
floating roof
Perchloro-
ethylene
dryclean ing
system
1 -
Source
1 _
Dryers
Floating roof
1 seal
f
Cleaning machine
Dryer/reclaimer
Distillation unit
vent
Pollutant species
Same as above
Same as above
Same as above
Same as above
Hydrocarbons,
including gaso-
1 ine
Perch loroe thy lene
Same as above
Same as above
-—^
Uncontrol led
concentration,
ppm
500-2400d
500-2400d
500-1500d
500-1500d
Unknown
600-65006
600-6500e
600-65006
Control led
concentration
75% reduc-
tion
75% reduc-
tion
75% reduc-
tion
75% reduc-
tion
Negligible
25-100 ppm
25-100 ppm
25-100 ppm
— =
Control
method
Carbon adsorption
Incineration
Carbon adsorption
Incineration
Roof seal
Carbon adsorption
Carbon adsorption
Carbon adsorption
—
Stream
pressure
Slightly
above
atmos-
pheric
Atmos-
pheric
Stream
temper
atur
Amb i e
Ambier
100°-
400°
ioo°-
A flrtO
400 1
Ambie
Ambie
to
120°
Ambi
Ambi
to
12
1
Reference 23.
Estimated on the basis of data from coating of miscellaneous metal parts.
Reference 21.
Reference 7.
Reference 17.
-------
controlled and uncontrolled VOC emissions from these and other
industries. It also shows sources, pollutant species, control
methods, and stream pressures and temperatures.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
II- Surface Coating of Cans, Coils, Paper, Fabrics, Auto-
mobiles, and Light-Duty Trucks. EPA-450/2-77-008, May 1977.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
III: Surface Coating of Metal Furniture. EPA-450/2-77-032,
December 1977.
3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
IV: Surface Coating of Insulation of Magnet Wire.
EPA-450/2-77-033, December 1977.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
V: Surface Coating of Large Appliances. EPA-450/2-77-034,
December 1977.
5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
VI- Surface Coating of Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Pro-
ducts. EPA-450/2-78-015, June 1978.
6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
VII: Factory Surface Coating of Flat Wood Paneling.
EPA-450/2-78-032, June 1978.
7 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Existing Stationary Sources. Volume
VIII: Graphic Arts—Rotogravure and Flexography.
EPA-450/2-78-033, December 1978.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Bulk Gasoline Plants.
EPA-450/2-77-035, December 1977.
9 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Storage of Petroleum Liquids in Fixed
Roof Tanks. EPA-450/2-77-036, December 1977.
A-7
-------
10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Hydrocar-
bons From Tank Truck Gasoline Loading Terminals.
EPA-450/2-77-026, December 1977.
11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Refinery
Vacuum Producing Systems, Wastewater Separators, and Process
Unit Turnarounds. EPA-450/2-77-025, October 1977.
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Compounds From Use of Cutback Asphalt.
EPA-450-2-77-037, December 1977.
13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Design Criteria for
Stage I Vapor Control Systems— Gasoline Service Stations.
November 1975.
14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of V°mile
Organic Compound Leaks From Petroleum Refinery Equipment.
EPA-450/2-7B-036, June 1978.
15. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ac.ontfol Of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Manufacture Of Vegetable Oils.
EPA-450/2-78-036. June 1978.
16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Emissions From Petroleum Liquid Storage in External
Floating Roof Tanks. EPA-450/2-78-047, December 1978.
17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Controlplof- V°lat"e
Organic Emissions From Perchloroethylene Dry Cleaning Sy-
stems. EPA-450/2-78-050, December 1978.
18 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of
Organic Compound Leaks From Gasoline Tank Trucks and Vapor
Collection Systems. EPA-450/2-78-051, December 1978.
19. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Control °f Volatile
Organic Emissions From Solvent Metal Cleaning.
EPA-450/2-77-022, November 1977.
20 US Environmental Protection Agency. Control of Volatile
Organic Em °sVions From Manufacture of Synthesized Pharmaceu-
tical Products. EPA-450/2-78-029, December 1978.
21 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of ^tile
Organic Emissions From Manufacture of Pneumatic Rubber
Tires. EPA-450/2-78-030, December 1978.
22 US Environmental Protection Agency. Air Pollution Engi-
' neering Manual. 2d. ed. AP-40, 1973.
A-8
-------
23. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Guidance to State and
Local Agencies in Preparing Regulations to Control Volatile
Organic Compounds From Ten Stationary Source Categories.
EPA-450/2-79-004, 1979.
A-9
-------
REPORTNO
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Pirate read Imuruelions ci ifir rtvtnt btfort
4 TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Surrmary of Available Portable VOC Detection Instruments
7 AUTHQRIS)
Mazen Y. Anastas, Herbert J. Bel knap
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS"
PEDCo Environmental, Inc.
1006 N. Bowen Road, Suite 201
Arlington, TX 76012
3 SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
3ivision of Stationary Source Enforcement
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
t SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
3 RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO
S REPORT DATE
March 1980
• PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
PN 3570-3-C
10 PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11 CONVRACT/GRANT NO
68-01-4147
Task Order 120
13 TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
4 SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
DSSE Project Officer: John R. Busik, EN-341 (202) 755-2560
t ABSTRACT
«
volatile organi compound VOC) emission so2?ceS $M?»™ compliance monitoring of
gathered on the performance character Jtl« 5 Ii« rep°rt Presents the information
^
17
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
Air pollution
Measuring instruments
Organic compounds
19 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Unlimited
EPA Form 1220-1 (I 7JJ
IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c COSATI Field/Croup
RACT compliance
VOC detection
VOC emissions
19 SECURITY CLASS (T»,,
Unclassified
20 SECURITY CLASS (Thu page)'
Unclassified
13B
14B
07C
21 NO Of PAGES
_46
21 PRICE
------- |