Sampling and Analysis of Emissions from Stationary Sources I. Odor and Total Hydrocarbons

Abstract

One of the major problems encountered in sampling organic emissions from stationary sources is the loss of materials due to condensation and adsorption. Loss of organics was found to be related to the concentration, temperature, and polarity of the molecular components. Several sampling techniques are evaluated and compared and techniques described which minimize sample losses. In this study odor and hydrocarbon concentration measurements were used to evaluate the sampling procedures. Odor measurements were found to be most sensitive to changes in chemical character since the most polar gases (most odorous) were highly susceptible to adsorptive effects. Dynamic dilution of emissions before collection in eight liter Tedlar bags was found to minimize loss of organic components during storage. The dilution ratio used was dependent upon the quality, quantity, and temperature of the organic emissions. Odor and hydrocarbon measurements were made at the sampling site and compared to measurements made in the laboratory. Both syringe and dynamic dilution techniques were compared at the site and in the laboratory. The syringe technique was found to be highly susceptible to losses of material. Included are detailed descriptions of the apparatus used and the accuracy and precision of the results obtained from the tests. Emissions from paint spray booths and paint bake ovens were used to test the described techniques.