Abstract
A simple method for the determination of desorption efficiencies of organic compounds collected on the 3M 3500 Organic Vapor Monitor has been developed. The technique involves the introduction of the organic compound, in the liquid state, onto a piece of filter paper placed between the elutriation cap and the diffusion plate of the organic vapor monitor. This is accomplished by direct injection of the organic compound through the center elutriation port of the monitor cap. The port is closed and the organic compound is given sufficient time to vaporize and consequently be adsorbed by the charcoal sorbent. The filter paper is removed and analyzed as a separate sample to assure complete transfer of the organic compound. All samples are desorbed by a suitable solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography. Desorption efficiencies for methyl chloroform, benzene, heptane, acetone, dioxane, isobutanol and ethyl acetate are determined. A comparison with results by the phase equilibrium method is made.