AS 3580.11.1-1993

1 - AS 3580.11.1-1993 METHODS FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF AMBIENT AIR - DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS-METHANE...
1 - PREFACE
1 - FOREWORD
2 - METHOD
2 - 1 SCOPE
2 - 2 APPLICATION
2 - 3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2 - 4 DEFINITIONS
2 - 5 PRINCIPLE
3 - 6 REAGENTS
3 - 6.1 Hydrogen
3 - 6.2 Carrier gas
3 - 7 APPARATUS
3 - 7.1 Filter assembly
3 - 7.2 Analyser
6 - 7.3 Performance requirements
6 - 8 SAMPLING
6 - 8.1 General
6 - 8.2 Sampling train
6 - 9 CALIBRATION
6 - 9.1 Initial and bimonthly performance calibration
7 - 9.2 Operational recalibration
7 - 10 PROCEDURE
8 - 11 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
8 - 12 PRECISION
8 - 13 TEST REPORT

Sets out a method for continuous or intermittent sampling and determination of methane and non-methane volatile organic compounds using a direct-reading instrument. The method is applicable to air with a methane concentration in the range of 0 to 10 ppm, or non-methane volatile organic compounds of equivalent carbon content.

This Standard sets out a method for determining methane and non-methane volatile organic compounds in ambient air. The volatile organic compound (VOC) content of the air is measured using an automatic or intermittent sampling direct-reading instrument containing a flame ionization detector (FID) and the results obtained are reported as a methane equivalent response. The analysis is sensitive to all hydrocarbons,but it will also respond to almost all organic compounds and will yield responses more or less depending on the number of carbon to hydrogen bonds in the compound. Empirical data generally show that the relative sensitivity to various hydrocarbons is about equal on a carbon mass basis. Unsaturated, oxygenated and halogenated compounds give a lower response.

First published as AS 3580.11.1-1993.