PEFTEC PEFTEC

PEFTEC - Abstract


Abstract Title: EPA Method 325 for Fenceline Monitoring Using Carbopack X in Specially Treated Thermal Desorption Tube
Abstract Type: Poster
Session Choice: Environmental Regulation for the Petroleum, Petrochemical and Chemical industries
Presenter Name: Mr Klaus Buckendahl
Co-authors:Mr Jamie Brown
Mrs Kristen Schultz
Mr Michael R. Halpenny
Mr Michael Ye
Mrs Olga Shimelis
Company/Organisation: Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH
Country: Germany

Abstract Information :

The EPA Method 325 uses the technique of passive (diffusive) sampling to collect air samples at specific intervals along the fence line of petroleum refineries. The target compounds include Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) such as; benzene, toluene, and 1,3-butadiene. The described passive air sampling device is comprised of a specially treated stainless steel thermal desorption tube packed with a graphitized carbon adsorbent such as Carbopack™ X. In this paper the performance of the Carbopack X using a subset of target compounds listed in the Method was evaluated and compared against Tenax TA. The retention of 1,3-butadiene is difficult using other adsorbents like the Tenax TA. Carbopack X due to its pore structure and surface characteristics has unique capabilities to retain 1,3-butadiene for large sample volumes, additionally it is also hydrophobic, so when sampling in high humidity, no water will be retained by the adsorbent.

Due to its low hydrophobicity and wide applicability for various compounds, the Carbopack X thermal desorption tube is a useful sampling device also for samplings outside of the EPA325B sampling frame works. It is covering a wide analyte range in particular for the more volatile compounds, making it a robust alternative to Tenax TA packed tubes.