Networking an entire TO14 laboratory into a single Windows-based control system

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:197445

Cardin, D B; Deschenes, J T; Galoustian, E A ^[1]

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1. Entech Lab. Automation, Simi Valley, CA (United States)

EPA Compendium Method TO14 specifies the analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in ambient air as collected in SUMMA passivated stainless steel canisters. A novel approach to instrument communications is presented that makes it possible to monitor and control field sampling, canister cleaning, standard preparation, and preconcentration and analysis systems in a TO14 laboratory using a single IBM compatible PC operating under Windows{trademark}. The network permits communication with microprocessor based devices, such as 32-position aldehyde/sorbent tube samplers and 16-position canister field samplers, for transfer of new program information and recovery of field collected data. Canister cleaning operations are improved by providing feedback and control of leak-checking operations, mass dilution canister cleaning, and final high vacuum evacuation without user intervention. Generation of standards by dynamically diluting an NIST traceable ppm level standard to ppb levels is supported with provisions for autocalibration of mass flow controller channels for ultra-accurate VOC blends. Full communication and control of a 3-stage TO14 preconcentrator is also supported with extended QA/QC protocols and diagnostics for improved uptime and performance. An overview of the system will be presented with primary attention paid to enhancing TO14 laboratory productivity.

• OSTI ID: 197445
• Report Number(s): CONF-9405167--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AIR SAMPLERS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
VOLATILE MATTER