Using a flame ionization detector (FID) to continuously measure toxic organic vapors in a paint spray booth. Rept. for Jul 91-Jan 92

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7303878

Whitfield, J K; Howe, G B; Pate, B A; Wander, J D

The paper reports the demonstration of linear and similar responses of a Ratfisch RS-55CA flame ionization detector (FID) to a solvent mixture identical to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coating and catalyst (NSN 8010-01-336-3036) and to the calibrating gas (propane) used in field calibrations of the FID. Sensitivity and linearity have been shown to extend from 715 to 45 mg/cu m, which brackets the calculated short-term exposure limit (STEL) and lower action thresholds. Monitoring is maintained constantly and, under field conditions, equilibration occurs rapidly (analysis and output transpire in milliseconds). As a trigger for fail-safe conversion from recirculation mode to a straight-through paint spray booth configuration, the FID may confidently be expected to initiate a corrective response before a transient elevation of VOC concentrations overexposes area personnel.

• Research Organization: Research Triangle Inst., Durham, NC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 7303878
• Report Number(s): PB-92-198258/XAB; CNN: EPA-R-815169-03
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
ANIMALS
COATINGS
DESIGN
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
FIELD TESTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATERIALS
MATTER
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
MONITORS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PAINTS
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
SOLVENTS
STANDARDS
TESTING
TOXIC MATERIALS
VERTEBRATES
VOLATILE MATTER