ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
 N D6348

Annotation

This field test method employs an extractive sampling system to direct stationary source effluent to an FTIR spectrometer for the identification and quantification of gaseous compounds. Concentration results are provided. This test method is potentially applicable for the determination of compounds that (1) have sufficient vapor pressure to be transported to the FTIR spectrometer and (2) absorb a sufficient amount of infrared radiation to be detected.

This field test method provides near real time analysis of extracted gas samples from stationary sources. Gas streams with high moisture content may require conditioning to minimize the excessive spectral absorption features imposed by water vapor.

This field test method requires the preparation of a source specific field test plan. The test plan must include the following: (1) the identification of the specific target analytes (2) the known analytical interferents specific to the test facility source effluent (3) the test data quality necessary to meet the specific test requirements and (4) the results obtained from the laboratory testing (see Annex A1 for test plan requirements).

The FTIR instrument range should be sufficient to measure from high ppm(v) to ppb(v) and may be extended to higher or lower concentrations using any or all of the following procedures:

The gas absorption cell path length may be either increased or decreased,

The sample conditioning system may be modified to reduce the water vapor, CO2, and other interfering compounds to levels that allow for quantification of the target compound(s), and