Success Using Alternative Carrier Gases Using EPA Volatile Methods
Oral Presentation
Prepared by L. Marotta1, J. Rebholz2, T. Hartlein2, R. Bardsley2
1 - PerkinElmer Instruments, 710 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT, 06484, United States
2 - Teledyne Tekmar, 4736 Socialville Foster Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, United States
Contact Information: lee.marotta@perkinelmer.com; 914-954-1779
ABSTRACT
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discussed in this paper include Methods 524 and 624 with a focus on 524.3 drinking water detection limits. The gas chromatographic (GC) sample introduction and separation technique specified by the EPA is Purge and Trap (P & T), while the detector is mass spectrometry (MS). This presentation focuses on optimizing GC and MS parameters when using hydrogen or nitrogen as carrier gases.
Traditionally, these methods are carried out using helium as the purge and GC carrier gas. However, due to its increasing cost and suggested limited supply, alternative carrier gases, such as hydrogen and nitrogen are being considered. The goal of this research was to investigate the use of alternative carrier gases while meeting EPA method criteria.
This presentation discusses the results of using nitrogen and hydrogen as alternate carrier gases to helium for EPA methods 524 and 624. All criteria have been meet and will be discussed. Data is presented showing that nitrogen could be a more suitable and desirable carrier gas when compared to helium.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by L. Marotta1, J. Rebholz2, T. Hartlein2, R. Bardsley2
1 - PerkinElmer Instruments, 710 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT, 06484, United States
2 - Teledyne Tekmar, 4736 Socialville Foster Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, United States
Contact Information: lee.marotta@perkinelmer.com; 914-954-1779
ABSTRACT
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discussed in this paper include Methods 524 and 624 with a focus on 524.3 drinking water detection limits. The gas chromatographic (GC) sample introduction and separation technique specified by the EPA is Purge and Trap (P & T), while the detector is mass spectrometry (MS). This presentation focuses on optimizing GC and MS parameters when using hydrogen or nitrogen as carrier gases.
Traditionally, these methods are carried out using helium as the purge and GC carrier gas. However, due to its increasing cost and suggested limited supply, alternative carrier gases, such as hydrogen and nitrogen are being considered. The goal of this research was to investigate the use of alternative carrier gases while meeting EPA method criteria.
This presentation discusses the results of using nitrogen and hydrogen as alternate carrier gases to helium for EPA methods 524 and 624. All criteria have been meet and will be discussed. Data is presented showing that nitrogen could be a more suitable and desirable carrier gas when compared to helium.
