Alternative methods for evaluation of VOCs

AGRO 87

Rodney M. Bennett, rodney.bennett@cerexagri.com, Cerexagri, Inc, 900 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406, Vijay Srinivas, vijay.srinivas@arkemagroup.com, ARKEMA Group, 900 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406, and David Allen Sullivan, sul_env@ix.netcom.com, Sullivan Environmental Consulting, Inc, 1900 Elkin Street, Suite 240, Alexandria, VA 22308.
There are several standard methods for evaluating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Single point source evaluations as well as aggregate multiple source evaluations can be made. In the past, many evaluations have been based upon simple fugacity models. Some alternative methods, that have been employed in the evaluation of FLUX for fumigants, will be discussed for their application to VOCs in general. These include the the horizontal FLUX method and the off-site perimeter FLUX methods. A comparison of a horizontal flux method with off-site perimeter methods will be discussed. Specific trapping methods and collection techniques also will be discussed. A critical factor in the evaluation of VOCs is the atmospheric conditions at the time of data collection, and the correlation of limited source collection data to other atmospheric and topographical conditions. Some new and more sensitive techniques in the measurement of atmospheric conditions (and how they may be used)will be discussed.