FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.5 Catalytic Surface Oxidation

Use:

Combustible gas indicator. Instruments can be used in the immediate environment or can draw samples from remote areas through the use of sampling lines or probes.

Description:

Catalytic surface oxidation devices operate in similar fashion to explosimeters (see 6.2.3).

Analytes:

1. Non-Halogenated VOCs
3. Some Halogenated VOCs

Media:

Soil/Sediment	Water	Gas/Air
Requires extraction to liquid or gas phase	Requires extraction to liquid or gas phase	BETTER

Selectivity:	Technique measures the contaminant indirectly.
Susceptibility to Interference:	Medium.
Detection Limits :	10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10 ppm (water).
Turnaround Time per Sample:	Minutes.

Applicable To:

Screen/Identify	Characterize Concentration/Extent	Cleanup Performance	Long-Term Monitoring
BETTER	ADEQUATE	BETTER	BETTER

Quantitative Data Capability:	Does not produce quantitative data.
Technology Status:	Commercially available and routinely used field technology.
Certification/Verification:	Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program.
Relative Cost per Analysis:	Least expensive.

Limitations:

The catalytic element of the instrument has a limited life span.
Must be adjusted regularly (approximately once a month).
Gasoline vapors or compounds containing silicone in the test environment could impair the instrument.
Not designed for oxygen deficient environments (requires at least 10% oxygen).
Sample is destroyed during analysis.

ASTM Standards/EPA Methods:

No applicable ASTM standards or EPA methods are cited for this technology.

Sample Access/Collection Matrix

Sample Analysis Matrix

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