FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.6 Detector Tubes

Use:

Identification and analysis of VOCs.

Description:

Each detector tube contains a reagent located on absorbing material which is specifically sensitive to a particular vapor or gas. Operation generally involves inserting the tube into a hand-held pump. As the handle of the pump is pulled, ambient air is drawn inside the tube where it contacts the reagent. The reagent changes color. The color will move up the tube to indicate the concentration (indicated by a calibration mark on the tube).

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	SERVICEABLE	BETTER	SERVICEABLE

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 accuracy of detector tube measurements are greatly affected by the flow rate and volume of air drawn through the pump. If the flow rate or volume varies, the sample will not be accurate.

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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