A Study of Purge Flow Rates and Times and Its Effect on Volatile Organic Compounds

Topics in Drinking Water
Oral Presentation

Prepared by A. Jurek
EST Analytical, 503 COMMERCIAL DR, FAIRFIELD, OH, 45036, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 513-642-0100


ABSTRACT

During volatile analysis, samples are purged with an inert gas in order for the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to be swept out of the sample matrix and onto an analytical trap. For years, the established and recommended purge flow rate and time has been 40ml/min for 11 minutes. However advances in instrumentation technology have led to the potential for greater efficiencies in conducting VOC analysis. USEPA Methods 524.3 and 524.4 allow for purge flow and time variations. This study reviews four sets of time and flow parameters and their respective outcomes.