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Compendium Method TO-16 Long Path
Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared (OP-FTIR) Monitoring of Atmospheric Gases
In October, 1996 the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a reference method for
monitoring atmospheric gases. The method is EPA Method TO-16: Long-Path
Open-Path FTIR Monitoring of Atmospheric Gases. This method describes the
technical procedures to be utilized for the use of open-path FTIR in
atmospheric monitoring studies.
Overview
Open-Path FTIR spectroscopy is identical in principle to classical laboratory
FTIR except that the cell into which the gaseous sample would be injected is
extended to the open atmosphere. Path lengths (sampling distances) range from
less than 10 meters (for stack gas measurements) to several hundred meters (for
ambient air measurements). Contaminants of concern are identified and
quantified using a project-specific computerized spectral analysis algorithm
based on the systems internal reference spectra library.
The intent of TO-16 is to provide the operator with step wise operational
procedures and QA/QC requirements for monitoring atmospheric gases for a
variety of applications. It outlines necessary information to collect
concentration data by an operator who has little experience with FTIR
operation. Experienced operators can modify the order of procedures to better
fit his/her experimental schedule.
Applications
EPA Method TO-16 is intended for applications where accurate, real-time
measurements of atmospheric contaminants are desirable. Such applications
include but are not limited to the following:
Perimeter monitoring at industrial facilities;
Perimeter measurements at hazardous waste sites;
Real-time monitoring in conjunction with remediation;
Emergency response measurements for chemical accidents/spills;
Long-term air quality monitoring at odor-causing facilities;
Workplace environment monitoring;
Tracer and dispersion modeling validation studies;
Risk assessment studies; and
MACT/BACT verification
Advantages
With the approval of Method TO-16 into the EPA compendium of methods for Toxic
Organic compounds, a number of advantages can be realized.
Cost Effectiveness
Our past experience in using the open-path FTIR technology for applications
requiring monitoring of several contaminants on a real-time basis, proved to be
very cost-effective. With the approval of TO- 16, open-path FTIR can provide
technically correct, legally defensible data, without expensive ancillary
techniques for corroboration.
Technically Sound
This method provides real-time remote quantification of compounds, allowing for
immediate response to potential on-site and off-site detections. Method TO-16
is superior to other techniques such as EPA Method TO-14 - Summa Canister
Sampling due to sample degradation in canisters, long laboratory lead times,
limitations for polar species and inability to provide real-time source
response. The method establishes QA/QC criteria and provides sufficient
technical flexibility to allow adaptation to different types of programs. TO-16
provides consistent and appropriate training for personnel to operate Open-Path
FTIR systems.
Latest Technology
Method TO-16 represents the state-of-the-art in real-time air monitoring for
numerous contaminants. Many citizen' s groups have been formed to address the
potential risks of being exposed to contaminants emanating from hazardous waste
sites and industrial facilities. These groups are in favor of using
technologies such as open-path FTIR to document the potential migration of
contaminants into the community. With the promulgation of Method TO-16, it is
now a viable resource to investigate these issues.