Sampling of volatile organic compounds from combustion sources using tedlar (trade name) bags with analysis by GC/MS

This article reports on preliminary efforts to develop a new method designated as (SW-846, Method 0040), for collecting volatile organic compounds from stack gas emissions. In Method 0040, a sample is withdrawn from the stack through a heated sample probe and filter and is then passed through a condenser where the moisture and condensable components are removed. The gaseous emissions are then collected in a Tedlar bag, held in a rigid opaque container. The dry gas sample and the collected condensate are then transported to a lab for GC/MS analysis. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine reproducibility of sample injection, preparation of Tedlar bag standards, instrument detection limits and dynamic spiking. The reproducibility of sample injections was evaluated. The percent difference between repeated injections was less than 4 percent.