Typical Wet Chemistry Train Components (Isokinetic)

Wet chemistry or manual methods are predominantly based in the techniques of EPA Methods 1-5,   These methods were designed to measure particulate matter, flue gas moisture, molecular weight, and gas stream velocity/flow rate.  Sample is extracted isokinetically from the stack and particulate matter is collected in the probe on on a heated filter. The filtered gas is then bubbled through a chilled impinger train which condenses the moisture in the sample. The dry gas is then measured using a calibrated gas meter. The particulate matter concentration is then equal to the mass gain on the filter and in the probe divided by the gas volume measured. Moisture content is determined by the amount of water condensed in the impinger train divided by the gas volume. It's a little more complicated than that, but that's the basic idea. Other compounds may be measured using similar sampling techniques by substituting different solutions in the impingers which react with or stabilize the compounds) of interest. Some types of sampling trains include the addition of other components in the sampling train such as adsorbents or reaction furnaces. Manual methods can be used to measure dioxins/furans, metals, sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide, condensable particulates, hydrochloric acid, semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds, and a myriad of other compounds.

Key Benefits

• Can measure many different types of compounds
• Allows you to extend detection limits by increasing sample volume
• Some trains can be combined for more efficient testing
• Well recognized tried and true procedures