FTIR Emission Testing – Avoiding Common Traps

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technology is a powerful, versatile tool for air emissions testing, but involves a number of potential pitfalls. Obtaining high-quality, legally defensible data requires significant expertise and careful attention to a well-vetted quality management system.

Golden Specialty, at the request of the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, has evaluated several FTIR-based emissions tests, and found a number of serious technical deficiencies and departures from the EPA Reference Method (Method 320). Common shortcomings that may compromise the validity of your source test include:

• Misidentified spectral interferants
• Missing or incomplete EPA Method 301 validations
• Failure to apply systematic bias factors from 301 validations
• Failure to prove both transport and analysis of soluble and reactive compounds
• Lack of documented spectral backgrounds
• Improper or missing documentation of detector linearity, system noise and leak checks
• Lack of documentation of tracer gases or mass flow controllers used for dynamic spiking

Golden Specialty has multiple FTIR systems available for deployment and qualified staff, experienced with numerous source types. We are one of only a few organizations that currently hold a national interim accreditation following ASTM 7036 in stack testing. Leading the way in quality, Golden was the first company to obtain this credential.
To arrange a consultation with one of our expert spectroscopists or to discuss your source testing needs, please call Ron McCulloch at +1 919 400 7956 (rmcculloch@goldenspecialty.com) or Scott Swiggard at +1 281 476 9898 (sswiggard@goldenspecialty.com).