Long-path FTIR Measurements of Volatile Organic Compounds in an Industrial Setting

Open‐PathFourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

“…6,7,16,17 The other techniques have been point monitors and the comparison is not a trivial task because the OP/FT-IR measures the average concentration over a long open path. To conduct these comparisons properly either the point monitor has to be moved along the path while the OP/FT-IR is acquiring the data or there have to be a large number of point monitors placed along the path.…”

“…In 1989, the OP/FT-IR technique was evaluated at a Superfund remediation site and its measurements were compared with other more conventional monitoring techniques. 6,7 Since that effort a large number of papers have been published in the open literature and a great many presentations have been given at various technical conferences. Almost every aspect of the OP/FT-IR technique has been carefully examined and several instruments are now commercially available.…”

Quantitative open-path FTIR with the use of isotopic standards

“…Russwurm et al compared FTIR measurements against canister measurements. 9 The canister was mobilized by attaching it to a 10-speed bicycle that traveled along the FTIR beam path. Calibration required using reference spectra and classical-least squares fitting.…”

A field study using open-path FTIR spectroscopy to measure and map air emissions from volume sources

“…9,11,13,15 A number of outdoor field studies have been performed to evaluate accuracy and precision by releasing chemicals in air and comparing OP-FTIR spectrometer measurements with multiple point samplers set up along the path. 11,12 Recently, a method was suggested to estimate emission rates downwind from area sources with the use of OP-FTIR spectrometry, meteorological measurements, and Gaussian plume dispersions models. 16,17 Although individual open-path measurements may be used to monitor emissions for a single line of sight, a new technique that uses a network of open-path measurements to generate near real-time chemical concentration maps for a large area is being developed.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Openpath FTIR spectrometers have provided real-time monitoring of industrial fence-line and stack emissions, process leaks, and indoor industrial contaminants. 9,11,13,15 A number of outdoor field studies have been performed to evaluate accuracy and precision by releasing chemicals in air and comparing OP-FTIR spectrometer measurements with multiple point samplers set up along the path. 11,12 Recently, a method was suggested to estimate emission rates downwind from area sources with the use of OP-FTIR spectrometry, meteorological measurements, and Gaussian plume dispersions models.…”