Significance and Use
An OP/FT-IR monitor can, in principle, measure the concentrations of all IR-active gases and vapors in the atmosphere. Detailed descriptions of OP/FT-IR systems and the fundamental aspects of their operation are given in Guide E 1865 and the FT-IR Open-Path Monitoring Guidance Document. A method for processing OP/FT-IR data to obtain the concentrations of gases over a long, open path is given in Compendium Method TO-16. Applications of OP/FT-IR systems include monitoring for gases and vapors in ambient air, along the perimeter of an industrial facility, at hazardous waste sites and landfills, in response to accidental chemical spills or releases, and in workplace environments.
Scope
1.1 This practice covers procedures for using active open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP/FT-IR) monitors to measure the concentrations of gases and vapors in air. Procedures for choosing the instrumental parameters, initially operating the instrument, addressing logistical concerns, making ancillary measurements, selecting the monitoring path, acquiring data, analyzing the data, and performing quality control on the data are given. Because the logistics and data quality objectives of each OP/FT-IR monitoring program will be unique, standardized procedures for measuring the concentrations of specific gases are not explicitly set forth in this practice. Instead, general procedures that are applicable to all IR-active gases and vapors are described. These procedures can be used to develop standard operating procedures for specific OP/FT-IR monitoring applications.
1.2 This practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
