Compound detection and concentration estimation by open-path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and canisters under controlled field conditions

The University of Kansas-Lawrence and the U.S. EPA/Region VII conducted a study intended to assess the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of three FTIR systems. The instruments were arrayed along parallel, adjacent paths, which were 50 m downwind and perpendicular to the centerline of an artificially generated volatile organic compound (VOC) plume. Fifteen releases, consisting of mixtures of unknown compounds selected from a target list of 27, were made. Path-integrated VOC concentrations along the IR paths ranged from approximately 30 to 300 ppb