A Method for Field Calibration of the PA260 Phosphorus Analyzer Using Solid Adsorbent Materials

In recent years, monitoring plant personnel for trace exposures to chemicals has become a huge priority for both industry and government installations. The objectives of this study were to find a suitable means for rapid field calibration of the PA260 phosphorus analyzer and to develop the capability of using solid adsorbents to detect personnel exposure levels to chemicals in a plant environment. The solid adsorbent approach has two major advantages over other traditional air sampling devices such as bubblers or impingers. The sampling time and rate of sampling is dramatically reduced; and the time required to collect a sample on a solid adsorbent has been shown to be 60 times faster than using a bubbler. The size of the solid adsorbent and ease of analysis makes multiple sampling practical and efficient. This report covers a method for collecting triethyl phosphate (TEPO) on two types of solid adsorbent materials, TENAX-GC and Chromsorb 106. The TEPO was detected, and concentrations were verified on the Columbia Scientific Industries Corporation (Austin, TX) PA260 Phosphorus Analyzer and by bubbler technology. This study can serve as the basis for the reliability of the solid adsorbent approach to multiple sample analysis. In addition, field calibration of PA260 detectors and subsequent solid adsorbent confirmation feasibility has been demonstrated. (AW)