Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-vsgnj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-20T20:22:24.088Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Environmental Monitoring Device for X-Ray Determination of Atmospheric Chlorine , Reactive Sulfur and Sulfur Dioxide

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2019

Jerry A. Lorenzen*
Affiliation:
IBM Corporation, Research Triangle Park, N. C. 27709
Get access

Abstract

A prototype Environmental Monitoring Device (EMD) has been developed as a simple means for inexpensive, routine determination of site severities. The EMD is a cartridge that can be connected to an inexpensive pumping unit to collect an atmospheric sample. The field procedures are extremely simple and have been done routinely by individuals with no chemical training. Four filters within the cartridge selectively react with and permanently trap pollutants from the air drawn through the cartridge. The first filter collects particulates. The second is o-tolidine impregnated Whatman #41 filter paper to collect gaseous chlorine species. Silver nitrate impregnated paper collects reactive sulfur gases, and the fourth filter paper is impregnated with sodium hydroxide to react with and collect sulfur dioxide. After atmospheric sampling, the cartridges are returned via mail to a central analytical lab. Procedures have been developed for easy and rapid determination of the quantities of pollutants on the filters by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Laboratory and field measurements from a number of locations within the IBM Corporation have been made and will be reported. The EMD approach is providing a large data base on indoor atmospheric pollutants that could affect electronic equipment. The approach could easily be extended to numerous other applications.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Centre for Diffraction Data 1974

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Mathieson, J. M., “Analysis of Sulfur on Silver Membranes,” Finnigan Applications Tips, Q/M25 (1972).Google Scholar
2. Natusch, D. F. S., et al, “Sensitive Method for Measurement of Atmospheric Hydrogen Sulfide,” Anal. Chem., 44, 20672070 (1972).Google Scholar
3. Brosset, C., “Methods Measure SO2 in Atmosphere,” Chem. & Eng. News, September 11, 44-46 (1972).Google Scholar
4. Rhodes, J. R., et al, “Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Air Particulates in Texas,” Env. Sci. & Tech, 6, 922927 (1972).Google Scholar
5. Cochran, W. G. and Cox, G. M., Experimental Designs, 346375, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, (1964).Google Scholar