Method 204A

Volatile Organic Compounds Content in Liquid Input Stream


This method is used for determining the input of  volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in liquid streams.  It's used in the development of liquid/gas protocols for determining VOC capture efficiency (CE) for surface coating and printing operations.

The method does not specify strict sampling procedures other than to specify that care must be taken to minimize or prevent the loss of VOCs but not contaminate the coating reservoir.  Three sampling runs are required each covering at least one production cycle lasting at least three hours in duration but no more than eight hours even if the production cycle is not completed.  Collect samples at each application location at the beginning and end of each run.  A separate sample is taken of each VOC containing liquid added to the application mixture during the run.  The sampling can must be sufficiently large to hold at least 100mL of sample and grounded to the coating drum during collection.  Headspace must be minimized and the can tightly sealed once the sample is collected.

The amount of VOC containing liquid introduced in the process is equal to the sum of the products of the weight (W) of each VOC containing liquid (ink, paint, solvent) used and its VOC content (V).  The amount of VOC containing liquid introduced in the process  is determined gravimetrically as the weight difference of feed material before and after each run.  The VOC content of the liquid input material determined by volatilizing a small aliquot of material and analyzing it via a flame ionization analyzer (FIA).  Each VOC containing liquid is analyzed to determine the total VOC content.

While the method does not specify any holding times from sample collection to analysis, based upon the volatile content of the samples it is recommended to analyze them as soon as possible.


(EPA 40CFR Part 61 Appendix M)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in method, however, it is recommended to analyze them as soon as possible.
Preservatives:   None specified in method.
Required Preps:   None
Collection Method:   Grab sampling
Analytical Methodology:   Flame ionization analyzer and gravimetric determination
Documentation:   204A

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Volatile Organic Compounds
4.5
 % uncertainty in measurement

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.