Method CTM-027

Procedure for Collection and Analysis of Ammonia in Stationary Sources


This method is for the collection and analysis of ammonia from stationary sources.  This method is a conditional test method meaning it must be approved as an alternative before a source may use it to meet Federal requirements under 40 CFR Parts, 60, 61, and 63.  The method has been validated at a coal-fired boiler at a power plant following Method 301 guidelines.

Samples are collected isokinetically using Method 17 train which consists of a glass fiber filter containing no organic binders and a series of impingers.  The sampling procedures found in Method 17 are cited as the ones to use for this method.  The 1st and 2nd impingers are filled with 100mL of 01.N H2SO4.  The 3rd impinger is left empty or filled with 100mL of 0.1N H2SO4 if needed to prevent breakthrough due to suspected high levels of ammonia or high sampling flow rates.  The 4th impinger is filled with 200-300g of silica gel.

 

After collection, the contents of the impingers are measured and transferred to separate HDPE bottles.  The impingers and connecting glassware are rinsed with deionize water and added to the appropriate bottle.  If at all possible ensure that the total volume of the each impinger and rinse is less than 230mL.  Impingers 1 and 2 are analyzed using ion chromatography with a conductivity detector.  It is not necessary to analyze impinger 3 if no breakthrough was present.  Breakthrough is defined as the condition when the concentration of impinger 2 is greater than 10% of impinger 1.

 

The filter and rinse of the filter holder and connecting glassware are stored in separate containers and archived in case analysis is needed at a later date.  It is not necessary to analyze the filter and rinse for ammonia per this method.

 


(EPA-Conditional Test Method)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   2 weeks from sample collection to analysis
Preservatives:   Keep samples on ice at 4°C after collection and during shipment to the laboratory.
Required Preps:   0.1N H2SO4 Impinger solutions
Collection Method:   Method 17 sampling train following Method 17 collection procedures.
Analytical Methodology:   Ion chromatography
Documentation:   ctm-027

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Ammonia
NH3
7664-41-7
 

* 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.