The XonTech Incorporated (XonTech) sector sampler collects time-integrated whole air samples in Summa™-polished canisters. The wind sensor directs whole air, sampled at a constant rate, into either an "in" sector canister or an "out" sector canister. When wind velocity exceeds 0.37 meter per second (m/s) from the direction of the suspected emissions area (the target), the first canister is filled. When the wind velocity exceeds 0.37 m/s from any other direction, the other canister is filled. When the wind velocity falls below 0.37 m/s, either canister or neither canister may receive the sample. Over an extended period of time, a target sample and a background sample are collected. This method is analogous to upwind-downwind sampling but does not require two distinct sites or manual sampler control.
The sampler is portable and can be battery- or AC-powered. The air samples are analyzed by gas chromatograph (EPA Method TO-14) for volatile organic compounds (VOC). The use of sector samplers enables identification of VOCs originating from the source and differentiation between other sources in the vicinity.
The XonTech sector sampler can monitor VOC emissions from hazardous waste sites and other emission sources before and during remediation. Short-term sampling can determine which high concentration compounds are emitted from a site. Long-term monitoring can assess an emission source's potential effects on the local population, providing data to support risk analyses.
The XonTech sector sampler's usabililty has been demonstrated in two short-term field studies. This technology has been applied to industrial emissions as well as emissions from landfill sites. Mathematical methods for processing data have been developed and shown to be appropriate. The sampler is now commercially available.
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Joachim Pleil
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-4680
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Matt Yoong
XonTech Incorporated
6862 Hayvenhurst Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-787-7380
Fax: 818-787-8132