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OPTIMIZED CHEMILUMINESCENCE SYSTEM FOR MEASURING ATMOSPHERIC AMMONIA
Citation:
Baumgardner, R., W. McClenny, AND R. Stevens. OPTIMIZED CHEMILUMINESCENCE SYSTEM FOR MEASURING ATMOSPHERIC AMMONIA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-79/028 (NTIS PB298248).
Description:
The optimization and testing of a continuous measurement system for analyzing atmospheric ammonia concentrations (0 to 10 ppb) is described. The measurement system combines an ultra-sensitive chemiluminescence nitric oxide detector, with a thermal converter for NH3 to nitric oxide (NO) conversion, and an acidic scrubber for alternate removal of NH3 from the sample stream. The chemiluminescence monitor with a high temperature converter will give a combined measurement of NO, NO2 and NH3. Other nitrogen containing compounds, if present, may also be converted. By placing an acidic scrubber in the sample line, the ammonia will be removed and a combined measurement of NOx (NO and NO2) will be obtained. By taking the signal difference when the scrubber is in or out of the sample line, the concentration of NH3 can be determined. Performance tests were conducted on the total measurement systems to verify its capability to measure NO, NO2 and NH3 under laboratory conditions as well as ambient monitoring conditions. A dynamic calibration system capable of generating 1 ppb of NH3 was used for the testing. The calibration system is a double dilution permeation system.