ISO 11338-1:2003

Overview

ISO 11338-1:2003 - Stationary source emissions - Determination of gas and particle-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Part 1: Sampling - defines sampling methods and minimum requirements for measuring PAH mass concentration in flue gas from stationary sources. It applies to emissions from aluminium smelters, coke works, waste incinerators, power stations and other industrial or domestic combustion appliances. This part covers sampling only; sample preparation and analysis methods are given in ISO 11338-2.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Three accepted sampling methods (considered of equivalent value, though no comparative trials published):
  • Method A - Dilution method: rapid cooling of a heated probe sample by dilution to <40 °C, followed by collection on silicone-bonded glass fibre filter (impregnated with paraffin oil). Typical sample flowrates ~2–8 m3/h; sampling periods usually provide sufficient PAH within ~1.5 h.
  • Method B - Heated filter / condenser / adsorber: retains particle-bound PAHs on filter and recovers vapour-phase PAHs downstream.
  • Method C - Cooled probe / adsorber: probes cooled to collect condensable PAHs directly into condensate and adsorbents.
• Isokinetic sampling requirement: all three methods require representative isokinetic sampling in accordance with ISO 9096, because PAHs are commonly particle-associated.
• Cleaning and contamination control: rinse glassware with acetone, dichloromethane or methanol, then toluene; or ultrasonic methanol immersion and drying at 150 °C. Carry out leak checks before each run; avoid greases. Check filters, solvents and reagents for background PAH.
• Sorbent bed flow limits: e.g., XAD-2 (50 mm, 35 cm3) <34 cm/s; PU foam (50 mm, 98 cm3) <30 cm/s.
• Sample handling and storage: extract samples within 1 week (preferably within 24 h); store in the dark at about −7 °C; protect glass parts from light and cool after sampling.
• Required recorded data: sample volume (std), sample temperature, mean flue gas velocity, stack diameter, moisture and oxygen content, static pressure and stack temperature, sampling flowrate.
• Scope limitation: not applicable to fugitive PAH releases.

Applications and users

ISO 11338-1:2003 is used for:

• Regulatory emission monitoring and compliance testing for stationary sources.
• Environmental impact assessments and stack testing programs.
• Industrial air quality teams and environmental consultants at aluminium plants, coke ovens, incinerators, power stations and combustion facilities.
• Analytical laboratories preparing to apply ISO 11338-2 for PAH sample analysis.

Keywords: ISO 11338-1:2003, PAH sampling, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, stationary source emissions, isokinetic sampling, dilution method, heated filter condenser adsorber, cooled probe adsorber, emission monitoring.

Related standards

• ISO 11338-2 (sample preparation, clean-up and determination)
• ISO 9096 (isokinetic sampling / particulate measurement)
• ISO 12141, ISO 4225 (terminology and particulate methods)