Compatibility of Polyvinyl Chloride Filter Bags with Chloroform Vapors

摘要

A determination is made on the compatibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filterbags when exposed to chloroform vapors resulting from offgassing of contaminated adsorbent filters. The objectives of this investigation were to estimate the concentrations of chloroform desorbed from Rapid Response System (RRS) filters previously exposed to chloroform and evaluate the compatibility of PVC sheet to chloroform vapors. The results of the investigation showed that desorption of chloroform vapors from the RRS filter can result in concentrations of approximately 0.2 to 13.0 mg/L when sealed in a closed container. The amount of desorption is primarily dependent upon the initial loading of chloroform on the adsorbent and the temperature of the filter bed. The PVC compatibility results showed that the equilibrated weight uptake on PVC sheet was 33.6 micron grams/cm2 when exposed to 10.0 mg/L vapor concentration. The results support the work of other investigators that showed significant uptake of chloroform on PVC in liquid immersion tests. Although no permeation of chloroform through PVC sheet was observed during the 10-day exposure periods the measured uptake could indicate the initial stages of long term permeation.