On-line gas chromatograph with sample preparation, concentration, and calibration apparatus for measuring trace organic species from combustor flue gas

摘要

Apparatus and method for periodic analysis of trace amounts of volatile organic compounds in a waste gas provide for feeding of a sample of a waste gas first to an organics concentrator which isolates the volatile organic compounds from the waste gas sample and prepares a concentrated sample for feed to a gas chromatograph. In normal operation, a waste gas is continuously sampled from the waste gas source to produce a continuous waste gas flow through a switching valve and out a vent. A portion of that waste gas flow is periodically diverted by the switching valve and routed to the organics concentrator. The switching valve also receives calibration samples containing known concentrations of the volatile organic compounds prepared in a gas blender. It periodically feeds the calibration samples to the organics concentrator and the gas chromatograph for calibration of the system.