Reference method for measuring emissions of vinyl chloride from manufacturing: part I S-2

Part I - Sampling: Method S-2

Sampling for the Determination of Reactor Opening Losses From Polyvinyl Chloride Plants

• S-2.1 Scope
• S-2.2 Apparatus
• S-2.3 Procedures
• S-2.4 Sample Storage and Analysis

S-2.1 Scope

This method applies to the sampling of the gases contained in a polyvinyl chloride polymerization reactor immediately after a reactor has been opened for cleaning or inspection.

S-2.2 Apparatus

S-2.2.1 Sampling Train. (Figure S-2-1).

Figure S-2-1: Sampling Trail for Measuring Reactor Opening Losses

S-2.2.2 Probe.

A suitable sampling probe may be made of stainless steel, Teflon or other inert material which does not absorb vinyl chloride.

S-2.2.3 Sampling Line.

The probe shall be connected to the sampling train using the minimum length of Teflon tubing of suitable size. The probe and sampling line together shall be long enough to reach the bottom of the reactor being tested.

S-2.2.4 Rotameter.

A rotameter capable of measuring flows to ± 25 ml/min in a range of 0 to 0.5 litres/min is required.

S-2.2.5 Pump.

A portable, battery-operated, intrinsically safe sampling pump is used to fill the sampling bag. The pump shall have both inlet and exhaust ports and a capacity of at least 200 ml/min.

S-2.2.6 Needle Valve.

A valve to adjust the flow rate is required.

S-2.2.7 Quick-Connect.

A male and a female stainless steel quick-connect, with ball checks, are required to connect the sampling bag to the sampling train and to the sample recovery loop.

S-2.2.8 Sampling Bag.

The sample shall be collected in a 12-litre minimum capacity Tedlar, or equivalent, sampling bag.

S-2.3 Procedures

Assemble the sampling train as shown in Figure S-2-1 but do not connect the bag. Ensure that the bag has been leak-checked and purged before use according to section S-1.5. Confirm that all connections are tight. Place the end of the probe within 30 cm of the bottom of the reactor, start the pump and purge the train thoroughly at a sampling flow rate of at least 200 ml/min.

Stop the pump, connect the bag and begin sampling at a flow rate of at least 200 ml/min.

The sample shall be obtained by sampling for 5 minutes at each of the three following points in the reactor: within 30 cm of the bottom, near the vessel centre and near the vessel top.

Sampling shall be continuous throughout the 15-minute sampling period and shall begin within 10 minutes of the reactor being opened.

Obtain and record the pertinent data and information on Figure S-2-2.

Figure S-2-2: Measurement of Reactor Opening Losses

S-2.4 Sample Storage and Analysis

Sample bags must be kept out of direct sunlight. Analysis is to be done within 24 hours of sample collection using Method A-1.