If your recent air sample is not in compliance due to Total Volatile Hydrocarbons (TVH), Analytical Chemists Inc. can help you identify the source of contamination and assist in resolving the issue.
Understanding Total Volatile Hydrocarbon Contamination
Total Volatile Hydrocarbons are gases that can be found in compressed air, and elevated levels may indicate contamination. These hydrocarbons can originate from two main sources:
- Compressor-Related Issues: Overheating lubricants in the compressor can cause lubricant vapors to escape and bypass piston rings, leading to contamination. In some cases, the breakdown of oils due to excessive heat can also contribute to the release of hydrocarbons into the air system.
- Environmental Sources: If your compressor intake is located near industrial or commercial sources of airborne contaminants, such as dry cleaning shops, beauty salons, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, motor exhaust, or cleaning solvents, vapors from these sources can be drawn into the compressor and contaminate the air.
Solutions to Address TVH Contamination
- Compressor Maintenance: If the issue is originating from the compressor itself, it is essential to have the unit serviced by a qualified technician to address overheating and lubricant vapor issues.
- Environmental Adjustments: If the source of contamination is external, typically linked to the surrounding environment, relocating the compressor’s intake or improving ventilation may help. It’s important to be aware of the conditions around your compressor and avoid running it when nearby contamination levels are high.
- Regular Ambient Air Sampling: To identify whether external factors are contributing to the problem, we recommend periodically taking ambient air samples. Even when sampling stored air, this can provide valuable insights to help our team troubleshoot and determine the precise source of the hydrocarbon contamination.
Additional Testing to Identify the Source
At Analytical Chemists Inc., we offer two additional testing services to help pinpoint the source of your Total Volatile Hydrocarbon contamination:
- Organic Compound Identification: We can identify the specific organic compounds that make up the hydrocarbons in your sample, helping to distinguish between potential contaminants like cleaning solvents, industrial emissions, or motor exhaust.
- Quantification of Contaminants: We can quantify the levels of hydrocarbons and identify the specific source—whether it’s due to nearby dry cleaners, nearby industrial activity, or any other potential environmental factor.
If you would like further testing or need assistance in resolving the issue, please reach out to us immediately. We will re-analyze your sample to provide more detailed results. Please note that samples are only retained for a limited time (usually a few days), so it’s important to act quickly.
Next Steps and Resampling
If you’re facing issues with Total Volatile Hydrocarbons, don’t hesitate to contact us. You are entitled to a resample, and we encourage you to use the supplies you currently have on hand to send a retest. Once we receive your sample (within 30 days), we will restock your kit.
For further assistance, please Contact Us or call us at (888) 724-7522. We’re here to support you in resolving any air quality issues you may be experiencing.
Thank you for choosing Analytical Chemists Inc. for your air testing needs!
