Related Experiment Videos
A field evaluation of air sampling methods for TNT and RDX
R W Bishop1, J L Kennedy, G E Podolak
1U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5422.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|December 1, 1988
Summary
The combination Tenax-plus-filter tubes effectively sampled 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). These tubes outperformed older methods and glass fiber filters for detecting these explosive compounds.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Hygiene
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Historical industrial hygiene practices for explosive compound detection.
- The establishment of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) by ACGIH in 1950.
- Previous use of bubbler methods and filters for TNT and RDX sampling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of combination Tenax-plus-filter tubes against older sampling methods.
- To evaluate sampling techniques for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).
- To determine the best overall sampling medium for these compounds in an ammunition plant setting.
Main Methods:
- Comparative field study at an ammunition plant.
- Evaluation of combination Tenax-plus-filter tubes, regular Tenax tubes, and glass fiber filters.
- Comparison with the diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) bubbler method.
Main Results:
- Fair agreement between bubbler and tube methods for TNT when concentrations were measurable.
- Glass fiber filters were unsatisfactory for TNT retention.
- Both Tenax tube types were effective for TNT; combination tubes were superior for RDX.
Conclusions:
- Combination Tenax-plus-filter tubes are effective for sampling TNT and RDX.
- The combination tubes represent the best overall sampling medium compared to older methods and filters.
- This study validates advanced sampling techniques for explosive compounds in industrial settings.