A comparative evaluation of seven automated ambient nonmethane organic compound analyzers

Automated hydrocarbon analyzers representing both conventional and state-of-the-art methods for ambient hydrocarbon monitoring were tested to evaluate their performance, comparability, and reliability under typical monitoring conditions. The resulting data and the statistical evaluation of those data are summarized and discussed. The test site and support equipment utilized are also described, as are the quality control measures implemented to ensure the accuracy of the data collected. The analyzers that were evaluated were the Beckman 6800 Air Quality Chromatograph, Bendix 8201 Reactive Hydrocarbon Analyzer, Mine Safety Appliance 11-2 Methane/Nonmethane Monitor, Meloy HC 500-2C FID Hydrocarbon Analyzer, Byron 404 NMVO Analyzer, HNU PI 201 Photoionization Monitor, and the Baseline 1030A Gas Chromatograph.