Introduction
Benzene is a hazardous substance classified as a known human carcinogen. Accurate measurement of benzene is crucial in environments where it is present, such as in fuels and chemical processes. Conventional Photoionization Detectors (PIDs) can struggle to differentiate benzene from other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex mixtures. The NEO BENZ system is engineered to provide selective benzene measurements, overcoming these limitations through a two-stage process involving a 9.8 eV lamp and a specialized Benzene Filter Tube.
Achieving Benzene-Specificity
The NEO BENZ achieves its selectivity through:
- A 9.8 eV lamp that filters out compounds with 5 carbons or less.
- A Benzene Filter Tube that removes compounds with 7 carbons or more via oxidation and adsorption.
This combination ensures that benzene is accurately measured even in the presence of numerous other components found in fuels like gasoline. The system demonstrates minimal interference from common gasoline components such as toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, as well as alkanes like propane and hexane. Sulfur compounds are also effectively absorbed by the tubes.
Performance and Operation
The NEO BENZ system exhibits linear response to benzene vapor up to at least 5 ppm, with a detection limit of approximately 0.01 ppm. Measurements in gasoline samples confirm the system's ability to accurately quantify benzene without interference from other gasoline components. The document outlines the screening and measurement procedures, including the use of filtering tubes and the importance of zero calibration. It also details the STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit) measurement capabilities and provides guidance on tube handling, reuse, and disposal. Temperature effects on response time and magnitude are also discussed, emphasizing the need for calibration at the expected measurement temperature.
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