Method 315

Determination of Particulate and Methylene Chloride Extractable Matter (MCEM)at Aluminum Production Facilities


This method is for the collection and analysis of particulate matter and methylene chloride extractable matter (MCEM) from stationary sources.  and filter.  The MCEM is determined from a methylene chloride rinse of the probe and filter holder and

The sample is collected isokinetically using a sampling train consisting of probe nozzle, pitot tube, heated filter holder. four glass impingers and dry gas meter.  The first two impingers contain 100mL of deioninzed water.  The third impinger is empty and the fourth impinger contains 200-300g of silica gel.  After sample collection the filter is put into a glass petri dish.  The probe, probe liner, and front half of the filter holder are rinsed with acetone and put into a glass container.  The same assembly is then rinsed with methylene chloride.  The methylene chloride is placed in a separate container.  The volume of each of the impingers is recorded.  The contents of all the impingers are placed in one container.  The back half of the train is rinsed with water and added to the impinger contents.  The back half of the train is then rinsed with acetone and added into a separate container.  The back half of the train is then rinsed with methylene chloride which can be added to the acetone rinse. The volume level is marked on all containers.

The filter is dessicated to a constant weight and the particulate matter is determined.  The filter is then extracted with 100Ml of methylene chloride.  The solution is decanted and evaporated to near dryness, transferred to a tared evaporating dish and the MCEM is measured gravimetrically.

The front half acetone rinse of the probe is evaporated to dryness and dessicated to a constant weight to determine particulate matter.  The residue is reconstituted with 25mL of methylene chloride, sonicated, evaporated to near dryness, and dessicated to a constant weight to determine MCEM.

 

The impinger water container is extracted twice with methylene chloride.  The extract is evaporated to dryness and the weight determined for MCEM.

The back half solvent rinse is evaporated to dryness and with weight is determined for MCEM.


(EPA 40CFR Part 63 Appendix A)

Request-A-Quote

No Obligation Quotation for Analytical Services

If you would like us to provide a quote for laboratory analysis, just provide us with as much information as you can about your project (the more, the better) and we'll provide you a quote via email. As you are searching or browsing our Analytical Guide, you'll see the Request-A-Quote icon... just click on it to start the request process.
Request-A-Quote

Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in the method.
Preservatives:   None specified in the method.
Required Preps:   100-250mL Glass bottles with Teflon-lined lids
Collection Method:   Method 315 sampling train
Analytical Methodology:   Gravimetric
Documentation:   315

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Particulates
0.1
 mg
MCEM (methylene chloride extractable matter)
MCEM
0.1
 mg

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.