PCB/Chloride Analyzer

Description

The L2000 PCB/Chloride Analyzer is an instrument used to test for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil, in transformer oil, and on surfaces. It works by first adding a chemical to the medium to be tested. The chemical removes all of the chloride from the PCB molecule. The instrument then measures the amount of chloride ions. Because PCBs contain chloride ions, the device is able to quantify the concentration of PCBs. The instrument converts the chloride reading into parts per million (ppm).

Limitations and Concerns

The PCB/Chloride Analyzer is sensitive to organic chloride from any source, not just PCBs. This means that if other chlorinated organic compounds are present, they will be detected as well. This may limit the ability of the technique to accurately detect the levels of PCBs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls are a family of chemicals, all of which have different proportions of chloride ions. The analyzer measures the quantity of chloride ions in the substance being analyzed. Without knowing which type of PCB is present, it’s impossible to know the concentration of PCBs.

PCBs are often found in combination with products of incomplete combustion, such as dioxins. It is not known whether the analyzer can discriminate between PCBs and these by-products.

Applicability

This analytical device is used to test PCBs in soils and on building surfaces.

Technology Development Status

The device is commercially available.

Web Links

http://www.dexsil.com/l2000web.htm

Other Resources and Demonstrations

The following web site contains descriptions of several demonstrations using this technology alone or in conjunction with other technologies: http://www.dexsil.com/fs_whitepapers.php