ASTM D7143-11(2016)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Emission Cells for the Determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
Standard Practice for Emission Cells for the Determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Indoor materials/products are products or materials used for construction works or in the indoor environment. The area specific emission rates of volatile organic compounds from an indoor material/product may be used to estimate the expected contribution of emissions from that material/product to the atmosphere of a given indoor environment.
5.2 Emission data may also be used to compare and categorize different indoor materials/products of similar function.
5.3 Emission cell testing of area specific emissions may alternatively be used for studying secondary interactions (for example, sink effects (absorption and re-emission of volatile organics by the indoor material/product) or emissions generated by chemical degradation of the indoor material/product caused by specific atmospheric agents such as water, ozone or NOx).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended for determining volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from materials and products using emission cells. It can be applied in principle to most construction materials and many products used indoors. Objectives include:
1.1.1 To provide manufacturers, builders, and end users with emission data useful for evaluating the impact of building products, new or old, on indoor air concentrations in a model room.
1.1.2 To promote the development of products with lower VOC emissions.
1.2 This practice is for identifying emitted VOCs and for determining the area specific emission rate of VOCs from newly produced building products under defined climate conditions. The method can also be applied to aged products.
1.3 In accordance with the definition of an emission cell, it is also possible to perform nondestructive emission measurements on building products on-site in buildings. However, the procedure for such measurements is not described in this standard.
1.4 This practice describes the design, construction, performance evaluation and use of emission cells for VOC emission testing. Sampling, transport and storage of materials to be tested, and preparation of test specimens are also described.
1.5 Air sampling and analytical methods for the determination of VOCs are described in Practice D6196. Alternative sampling and analytical approaches for formaldehyde and other carbonyls are described in Test Method D5197.
Note 1: All volatile (vapor-phase) carbonyls except formaldehyde can be analyzed by either Practice D6196 or by Test Method D5197.
Note 2: Direct-reading instruments can also be applied for specific objectives.
Note 3: Some volatile inorganic compounds can, in principle, also be analyzed (for example, ammonia).
1.6 An example of an emission cell is described in Appendix X2 of this practice.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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Designation: D7143 − 11 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Practice for
Emission Cells for the Determination of Volatile Organic
Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7143; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This practice complements Guide D5116 and Practice D6670.
NOTE 2—Direct-reading instruments can also be applied for specific
1. Scope
objectives.
1.1 This practice is intended for determining volatile or-
NOTE 3—Some volatile inorganic compounds can, in principle, also be
ganiccompound(VOC)emissionsfrommaterialsandproducts
analyzed (for example, ammonia).
using emission cells. It can be applied in principle to most
1.6 An example of an emission cell is described in Appen-
construction materials and many products used indoors. Ob-
dix X2 of this practice.
jectives include:
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
1.1.1 To provide manufacturers, builders, and end users
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
withemissiondatausefulforevaluatingtheimpactofbuilding
standard.
products, new or old, on indoor air concentrations in a model
room.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.2 To promote the development of products with lower
2.1 ASTM Standards:
VOC emissions.
D1356Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
1.2 This practice is for identifying emitted VOCs and for
Atmospheres
determining the area specific emission rate of VOCs from
D1914PracticeforConversionUnitsandFactorsRelatingto
newly produced building products under defined climate con-
Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
ditions. The method can also be applied to aged products.
D5116Guide for Small-Scale Environmental Chamber De-
1.3 In accordance with the definition of an emission cell, it terminationsofOrganicEmissionsfromIndoorMaterials/
is also possible to perform nondestructive emission measure-
Products
ments on building products on-site in buildings. However, the D5197TestMethodforDeterminationofFormaldehydeand
procedure for such measurements is not described in this
OtherCarbonylCompoundsinAir(ActiveSamplerMeth-
standard. odology)
D5337Practice for Flow RateAdjustment of Personal Sam-
1.4 This practice describes the design, construction, perfor-
pling Pumps
mance evaluation and use of emission cells for VOC emission
D6196Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Param-
testing. Sampling, transport and storage of materials to be
eters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for
tested, and preparation of test specimens are also described.
Monitoring Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air
1.5 Air sampling and analytical methods for the determina-
D6330Practice for Determination of Volatile Organic Com-
tion of VOCs are described in Practice D6196. Alternative
pounds(ExcludingFormaldehyde)EmissionsfromWood-
sampling and analytical approaches for formaldehyde and
Based Panels Using Small Environmental Chambers Un-
other carbonyls are described in Test Method D5197.
der Defined Test Conditions
NOTE1—Allvolatile(vapor-phase)carbonylsexceptformaldehydecan
D6670Practice for Full-Scale Chamber Determination of
be analyzed by either Practice D6196 or by Test Method D5197.
Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/
Products
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD22onAirQuality
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.05 on Indoor Air. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published October 2016. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D7143–11. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D7143-11R16. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7143 − 11 (2016)
D7339Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic ogy D1356. For definitions and terms commonly used when
CompoundsEmittedfromCarpetusingaSpecificSorbent testing materials and products for VOC emissions, refer to
Tube and Thermal Desorption / Gas Chromatography GuideD5116.Foranexplanationofgeneralunits,symbolsand
2.2 Others Standards and Documents: conversion factors, refer to Practice D1914.
EN 196-1Methods of Testing Cement—Part 1: Determina-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
tion of Strength
3.2.1 For the purposes of this standard, the following terms
EN 428Resilient Floor Coverings—Determination of Over-
and definitions apply.
all Thickness
3.2.2 emission cell—a portable device for the determination
EN 430Resilient Floor Coverings—Determination of Mass
of volatile organic compounds emitted from indoor materials/
per Unit Area
products.
EN 927-1Paints and Varnishes—Coating Materials and
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The emission cell is placed against the
Coating Systems for Exterior Wood
surface of the test specimen, such that the surface of the test
EN 1937Test Method for Hydraulic Setting Floor Smooth-
specimen itself becomes part of the emission cell. This is the
ing and/or Leveling Compounds—Standard Mixing Pro-
fundamental difference between emission cells and emission
cedures
chambers. The air inlet of the emission cell is designed such
EN 13892-1Methods of Test for Screed Materials—Part 2:
that the flow of air is directed over the surface of the test
Sampling, Making, and Curing Specimens for Test
specimen.
ISO 554Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or
3.2.2.2 Discussion—An example emission cell is described
Testing
in Appendix X2.
ISO 1765 Machine-Made Textile Floor Coverings—
Determination of Thickness
4. Summary of Practice
ISO 2811Paints and varnishes—Determination of density
4.1 Emission cells are suitable for relatively-homogeneous
ISO 3233Paints and Varnishes—Determination of Percent-
indoormaterials/products,whichpresentaplanarsurfacetothe
age Volume of Non-Volatile Matter by Measuring the
emission cell.
Density of a Dried Coating
NOTE 4—Small emissions chambers are similarly limited with respect
ISO 3251Paints and Varnishes—Determination of Non-
to sample inhomogeneity. To overcome this issue, with either emission
Volatile Matter of Paints, Varnishes, and Binders for
cells or small emission chambers, multiple measurements should be made
Paints and Varnishes
from different parts of the same sample in order to obtain an average
ISO 8543Textile Floor Coverings—Methods for Determi-
emission measurement.
nation of Mass
4.2 Indoor materials/products which have a planar surface
ISO 16000-6Indoor Air—Part 6: Determination of Volatile
(wood-based panel products, dried paints or coatings, flooring
Organic Compounds in Indoor and Test Chamber Air by
products, textiles, foams, polymer sheeting, dried adhesive
Active Sampling on Tenax TA Sorbent, Thermal Desorp-
layers, and so forth) or which can be made to present a planar
tion and Gas Chromatography Using MS/FID
surface to the emission cell (polymer beads, carpet, mold
ISO 16000-9Indoor Air—Part 9: Determination of the
cultures in Petri dishes, and so forth) are placed under the
Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Building
emission cell such that the test specimen itself forms one face
Products and Furnishing—Emission Test Chamber
of the emission cell. Pure, humidified air is passed into the cell
Method
through a baffle around the perimeter such that it passes over
ISO 16000-10Indoor Air—Part 10: Determination of the
the whole surface of the test specimen. The temperature and
Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Building
humidity are closely controlled. As air passes over the test
Products and Furnishing—Emission Test Cell Method
specimen, vapor-phase organics emitted from the surface are
ISO 16017-1Indoor, ambient and workplace air—Sampling
swept away from the test specimen in the flow of air. The
and analysis of volatile organic compounds by sorbent
air/vapor exit (exhaust) point is usually located centrally,
tube/thermal desorption/capillary gas chromatography—
immediatelyabovethetestspecimensurface,toavoidunswept
Part 1: Pumped sampling
volumes and sink effects (see 7.6 and Appendix X2). The
EPA-600/4-89/017US EPA Compendium of Methods for
exhaustairisfullymixedsuchthatairsampledattheexitpoint
Determination of Toxic Organic Compounds in Ambient
is representative of the air in the cell. Approximately 80% of
Air available through the National Technical Information
the flow of air into the cell is pumped onto two sample tubes.
Service,Springfield,VA22161;PB90-116989.Thisreport
The excess air is allowed to exhaust through an overflow vent
containsUSEPAMethodTO-17—Determinationofvola-
toensurethataslightpositivepressureismaintainedinsidethe
tile organic compounds in ambient air using active sam-
cell to prevent ingress of background air.
pling onto sorbent tubes.
4.3 Theairflowrateissetsuchthattheairvelocityoverthe
Nordtest NTBuild 438 (1995)Building Materials: Emission
surface of the test specimen has no effect on the area specific
of Volatile Chemicals—Field and Laboratory Emission
emission rate (see 6.4). The emission tests are carried out at
Cell
fixedtimesafterpreparationofthetestspecimen(forexample,
3. Terminology
after2hours,24hours,72hours,10days,28days,56days,or
3.1 Definitions—For definitions and terms commonly used 182 days (26 weeks)). Throughout the entire test period, test
inASTM standards, including this practice, refer to Terminol- pieces shall either be kept under the emission cell under the
D7143 − 11 (2016)
flow of pure, humidified air, or stored in a clean, well- drying/curingstagewhenthedominantemissionmechanismis
ventilated environment, under controlled conditions of tem- evaporation (external diffusion) (see 6.4).
perature and humidity, with no risk of contamination from
6.2 Using Emission Data to Estimate Contribution to Atmo-
other samples or other emission sources.
spheric VOC Concentration Indoors:
6.2.1 Providedtheareaspecificairflowrateoverthesurface
NOTE 5—The air flow rate at the surface of the test specimen is
particularly critical for wet indoor materials / products where the primary
of the test specimen is similar to that found in the built
emission process is evaporation (external diffusion). In these cases, while
environment, and provided the surface of the indoor material/
it will remain possible to compare emission data from wet samples
product is sufficiently homogeneous to ensure that the area of
collected using similar emission cells under identical conditions, the
thetestspecimenexposedintheemissioncellisrepresentative
non-uniformity and relative slowness of the air velocity at the surface of
of the whole; area specific emission rates determined by these
thetestspecimen,willmakeitdifficulttocompareemissioncelldatawith
that obtained using an emission chamber (see Appendix X4).
tests can be used to estimate the likely contribution to
NOTE 6—Similar limitations make it difficult to compare emission data
atmospheric VOC concentrations from that indoor material/
from two different small chambers or from the same chamber under
product in real use, at time (t) after installation/application
different operating conditions, if that data is obtained during the drying/
(assuming similar nominal conditions of temperature and
curing stages of a wet product.
humidity).
4.4 ThesampletubesusedforcollectingVOCsareanalyzed
6.3 Intercomparison of Emission Data:
bythermaldesorption:gaschromatography(GC);usuallywith
6.3.1 Provided the test conditions are duplicated, area spe-
mass spectrometry (MS) and flame ionization detection (FID)
cific emission rate data generated from these tests may be used
to identify and quantify the target volatile organic compounds
for comparison with area specific emission rate data produced
as described in Practice D6196, ISO 16000-6 or ISO 16017-1.
for the same or similar products by other laboratories using
The measured masses of volatile organic compounds retained
similar emission cells.
bythesorbenttubesarethenusedtodeterminetheareaspecific
emission rates of the material or product.Alternative sampling
NOTE 7—The principles described in 6.2 and 6.3 are true for all
and analytical techniques are used for formaldehyde (and for applicable product types, whatever the dominant process of emission.
other carbonyls) as described in Test Method D5197.
6.4 Effect of the Emission Mechanism on Test Data and
Comparison of Test Data:
5. Significance and Use
6.4.1 Provided the dominant emission mechanism is (inter-
nal) diffusion, not evaporation (external diffusion), area spe-
5.1 Indoormaterials/productsareproductsormaterialsused
cific emission rate data will be broadly independent of air
for construction works or in the indoor environment. The area
velocity over the surface of the indoor material/product. This
specific emission rates of volatile organic compounds from an
will remain true provided the surface air velocity exceeds the
indoor material/product may be used to estimate the expected
minimum velocity required to prevent build up of vapor-phase
contribution of emissions from that material/product to the
contaminants at the surface of the indoor material/product (see
atmosphere of a given indoor environment.
Appendix X4).
5.2 Emission data may also be used to compare and catego-
6.4.2 Provided the dominant emission mechanism from a
rize different indoor materials/products of similar function.
material/product is internal diffusion, it is possible to compare
5.3 Emission cell testing of area specific emissions may area specific emission rates generated from emission cells
under different air flow conditions or to compare area specific
alternatively be used for studying secondary interactions (for
example, sink effects (absorption and re-emission of volatile emission rate data generated by emission cells with that
obtained using test chambers (Guide D5116 or ISO 16000-9)
organics by the indoor material/product) or emissions gener-
ated by chemical degradation of the indoor material/product (see Appendix X4).
caused by specific atmospheric agents such as water, ozone or
NOTE 8—Evaporative emissions predominate during the drying/curing
NO ).
x
stages of wet-applied products and are significantly affected by the
following factors: sample conditioning procedures; timing of the test;
loading factor (and related vapor concentration within the cell); and air
6. Principles
velocity over the test specimen surface. Comparative tests on
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7143 − 11 D7143 − 11 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Practice for
Emission Cells for the Determination of Volatile Organic
Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7143; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This practice complements Guide D5116 and Practice D6670.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice is intended for determining volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from materials and products using
emission cells. It can be applied in principle to most construction materials and many products used indoors. Objectives include:
1.1.1 To provide manufacturers, builders, and end users with emission data useful for evaluating the impact of building
products, new or old, on indoor air concentrations in a model room.
1.1.2 To promote the development of products with lower VOC emissions.
1.2 This practice is for identifying emitted VOCs and for determining the area specific emission rate of VOCs from newly
produced building products under defined climate conditions. The method can also be applied to aged products.
1.3 In accordance with the definition of an emission cell, it is also possible to perform nondestructive emission measurements
on building products on-site in buildings. However, the procedure for such measurements is not described in this standard.
1.4 This practice describes the design, construction, performance evaluation and use of emission cells for VOC emission testing.
Sampling, transport and storage of materials to be tested, and preparation of test specimens are also described.
1.5 Air sampling and analytical methods for the determination of VOCs are described in Practice D6196. Alternative sampling
and analytical approaches for formaldehyde and other carbonyls are described in Test Method D5197.
NOTE 1—All volatile (vapor-phase) carbonyls except formaldehyde can be analyzed by either Practice D6196 or by Test Method D5197.
NOTE 2—Direct-reading instruments can also be applied for specific objectives.
NOTE 3—Some volatile inorganic compounds can, in principle, also be analyzed (for example, ammonia).
1.6 An example of an emission cell is described in Appendix X2 of this practice.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
D1914 Practice for Conversion Units and Factors Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
D5116 Guide for Small-Scale Environmental Chamber Determinations of Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
D5197 Test Method for Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Air (Active Sampler Methodology)
D5337 Practice for Flow Rate Adjustment of Personal Sampling Pumps
D6196 Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Parameters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for Monitoring
Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air
D6330 Practice for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (Excluding Formaldehyde) Emissions from Wood-Based
Panels Using Small Environmental Chambers Under Defined Test Conditions
D6670 Practice for Full-Scale Chamber Determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.05 on Indoor Air.
Current edition approved March 1, 2011Oct. 1, 2016. Published March 2011October 2016. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20052011 as
D7143 - 05.D7143 – 11. DOI:10.1520/D7143-11.DOI:10.1520/D7143-11R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7143 − 11 (2016)
D7339 Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Carpet using a Specific Sorbent Tube and
Thermal Desorption / Gas Chromatography
2.2 Others Standards and Documents:
EN 196-1 Methods of Testing Cement—Part 1: Determination of Strength
EN 428 Resilient Floor Coverings—Determination of Overall Thickness
EN 430 Resilient Floor Coverings—Determination of Mass per Unit Area
EN 927-1 Paints and Varnishes—Coating Materials and Coating Systems for Exterior Wood
EN 1937 Test Method for Hydraulic Setting Floor Smoothing and/or Leveling Compounds—Standard Mixing Procedures
EN 13892-1 Methods of Test for Screed Materials—Part 2: Sampling, Making, and Curing Specimens for Test
ISO 554 Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and/or Testing
ISO 1765 Machine-Made Textile Floor Coverings—Determination of Thickness
ISO 2811 Paints and varnishes—Determination of density
ISO 3233 Paints and Varnishes—Determination of Percentage Volume of Non-Volatile Matter by Measuring the Density of a
Dried Coating
ISO 3251 Paints and Varnishes—Determination of Non-Volatile Matter of Paints, Varnishes, and Binders for Paints and
Varnishes
ISO 8543 Textile Floor Coverings—Methods for Determination of Mass
ISO 16000-6 Indoor Air—Part 6: Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor and Test Chamber Air by Active
Sampling on Tenax TA Sorbent, Thermal Desorption and Gas Chromatography Using MS/FID
ISO 16000-9 Indoor Air—Part 9: Determination of the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Building Products and
Furnishing—Emission Test Chamber Method
ISO 16000-10 Indoor Air—Part 10: Determination of the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Building Products and
Furnishing—Emission Test Cell Method
ISO 16017-1 Indoor, ambient and workplace air—Sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds by sorbent tube/thermal
desorption/capillary gas chromatography—Part 1: Pumped sampling
EPA-600/4-89/017 US EPA Compendium of Methods for Determination of Toxic Organic Compounds in Ambient Air available
through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161; PB90-116989. This report contains US EPA
Method TO-17—Determination of volatile organic compounds in ambient air using active sampling onto sorbent tubes.
Nordtest NT Build 438 (1995) Building Materials: Emission of Volatile Chemicals—Field and Laboratory Emission Cell
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions and terms commonly used in ASTM standards, including this practice, refer to Terminology
D1356. For definitions and terms commonly used when testing materials and products for VOC emissions, refer to Guide D5116.
For an explanation of general units, symbols and conversion factors, refer to Practice D1914.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.2.2 emission cell—a portable device for the determination of volatile organic compounds emitted from indoor materials/
products.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
The emission cell is placed against the surface of the test specimen, such that the surface of the test specimen itself becomes part
of the emission cell. This is the fundamental difference between emission cells and emission chambers. The air inlet of the emission
cell is designed such that the flow of air is directed over the surface of the test specimen.
3.2.2.2 Discussion—
An example emission cell is described in Appendix X2.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Emission cells are suitable for relatively-homogeneous indoor materials/products, which present a planar surface to the
emission cell.
NOTE 4—Small emissions chambers are similarly limited with respect to sample inhomogeneity. To overcome this issue, with either emission cells or
small emission chambers, multiple measurements should be made from different parts of the same sample in order to obtain an average emission
measurement.
4.2 Indoor materials/products which have a planar surface (wood-based panel products, dried paints or coatings, flooring
products, textiles, foams, polymer sheeting, dried adhesive layers, and so forth) or which can be made to present a planar surface
D7143 − 11 (2016)
to the emission cell (polymer beads, carpet, mold cultures in Petri dishes, and so forth) are placed under the emission cell such
that the test specimen itself forms one face of the emission cell. Pure, humidified air is passed into the cell through a baffle around
the perimeter such that it passes over the whole surface of the test specimen. The temperature and humidity are closely controlled.
As air passes over the test specimen, vapor-phase organics emitted from the surface are swept away from the test specimen in the
flow of air. The air/vapor exit (exhaust) point is usually located centrally, immediately above the test specimen surface, to avoid
unswept volumes and sink effects (see 7.6 and Appendix X2). The exhaust air is fully mixed such that air sampled at the exit point
is representative of the air in the cell. Approximately 80 % of the flow of air into the cell is pumped onto two sample tubes. The
excess air is allowed to exhaust through an overflow vent to ensure that a slight positive pressure is maintained inside the cell to
prevent ingress of background air.
4.3 The air flow rate is set such that the air velocity over the surface of the test specimen has no effect on the area specific
emission rate (see 6.4). The emission tests are carried out at fixed times after preparation of the test specimen (for example, after
2 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 10 days, 28 days, 56 days, or 182 days (26 weeks)). Throughout the entire test period, test pieces shall
either be kept under the emission cell under the flow of pure, humidified air, or stored in a clean, well-ventilated environment,
under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, with no risk of contamination from other samples or other emission
sources.
NOTE 5—The air flow rate at the surface of the test specimen is particularly critical for wet indoor materials / products where the primary emission
process is evaporation (external diffusion). In these cases, while it will remain possible to compare emission data from wet samples collected using similar
emission cells under identical conditions, the non-uniformity and relative slowness of the air velocity at the surface of the test specimen, will make it
difficult to compare emission cell data with that obtained using an emission chamber (see Appendix X4).
NOTE 6—Similar limitations make it difficult to compare emission data from two different small chambers or from the same chamber under different
operating conditions, if that data is obtained during the drying/curing stages of a wet product.
4.4 The sample tubes used for collecting VOCs are analyzed by thermal desorption: gas chromatography (GC); usually with
mass spectrometry (MS) and flame ionization detection (FID) to identify and quantify the target volatile organic compounds as
described in Practice D6196, ISO 16000-6 or ISO 16017-1. The measured masses of volatile organic compounds retained by the
sorbent tubes are then used to determine the area specific emission rates of the material or product. Alternative sampling and
analytical techniques are used for formaldehyde (and for other carbonyls) as described in Test Method D5197.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Indoor materials/products are products or materials used for construction works or in the indoor environment. The area
specific emission rates of volatile organic compounds from an indoor material/product may be used to estimate the expected
contribution of emissions from that material/product to the atmosphere of a given indoor environment.
5.2 Emission data may also be used to compare and categorize different indoor materials/products of similar function.
5.3 Emission cell testing of area specific emissions may alternatively be used for studying secondary interactions (for example,
sink effects (absorption and re-emission of volatile organics by the indoor material/product) or emissions generated by chemical
degradation of the indoor material/product caused by specific atmospheric agents such as water, ozone or NO ).
x
6. Principles
6.1 General PrinciplesPrinciples:
6.1.1 Area specific emission rates at a given lapsed time (t) are calculated from the masses of target volatile organic compounds
collected on the sample tubes, the flow of air pumped through each sample tube, the total flow of air entering the emission cell,
the duration of the test and the exposed surface area of the test specimen. Area specific emission rates at a given lapsed time (t)
can also be expressed as a function of the emission cell air concentrations for each VOC and the area specific air flow rate, q.
6.1.2 Air velocity at the surface of the test specimen (Appendix X3 and Appendix X4) is a critical parameter for the analysis
of wet-applied indoor materials/products during the drying/curing stage when the dominant emission mechanism is evaporation
(external diffusion) (see 6.4).
6.2 Using Emission Data to Estimate Contribution to Atmospheric VOC Concentration IndoorsIndoors:
6.2.1 Provided the area specific air flow rate over the surface of the test specimen is similar to that found in the built
environment, and provided the surface of the indoor material/product is sufficiently homogeneous to ensure that the area of the test
specimen exposed in the emission cell is representative of the whole; area specific emission rates determined by these tests can
be used to estimate the likely contribution to atmospheric VOC concentrations from that indoor material/product in real use, at time
(t) after installation/application (assuming similar nominal conditions of temperature and humidity).
6.3 Intercomparison of Emission DataData:
6.3.1 Provided the test conditions are duplicated, area specific emission rate data generated from these tests may be used for
comparison with area specific emission rate data produced for the same or similar products by other laboratories using similar
emission cells.
NOTE 7—The principles described in 6.2 and 6.3 are true for all applicable pro
...
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