TO 14, 15, 17 standards for VOC monitoring and sampling are available in all configurations 39, 41, 62 or subset component mixtures.  

The configurations 39, 41, 62, or subset component mixtures refer to specific calibrations or sets of VOCs that are to be analyzed under these standards. The numbers themselves (39, 41, 62) represent predefined mixtures of VOCs that are targeted or included in testing and analysis protocols. These configurations are designed to standardize the detection and quantification of VOCs in various environments, ensuring consistency and comparability across different testing sites and scenarios.

These mixtures or configurations are used within the context of TO standards (TO-14, TO-15, TO-17) for the purpose of calibrating instruments, ensuring method sensitivity, and ensuring that analysis covers a broad and relevant spectrum of VOCs. Each configuration or subset component mixture is associated with a specific set of VOCs, chosen based on their relevance to environmental monitoring, regulatory requirements, and their physical and chemical properties (e.g., volatility, health impact).

The TO-14, TO-15, and TO-17 standards themselves are specifically designed for the monitoring and sampling of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. TO-14 and TO-15 primarily focus on the collection and analysis of air samples for VOCs using canister collection methods, while TO-17 targets the sampling of VOCs using adsorbent tubes. By specifying mixtures such as configurations 39, 41, 62, these standards can ensure a systematic approach to VOC monitoring, allowing for comparative analysis across different environments and ensuring adherence to regulatory and safety standards.

Gas mixtures for all VOC’s including BTEX mixtures, Isobutylene and other organic vapours are available.

BTEX Mixtures

BTEX stands for Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes—these chemicals are a subgroup of VOCs that are commonly found together in petroleum fuels and by-products. They are known for their toxicity and potential to contaminate air, water, and soil:

• Benzene: A known carcinogen with short- and long-term exposure risks.
• Toluene: Affects the central nervous system; exposure can lead to neurological harm.
• Ethylbenzene: Exposure may cause throat and eye irritation and other health effects.
• Xylenes: Can affect the nervous system, with potential harm to liver and kidneys at higher exposure levels.

Monitoring BTEX is crucial due to their widespread use in industry and presence in the environment, especially near industrial sites, traffic areas, or areas with petroleum contamination. BTEX mixtures are also indicators of the presence of other hydrocarbons and can be used to assess the overall level of petroleum-related pollution.

Isobutylene

Isobutylene is another volatile organic compound that has numerous industrial applications, including its use as a precursor to butyl rubber and other polymers. In VOC monitoring:

• It can be used as a calibration gas due to its well-defined properties.
• Isobutylene may serve as a surrogate or internal standard for the calibration of analytical instruments like gas chromatographs, which are used in the analysis of VOCs.
• Monitoring isobutylene helps in assessing exposure risks and controlling emissions in industrial settings.

Other Organic Vapours

These refer to a broad category of compounds that are organic (carbon-containing) and exist in the gaseous phase at ordinary room temperature and pressure. VOC monitoring often considers a wide array of organic vapours, each with its own set of properties, sources, and impacts on health and the environment. These could include:

• Halogenated hydrocarbons, like chloroform or chlorobenzene, which have applications in industry but are also hazardous pollutants.
• Alcohols, ketones, and esters, which are used in solvents, paints, and other products.
• Terpenes, which are naturally occurring VOCs from plants but can also contribute to air quality concerns indoors and outdoors.

VOC monitoring for these compounds involves detecting and quantifying their presence in the air to assess levels of pollution, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage public health risks. Analyzing these compounds requires precision because they can have significant impacts at trace levels.