What Methods and Regulations Accept FTIR Analysis?

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a powerful tool for analyzing organic and inorganic compounds and emissions. As our Canadian federal and provincial regulatory bodies focus on improving the health of our environment, conceivably more new methods and regulations can be implemented for FTIR use. Below you’ll find the current methods and regulations typically accepted in Canada for FTIR analysis:

USEPA Methods that are promulgated:

• Method 318: Extractive FTIR Method for Measurement of Emissions from the Mineral Wool and Wool Fiberglass Industries
• Method 320: Vapor Phase Organic and Inorganic Emissions by Extractive FTIR
• Method 321: Gaseous Hydrogen Chloride Emissions at Portland Cement Kilns by FTIR

ASTM Method that is promulgated:

• D6348-03 Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

For Canadian Regulations:

GHG Reporting: ECCC GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING PROGRAM DECEMBER 2020

“Nitric Acid Plants: measure the N₂O concentration during the performance test using one of the methods in paragraphs (3)(A) or (3)(B) of this section. (A) EPA Method 320 at 40 CFR part 63, appendix A, Measurement of Vapor Phase Organic and Inorganic Emissions by Extractive Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. (B) ASTM D6348-03 Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.”

For Provinces:

Most Canadian provinces accept the FTIR methodology as they typically use promulgated US EPA methods and FTIR methods that are in that accepted group.