title: Development and application of a multi-channel monitoring system for near real-time VOC measurement in a hazardous waste management facility.
abstract: This paper describes the development and application of a multi-channel monitoring system for recording, processing, and analyzing volatile organic compound (VOC) levels discharged to the atmosphere from a walk-in hood in a hazardous waste management facility. The monitoring system consists of an array of PID (photo ionization detector) sensors and a networked control program that provides operational schematic diagram, performs data analyses, and illustrates real-time graphical displays. Furthermore, the system records potential worker exposures, exhaust filtration efficiency and environmental release levels. Multi-channel continuous monitoring of VOCs is successfully implemented during chemical bulking operations. It is shown that a real-time monitoring system is effective for early warning detection of hazardous chemicals and for predicting the performance of adsorption filters used for VOC removal. In addition, a connected local weather visualization system supports efforts to minimize potential health and environmental impacts of VOC emissions to surrounding areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA. cje@unr.edu
authors.forename: Chung-hwan
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Je
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Steven G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Oberg
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D014835:Volatilization; D018505:Waste Management
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D009930:Organic Chemicals