WHAT IS VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) TESTING

VOC testing measures the concentration of volatile organic compounds released into the air from industrial processes, products, or materials. These compounds can impact air quality, human health, and the environment, making accurate testing essential for maintaining safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

WHY INDUSTRIES SHOULD MONITOR VOC EMISSION

Monitoring VOC emissions provides valuable insights into air quality performance and helps industries maintain control over pollutant releases. 

Key benefits of VOC testing and analysis include:

• Gain Accurate Emission Insights: Understand the composition and concentration of VOCs released from manufacturing, storage, and combustion processes.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Meet DOE and Environmental Quality Act (EQA) limits on total VOC concentration and specific compound thresholds.
• Identify Hidden Emission Sources: Detect fugitive emissions from equipment leaks, valves, and vents to prevent uncontrolled VOC releases.
• Optimize Operational Control: Evaluate the efficiency of air pollution control systems such as thermal oxidizers, activated carbon filters, or scrubbers.
• Protect Health and Air Quality: Reduce exposure to toxic VOCs like benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde that can affect worker health and overall air quality.

COMMON SOURCES OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

VOC emissions are released through evaporation, combustion, or chemical reactions in industrial processes. By pinpointing where these emissions come from, industries can take better control and apply targeted monitoring to reduce pollution. 

The common sources of VOC include:

• Petrochemical and Chemical Manufacturing: VOCs such as toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene are released during solvent use, blending, and formulation activities. Vapors can also escape from storage tanks, transfer lines, and vent systems that handle volatile liquids.
• Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Industries: VOCs evaporate from paints, varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives during both application and drying stages. Common compounds found in these processes include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and ethyl acetate.
• Printing and Packaging: Printing inks and cleaning solvents give off VOCs such as isopropanol and ethanol during ink drying, press cleaning, and laminating operations.
• Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Manufacturing: Solvents and alcohol-based materials used during extraction, formulation, and disinfection release VOCs like ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol into the air.
• Automotive and Metalworking Operations: Spray painting, coating, and degreasing activities emit VOCs from thinners, cleaners, and paint mixtures during surface treatment and finishing stages.

VOC ANALYSIS FOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Our VOC analysis supports industries in meeting local and international air quality standards, including DOE and ISO regulations. By providing detailed concentration data and emission profiles, we help you verify compliance, optimize control systems, and minimize environmental impact through accurate, traceable testing methods.