Overview
ISO/TS 17796:2013 specifies a qualitative TD‑GC‑MS method for trapping and identifying volatile and semi‑volatile components of rubber fumes. The technique uses active air sampling on a poly(2,6‑diphenylphenylene oxide)‑type sorbent (example: Tenax TA) followed by thermal desorption (TD) and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). It is intended for screening emissions from rubber compound processing and storage in workplace and ambient environments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & intent: Qualitative identification of VOCs and SVOCs (C6–C26 range) in rubber fumes; not intended for quantitative analysis. Benzene is not identified reliably by this method.
- Sorbent: Poly(2,6‑diphenylphenylene oxide) trap support - typical quantity 180–200 mg, particle size 0.18–0.25 mm, specific surface 20–35 m2/g. Reconditioning at 300 °C (1–8 h) is required; recondition tubes stored >4 weeks.
- Sampling:
- Flowrate: recommended 50–100 ml/min (maximum 100 ml/min).
- Sample volume: maximum 6 L.
- Use two tubes in parallel during sampling (only one analysed) to guard against breakthrough or failure.
- Seal tubes after sampling; storage at room temperature in emission‑free container up to four weeks.
- Thermal desorption & GC‑MS conditions:
- Desorption: typically 200 °C for 30 min, desorption gas flow ~50 ml/min.
- Cold trap: ≤ −30 °C for analyte focusing; secondary cold trap may be used.
- Transfer line: ≥ 250 °C; cold‑trap high temperature ~300 °C.
- GC column: 5% diphenyl / 95% polydimethylsiloxane (example column dimensions provided).
- MS detection: electron impact (70 eV), quadrupole, scan range ~25–600 m/z, full scan recommended for screening.
- System verification: run laboratory blanks (clean chromatogram expected) and control standard mixes to qualify system sensitivity. Identification relies on mass spectral library matches (visual validation recommended; match index > ~90% indicative).
Applications and users
ISO/TS 17796:2013 is practical for:
- Industrial hygienists and occupational safety professionals screening workplace air for rubber process emissions.
- Analytical laboratories performing qualitative TD‑GC‑MS screening of manufacturing or storage environments.
- Rubber manufacturers and quality/control engineers investigating process off‑gassing, troubleshooting odors, or assessing compound formulations.
- Environmental and research labs studying VOC/SVOC profiles from rubber processing.
Keywords: ISO/TS 17796:2013, TD‑GC‑MS, thermal desorption, Tenax TA, sorbent tube, rubber fumes, VOCs, SVOCs, workplace air monitoring, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Limitations and related considerations
- Method is qualitative - not designed for quantitative compliance limits.
- Very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) are only partially retained; other sorbents (carbon molecular sieve or multi‑sorbent tubes) may be more appropriate for VVOC sampling.
- Users should be experienced with GC‑MS operation and follow instrument manufacturer instructions.