Round-robin test for inorganic acids

(HCl, HNO₃ and H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄)

The round-robin test will be possible either with or without sampling. The participants will have the choice between carrying out the sampling of volatile inorganic acids themselves or receiving samples ready for analysis.

1. Round-robin test with sampling

   • Volatile inorganic acids

     A large dynamic test gas battery was erected at the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German  Social Accident Insurance (IFA). The test gas battery allows for parallel sampling for up to 12 participants.

     When: 06/07 March 2012
     Where: Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA)
     Alte Heerstr. 111
     53757 Sankt Augustin
     Germany
     Information: www.dguv.de/ifa

     Concentration range: 0.1 - 2 MAK
     Duration: 2 hours
     Number of test series: 3
     Solvent selection: HCI, HNO₃
     Sampling: Active sampling

     Accomodations: Hotels at Sankt Augustin (in German)

     Participants will receive a description of the apparatus, and the connections for the sampling devices in particular, in advance.

   • Particulate inorganic acids (see below)

     Each participant receives a test set for H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄.

2. Round-robin test without sampling

   • Volatile inorganic acids

     The samples for volatile inorganic acids are produced in parallel to the round-robin test with sampling. The loading of sample test tubes is conducted in the dynamic test gas track of IFA. Silica gel test tube Orbo 53 manufactured by Supelco or impregnated quartz fibre filters are used as sampling media.

     Each participant receives a sample set consisting of
     - three loaded sampling tubes and
     - two unloaded sampling tubes, of which one test tube is left open and sealed again to check the transport contamination.
     or
     - three loaded sampling tubes and
     - two unloaded sampling tubes for blank value adjustment
     
     

   • Particulate inorganic acids

     Quartz fibre filters doped with sulphuric and phosphoric acids will be offered as in the preceding years.

     The samples will be prepared by injection onto the filter using microlitre syringes. Participants can take advantage of this service at no extra charge. This includes

     - three loaded filters which are stabilised directly after loading and
     - two unloaded filters

3. Measurement procedures

   For HCI and HNO₃, the IFA recommends that the analysis method for hazardous substances described in DFG [1] resp. IFA Folder No. 6172 [2] be employed as the procedure. For H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ preparation according to the IFA folder, identification number 6173 sheet 1 and 2 is suggested [3]. The analysis should be conducted using ion chromatography.