FTIR Technology

The Emission Measurement Center (EMC) has applied the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to emissions monitoring. The FTIR technology is useful since it has the capability to measure more than 100 of the 189 Hazardous Air Pollutants(HAPs) listed in Title III of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) (see link above for the specific list). Upon passage of the CAAA, measurement methods existed for only 40 of the HAPs. The FTIR has the capability of measuring multiple compounds simultaneously, thus providing an advantage over current measurement methods which measure only one or several HAPs; FTIR Methods can provide a distinct cost advantage since it can be used to replace several traditional methods (cost savings can vary depending on the number of compounds present).

NOTICE - EMC FTIR DATABASE

This document was prepared in 1992, and although some latter additions have been made, this work reflects equipment and procedures of that time. Currently, the EMC does NOT support technical questions regarding these data; however, we will entertain comments and the errors or inaccuracies in the database. Additional information regarding gas phase infrared spectra can be found at the National Institute of Standards and Technology www.nist.gov

The use of FTIR is being investigated in two modes: extractive FTIR and open path FTIR. Also, the EMC has developed reference spectra for more than 100 compounds. These reference spectra may be used for extractive or open path purposes.