Simultaneous monitoring of outdoor/indoor VOC concentrations by PTR-MS to identify sources of indoor pollution in office buildings

Jianshun Zhang, Kwanghoon Han

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using VOC emission signatures of building materials and office equipment for major emission source identification in a workplace. Both the emission signatures and onsite measurements were collected by a PTR-MS. The VOC emission signature of a laser printer as well as selected building materials were first established in a laboratory using middle-scale and small-scale emission test chambers, respectively. The printer and materials were then used in an office building which had a dedicated HVAC system, regular occupancy and associated activities. The PTR-MS equipped with an auto switching valve system was then used to monitor online VOC concentrations at multiple locations simultaneously including outdoor, indoor in occupied space and HVAC supply duct. Different event scenarios were constructed for testing to determine any dynamic correlation among different air samples and the usability of a source identification method developed previously to successfully pinpoint emission sources.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication10th International Conference on Healthy Buildings 2012
Pages2534-2539
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2012
Event10th International Conference on Healthy Buildings 2012 - Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Duration: Jul 8 2012Jul 12 2012

Publication series

Name10th International Conference on Healthy Buildings 2012
Volume3

Other

Other10th International Conference on Healthy Buildings 2012
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane, QLD
Period7/8/127/12/12

Keywords

  • Emission signature
  • Emission source identification
  • Online monitoring
  • PTR-MS
  • VOC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Simultaneous monitoring of outdoor/indoor VOC concentrations by PTR-MS to identify sources of indoor pollution in office buildings'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this