Calibration of peroxyacetyl nitrate measurements with an NOx [nitrogen oxides] analyzer

Abstract

A method for the calibration of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) measurements that uses an NO<sub><em>x</em></sub> analyzer and can be applied in the field is described. The calibration range lies between 0.5 and 100 ppb, corresponding to the range of concentrations occurring in ambient air. The calibration procedure involves the entire apparatus, including sample intake lines and chromatographic equipment. Possible distortion due to byproducts originating during the synthesis of PAN is precluded by an integrated prepurification step. The method offers a useful alternative to existing procedures. It is verified through an independent procedure (ion chromatography). A system for automatic PAN measurement in the field is also described.