90.316—Hydrocarbon analyzer calibration.
(a)
Calibrate the FID and HFID hydrocarbon analyzer as described in this section. Operate the HFID to a set point ±5.5 °C between 185 and 197 °C.
(b) Initial and periodic optimization of detector response.
Prior to initial use and at least annually thereafter, adjust the FID and HFID hydrocarbon analyzer for optimum hydrocarbon response as specified in this paragraph. Alternative methods yielding equivalent results may be used, if approved in advance by the Administrator.
(1)
Follow good engineering practices for initial instrument start-up and basic operating adjustment using the appropriate fuel (see § 90.312) and purified synthetic air or zero-grade nitrogen.
(i)
The procedure outlined in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) paper No. 770141, “Optimization of a Flame Ionization Detector for Determination of Hydrocarbon in Diluted Automotive Exhausts;” author, Glenn D. Reschke. This procedure has been incorporated by reference. See § 90.7.
(c) Initial and periodic calibration.
Prior to initial use and monthly thereafter, or within one month prior to the certification test, the FID or HFID hydrocarbon analyzer must be calibrated on all normally used instrument ranges using the steps in this paragraph. Use the same flow rate and pressures as when analyzing samples. Introduce calibration gases directly at the analyzer. An optional method for dilute sampling described in 40 CFR part 1065, subpart F, may be used.
(3)
Calibrate on each used operating range with calibration gases having nominal concentrations between 10 and 90 percent of that range. A minimum of six evenly spaced points covering at least 80 percent of the 10 to 90 range (64 percent) is required (see following table).
| Example calibration points (%) | Acceptable for calibration? |
|---|---|
| 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 | No, range covered is 50 percent, not 64. |
| 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 | Yes. |
| 10, 25, 40, 55, 70, 85 | Yes. |
| 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 | No, though equally spaced and entire range covered, a minimum of six points are needed. |
For each range calibrated, if the deviation from a least-squares best-fit straight line is two percent or less of the value at each data point, calculate concentration values by use of a single calibration factor for that range. If the deviation exceeds two percent at any point, use the best-fit non-linear equation which represents the data to within two percent of each test point to determine concentration.
(d) Oxygen interference optimization.
Prior to initial use and monthly thereafter, perform the oxygen interference optimization as described in this paragraph. Choose a range where the oxygen interference check gases will fall in the upper 50 percent. Conduct the test, as outlined in this paragraph, with the oven temperature set as required by the instrument manufacturer. Oxygen interference check gas specifications are found in § 90.312(d).
(3)
Recheck zero response. If it has changed more than 0.5 percent of full scale repeat paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section to correct the problem.
(5)
Recheck the zero response. If it has changed by more than ±one percent of full scale, repeat the test.
(6)
Calculate the percent of oxygen interference (designated as percent O2 I) for each mixture in paragraph (d)(4) of this section according to the following equation.
Where:
A = hydrocarbon concentration (ppmC) of the span gas used in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
B = hydrocarbon concentration (ppmC) of the oxygen interference check gases used in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(7)
The percent of oxygen interference (designated as percent O2 I) must be less than ±three percent for all required oxygen interference check gases prior to testing.
(8)
If the oxygen interference is greater than the specifications, incrementally adjust the air flow above and below the manufacturer's specifications, repeating paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(7) of this section for each flow.
(9)
If the oxygen interference is greater than the specification after adjusting the air flow, vary the fuel flow and thereafter the sample flow, repeating paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(7) of this section for each new setting.
(10)
If the oxygen interference is still greater than the specifications, repair or replace the analyzer, FID fuel, or burner air prior to testing. Repeat this section with the repaired or replaced equipment or gases.