PetroFLAG® Analyzer System

U.S. EPA SW-846 METHOD 9074

Relying on laboratory methods to determine hydrocarbon contamination in soil is both time consuming and expensive. Laboratory methods, such as EPA Method 8015, typically have turnaround times of one to two weeks. Most samples analyzed by this method limit the results to Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) or Diesel Range Organics (DRO). When limiting the analysis to these two ranges, heavier fraction hydrocarbons such as fuel oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, transformer oil and greases are "not seen" in the analysis and samples may be reported as clean even though these heavier hydrocarbons still exist in the soil.   Methods such as 418.1, which rely on CFCs as the extraction solvent, have been withdrawn by the EPA due to environmental concerns.  Other methods use chlorinated solvents such as methylene chloride or carbon tetrachloride as extract solvents.

Dexsil's unique PetroFLAG® system provides on-site TPH analysis and contains NO hazardous chlorofluorocarbons, chlorinated solvents, or dyes. The reagents are premeasured and sealed in glass ampules for ease-of-use and consistent results. The test method responds to the broadest range of hydrocarbons possible offering consistent extraction efficiencies over the range of soil types and conditions most commonly encountered in the field.  PetroFLAG quantifies both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in a range from C8-C44; from fuels to heavy lubes/greases.  Results are not analyte specific but reflect total hydrocarbon concentration in the sample. 

 The PetroFLAG analyzer is a rugged, hand-held unit powered by a 9-volt alkaline battery.  The user friendly analyzer is menu driven and utilizes a series of built in “response factors” that correspond to the analyte of interest.  There are 15 programmed response factors to choose from covering a range from weathered gasoline to crude oil   Using the standard 10 gm soil sample, the range is *15 ppm (MDL) to 2000 ppm.  Higher results up to 200,000 ppm (2%) are possible using a smaller sample size with a multiplier, and/or by using the High Range Extraction option.  Everything needed to perform ten soil tests can be conveniently carried to the job site in a briefcase size carrying case.

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