A volatile organic compounds emission test chamber based on a standard chemical reactor vessel

We have realised and tested a 40 litres (29 cm diameter, 61 cm height) emission test chamber made with a standard chemical reactor vessel. This approach achieves an economical and very flexible design, intended for operation in a temperature-controlled area, that is useful for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions and sinks measurements. The chamber internal atmosphere is in contact only with borosilicate glass, stainless steel and PTFE sealing ring. It is designed for dynamic (constant air flow exchange) operation, but it is useful as well for static experiments. The internal mixing fan is driven by a standard external laboratory stirrer with digital speed control, allowing a minimum impact of drive operation on the chamber atmosphere. Preliminary test for air mixing, losses and sinks are described with an example of flooring PVC emission test data modelled with a double exponential regression.