Most analytical methods used in air pollutant measurements are comparative in nature and require calibration or standardization, or both, often with known blends of the gas of interest. Since many of the important air pollutants are reactive and unstable, it is difficult to store them as standard mixtures of known concentration for extended calibration purposes. An alternative is to prepare dynamically standard blends as required. This procedure is simplified if a constant source of the gas of interest can be provided. Permeation tubes provide this constant source, if properly calibrated and if maintained at constant temperature. Permeation tubes have been specified as reference calibration sources, for certain analytical procedures, by the Environmental Protection Agency (3).

1.1 This practice describes a means for using permeation tubes for dynamically calibrating instruments, analyzers, and analytical procedures used in measuring concentrations of gases or vapors in atmospheres (1,2).

1.2 Typical materials that may be sealed in permeation tubes include: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia, propane, and butane (1).

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.