Dexsil PetroFLAG

So, what is it?
The PetroFLAG system is a field portable method for the determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, using a lightweight, rugged, hand held unit powered by a 9-volt battery. It is both safe and easy to use. PetroFLAG does not distinguish between aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, but quantifies all fuels, oils, and greases as total hydrocarbons. Analysis of a 10-gram soil sample is performed using three simple steps: extraction, filtration, and analysis. The PetroFLAG system is completely field portable. Everything needed to perform ten soil tests can be conveniently carried to the job site in a briefcase size carrying case. The meter is menu driven for ease of use and utilizes an EEPROM memory system for safe data storage. Fifteen response factors are built into the analyzer for the user to select depending on the analyte of interest. Response factors correlate to fuels ranging from weathered gasoline to heavy crude oil. The results are displayed in ppm on a LCD. The lower limit of detection for most hydrocarbons is 10 ppm, except for weathered gasoline, which has a LLD of 200 ppm. Using the standard 10-gram sample, the analyzer has the ability to quantify all hydrocarbons up to 2000 ppm. A new High range extraction solvent option allows you to measure from 1000ppm up to percent TPH.

Kit Contents

• Hand-held, digital analyser
• Portable Electronic Balance
• Digital Countdown Timer
• Two Calibration Standard
• Reagents for ten tests
• Carrying Case

Applications
PetroFLAG is well suited for large site where a gird sampling plan is the strategy of choice. In many cases a grid sampling plan would be ruled out due to the high cost of laboratory analysis. PetroFLAG allows the grid strategy to be used while providing the user with meaningful data for on-site decision making prior to submitting samples for expensive laboratory analysis. The use of PetroFLAG for grid sampling will help to economically locate and define the extent of the contamination, locate and define hot spots and help delineate the zero line.

This can prevent unnecessary drilling and sampling and will eliminate re-mobilization costs associated with waiting for laboratory results. Additionally, PetroFLAG is useful for tracking and evaluation the success of soil remediation projects such as bioremediation.

How PetroFLAG is Used:
Hydrocarbons are detected through a simple three step process. After being weighed out, the soil sample is first extracted with a solvent that effectively removes over 90% of the hydrocarbons present. The resulting extract is then filtered through a unique, non-clogging system that removes all particulate matter, even from clay and other difficult-to-filter samples. The filtrate is then added to a vial which contains an aqueous development solution. The vial is placed in the meter where a two channel turbidimeter measures the absorbance of the mixture and converts the reading into parts per million of petroleum hydrocarbons. The result is displayed on the unit's LCD readout. The instrument, reagents, vials, and balance are all contained in a carrying case that weighs less than 5 kilograms.

Comparison to Laboratory Test Methods
In recent trials the PetroFlag kit has provided valuable real-time data that correlates very well with the two most widely used laboratory methods. When split samples were sent for laboratory confirmation, the correlation was in excess of 90%. These results were obtained at an existing bioremediation site for diesel fuel contamination.