EPA 9001

Determination of Water in Waste Materials By Quantitative Calcium Hydride Reaction

Applicability: This procedure applies to the determination of water content by a quantitative calcium hydride reaction method in waste materials such as used oil, paints, soils and water/alcohol mixtures to determine if it is suitable for its intended use at Conti Testing Laboratories, Inc. (CTL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1.1. Method Reference: EPA 9001
1.2. Summary: A sample of the material is treated with specially formulated calcium hydride reagent which reacts with water in the sample to liberate hydrogen gas. The reaction is carried out in a sealed pressure vessel and the resulting pressure is then measured using a specially designed meter. The results are displayed directly in weight or volume percent, depending on the sampling method used. The reaction is quantitative, measuring all water present in the sample over the range of 0.1 to 100%.
1.3. Matrices: Oil, paints, soils, water/ alcohol mixtures.
1.4. Quantitation Range: 0.1 to 100%
1.5. Holding Time: None
1.6. Preservation: Sample should be put in a glass container with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-lined caps and refrigerated at 6°C. It should be brought to room temperature prior to analysis
1.7. Interferences

Purpose: The purpose of this procedure applies to the determination of water content by a quantitative calcium hydride reaction method in waste materials such as used oil, paints, soils and water/alcohol mixtures. It is useful in determining the total composition of a sample, the distinction of which sample can be analyzed by infrared spectroscopy using sodium chloride cells or zinc selenide cells, the maximum amount of alcohols or other liquids present in aqueous solutions, determining aqueous from non-aqueous solutions, or when setting the proper mixture of feed materials in the incineration of waste.