Overview
EN ISO 13199:2012 / ISO 13199:2012 defines an automatic method for measuring total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in waste gases from non‑combustion stationary sources. The method uses a non‑dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyser equipped with a catalytic converter that oxidizes VOCs to carbon dioxide (CO2) and measures the resulting CO2 signal as a proxy for TVOC mass concentration. EN ISO 13199:2012 covers the measurement principle, essential performance criteria and the required quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for continuous and intermittent monitoring. The standard has been field‑tested on painting and printing processes with TVOC levels roughly 70–600 mg/m3.
Key topics and requirements
- Measurement principle: Extractive NDIR detection after catalytic oxidation of VOC to CO2.
- Scope: Applicable to waste gases from non‑combustion processes (not for combustion sources).
- Performance criteria: Specifies essential performance characteristics and how to determine measurement uncertainty (see clauses on performance characteristics).
- Automatic Measuring Systems (AMS): Requirements for permanently installed continuous systems and for intermittent measurements.
- Sampling & measurement procedure: Guidance on probe installation, sampling, data collection and calculation of TVOC mass concentration.
- QA/QC procedures: Calibration, frequency of checks, operational gases and procedures for ensuring reliable results.
- Annexes: Include schematic diagrams of NDIR analysers, operational gas specifications, procedures for performance testing and example compliance assessments.
- Standards referenced: Normative references include ISO 9169:2006 (AMS performance), ISO 14956 (suitability evaluation) and ISO 20988 (measurement uncertainty).
Applications and users
EN ISO 13199:2012 is intended for:
- Environmental regulators setting monitoring requirements for solvent‑using industries.
- Plant operators and environmental managers in painting, printing, coating, degreasing and similar non‑combustion processes who need continuous emissions data or intermittent compliance checks.
- Air quality laboratories and field engineers responsible for installation, calibration and QA/QC of NDIR‑based TVOC monitors.
- Instrument manufacturers developing NDIR analysers with catalytic converters and demonstrating conformity with performance criteria.
Practical uses include continuous emissions monitoring, process control to reduce VOC losses, verification of abatement systems and compliance reporting.
Related standards
- ISO 9169:2006 - Definition and determination of AMS performance characteristics
- ISO 14956 - Evaluation of suitability by comparison with required measurement uncertainty
- ISO 20988 - Guidelines for estimating measurement uncertainty
Keywords: EN ISO 13199:2012, ISO 13199:2012, TVOC, total volatile organic compounds, NDIR analyser, catalytic converter, stationary source emissions, waste gases, air quality, QA/QC, automatic measuring system.
