The cost effectiveness of field methods for determining volatile organic compounds

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the cost and performance characteristics of six different field analytical instruments capable of accurately identifying and quantifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the parts‐per‐billion level. Five‐year life‐cycle costs for the six field instruments including purchase, modification, and operational costs, were compared to the costs of using a stationary commercial analytical laboratory to obtain identical VOC data. The present‐value life‐cycle cost of a single soil or water VOC analysis was calculated for the six field alternatives and for the commercial laboratory at both a fixed annual sample analysis rate and at maximum capacity. The total cost of a single field analysis event was found to be approximately 18% of the total cost of sending that sample to a commercial laboratory. Cost differences between alternatives were correlated to variations in performance capabilities.