Soil photolysis apparatus and collection trap module

摘要

An apparatus for the collection of volatiles includes a housing that forms an environmental chamber. Dishs of test sample are placed in this chamber which is closed with a transparent cover. A gasket assures an airtight seal between the cover and the housing. The housing is supported on a stand that allows the angular orientation of the housing to be adjusted relative to the path of the sun. A jacket is also formed in the housing about the environmental chamber. A heat exchange fluid is circulated through this jacket to maintain the environmental chamber and, thus, the test sample within a desired temperature range. Volatiles emitted by the test sample are collected by circulating air through the environmental chamber. This air which passes across the test sample dishes serves to sweep up the volatiles which are then delivered to a collection trap for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The collection trap is formed from one or more modules including a vessel or tube that is closed by a vapor collection adapter. An O-ring seal between the tube and vapor collection adapter ensures an airtight seal. The vapor collection adapter is also provided with cooperating ball and socket connectors on an outlet and inlet respectively that allow for connection of two or more modules in series as desired.