INTERNATIONAL

RECOMMENDATION

OIML R 82
Edition 2006 (E)

Gas chromatographic systems for measuring the

pollution from pesticides and other toxic substances

OIML R 82 Edition 2006 (E)

Systmes chromatographiques en phase gazeuse pour la mesure des

pollutions par pesticides et autres substances toxiques

ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE
DE MTROLOGIE LGALE
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
OF LEGAL METROLOGY

OIML R 82: 2006 (E)

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Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1
Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2
Application ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3
Terminology .................................................................................................................................... 5
4
Description of the instrument .......................................................................................................... 7
5
Metrological requirements .............................................................................................................. 9
6
Technical requirements ................................................................................................................. 11
7
Practical instructions ..................................................................................................................... 11
8
Metrological controls .................................................................................................................... 12
References ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Annex A Examples of compound types detectable by gas chromatography...................................... 15
Annex B Test procedure..................................................................................................................... 16
Annex C Achievable detection limits and linear range interval......................................................... 18
Annex D Test report format ............................................................................................................... 19

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Foreword
The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is a worldwide, intergovernmental organization
whose primary aim is to harmonize the regulations and metrological controls applied by the national
metrological services, or related organizations, of its Member States.
The main categories of OIML publications are:
International Recommendations (OIML R), which are model regulations that establish the
metrological characteristics required of certain measuring instruments and which specify methods and
equipment for checking their conformity. OIML Member States shall implement these
Recommendations to the greatest possible extent;
International Documents (OIML D), which are informative in nature and which are intended to
harmonize and improve work in the field of legal metrology;
International Guides (OIML G), which are also informative in nature and which are intended to give
guidelines for the application of certain requirements to legal metrology; and
International Basic Publications (OIML B), which define the operating rules of the various OIML
structures and systems.
OIML Draft Recommendations, Documents and Guides are developed by Technical Committees or
Subcommittees which comprise representatives from the Member States. Certain international and regional
institutions also participate on a consultation basis. Cooperative agreements have been established between the
OIML and certain institutions, such as ISO and the IEC, with the objective of avoiding contradictory
requirements. Consequently, manufacturers and users of measuring instruments, test laboratories, etc. may
simultaneously apply OIML publications and those of other institutions.
International Recommendations, Documents, Guides and Basic Publications are published in English (E) and
translated into French (F) and are subject to periodic revision.
Additionally, the OIML publishes or participates in the publication of Vocabularies (OIML V) and periodically
commissions legal metrology experts to write Expert Reports (OIML E). Expert Reports are intended to
provide information and advice, and are written solely from the viewpoint of their author, without the
involvement of a Technical Committee or Subcommittee, nor that of the CIML. Thus, they do not necessarily
represent the views of the OIML.
This publication - reference OIML R 82, edition 2006 (E) - was developed by the OIML Technical
Subcommittee TC 16/SC 3 Pesticides and other pollutant toxic substances. It was approved for final publication
by the International Committee of Legal Metrology in 2006 and will be submitted to the International
Conference of Legal Metrology in 2008 for formal sanction. This Edition supersedes the previous edition of
OIML R 82 (Edition 1989).
OIML Publications may be downloaded from the OIML web site in the form of PDF files. Additional
information on OIML Publications may be obtained from the Organizations headquarters:
Bureau International de Mtrologie Lgale
11, rue Turgot - 75009 Paris - France
Telephone:
33 (0)1 48 78 12 82
Fax:
33 (0)1 42 82 17 27
E-mail:
[email protected]
Internet:
www.oiml.org

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Gas chromatographic systems for measuring the pollution

from pesticides and other toxic substances

Scope

1.1
This Recommendation provides the procedures for testing and verifying the performance of a
gas chromatograph (GC) system when used for the measurement of pesticides and other toxic
substances in carrying out pollution control programs and in assessing the quality of food products as
mandated by national laws and regulations. It does not intend to exclude any equivalent means of
measurement or analysis for such toxic substances.
1.2
The GC systems covered in this Recommendation are intended to be used in a fixed or mobile
laboratory under controlled ambient conditions. Portable GCs for field applications are covered in
OIML R 113. GCs coupled with other analytical instruments such as GC-mass spectrometers and
GC-Fourier transform infrared spectrometers are also not covered in this Recommendation.
1.3
Instrument performance better than the criteria specified in this Recommendation may be
accomplished by optimizing the performance of major components of the measurement system. In
such cases, success may depend on the knowledge, skill, and experience of the operator.
1.4
A sample usually requires undergoing a specific preparation technique prior to an analysis
with a GC system. Sampling techniques and methods of analysis are beyond the scope of this
Recommendation.
1.5
This Recommendation does not address requirements and tests that may be necessary for
operator safety. Therefore, users should determine whether instruments meet the safety and labeling
requirements specified in national regulations.

Application

2.1
GC systems may be applied for the analysis of a variety of sample types such as ground water,
surface water, industrial effluents, soil and sediments, plant and animal tissue, and food.
2.2
Sample compounds can be detected by a GC system if they can pass through a gas
chromatographic column and not be affected by thermal or catalytic decomposition or adsorption.
Some non-volatile or thermally unstable compounds may be converted to derivatives that are volatile
and stable and, therefore, can be separated and detected by a GC system.
2.3

Examples of compounds types that can be determined with GC systems are given in Annex A.

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2.4
Some specific applications of gas chromatography to environmental measurements are
provided in references [1-3].

Terminology

3.1
Carrier gas
Gas introduced in order to transport a sample for analytical purposes. In gas chromatography it is the
gas which is passed continuously through the column and whose passage promotes the elution of the
components of the sample. The carrier gas, together with the portions of the sample present in this
phase, constitute the mobile phase.
3.2
Injection device
Means by which a sample is introduced into the gas chromatographic column.
3.3
Column
Tube within the gas chromatograph that contains the stationary phase and through which the gaseous
mobile phase flows.
3.4
Mobile phase
Carrier gas and injected gaseous sample that enter and move through the column.
3.5
Stationary phase
Phase in the column composed of active immobile materials, either liquid or solid, that selectively
absorbs or adsorbs sample components.
3.6
Solid support
Material in the column (normally inert) that holds the stationary phase and consists of porous or
impenetrable particles, or the interior wall of the column itself, or a combination of these, over which
the carrier gas flows.
3.7
Elution
Removal of a sample component from the stationary phase by the mobile phase in the gas
chromatographic column..
3.8
Detector
Device that can respond to eluted sample components in the carrier gas emerging from the column.
3.9
Noise
Manifestation of variation in the gas chromatograph output signal not associated with changes in
chromatographic conditions (e.g. temperature gradient), which can be divided into two components:
3.9.1 Short-term noise, which includes all observable random variations of the signal from the
detector or other components having a frequency of the order of one or more cycles per minute.
3.9.2 Drift, i.e. the average slope of the baseline signal measured over a minimum of half an hour.
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3.10 Reference sample

Liquid or gaseous reference material containing an accurately known concentration of the sample
components of interest and used for testing or calibration of the instrument.
3.11 Detection limit
Mass flow rate (for mass flow rate dependent detectors) or concentration (for concentration-dependent
detectors) yielding a signal equal to three times the short-term noise level as determined on a statistical
basis.
Note: This term is also referred to as minimum detectability, or minimum detectable limit
(MDL), in some references and manufacturer's literature. It is sometimes defined as an output
signal equal to some other multiple (two or ten) of the noise level and depends somewhat on
whether the gas chromatograph is used for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
3.12 Linear range
Range of mass flow rate or concentration of the analyte in the carrier gas over which its sensitivity
remains constant to within specified limits. It is expressed as the ratio of the upper limit of linearity
and the detection limit.
3.13 Sensitivity
Output signal per unit mass of the sample component of interest in the carrier gas. It is expressed in
either one of the two following ways:
3.13.1 With a concentration-dependent detector, the instrument sensitivity, S, is expressed in:
A mL g-1, or
V mL g-1, and by the equation:
PF
S=
M
where:
P = the peak area,
F = the carrier gas flow rate,
M = the mass of the sample in the carrier gas.
With the units:
A = amperes,
mL = millilitres,
g=
grams,
V = volts.
Note: Peak area is independent of broadening effects caused by variables such as column
temperature, eluent flow rate, and rate of sample injection. From this standpoint, therefore, the
peak area is a more satisfactory analytical parameter than peak height. On the other hand, peak
heights are more easily measured and, for narrow peaks, more accurately determined. Many
modern chromatographic instruments are equipped with electronic integrators that provide
precise measurements of relative peak areas.
3.13.2 With a mass flow rate dependent detector, the instrument sensitivity, S, is expressed in:
A s g-1, or
V s g-1, and by the equation:

S=

P
M

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where the symbols have the same definitions as in 3.13.1, with the additional unit of:
s = seconds.
3.14 Chromatogram
Record of the detector output signal versus time that has peaks corresponding to specific components
of the sample.
3.15 Retention time
Time elapsed from injection of a sample component to the recording of its peak maximum.
3.16 Repeatability
Closeness of agreement between results of successive measurements of the same measurand carried
out under the same conditions and within a relatively short period of time.
Note: Such conditions include the following: method of measurement, operator, measuring
instrument, location, and environmental conditions.

Description of the instrument

4.1
General
4.1.1 Gas chromatographs of various design and construction are available for laboratory use. In
general, a container with pressurized gas and a pneumatic control system provide a controllable flow
rate of carrier gas through a chromatographic column that is maintained at a constant or controlled
temperature during the period of analysis. An injection device is used to introduce a known volume of
a sample that is swept by the carrier gas through the column to a detector. The detector responds to
each sample component as it elutes from the column. The detector output signal is displayed as a
function of time (chromatogram) and provides a record on a chart recorder and/or in a data system
from which the record may be retrieved.
4.1.2 A diagram of the instrument is given in Figure 1. The flow of carrier gas may be regulated by
a pressure and/or flow controller. For liquid samples, the injection device (A) has a means of
vaporizing the sample prior to injection. The temperature control device for the column (B) may be
either fixed or adjustable; however, some instruments may meet performance requirements at a
relatively stable ambient temperature without temperature control. Under certain conditions of use, it
may be necessary or desirable for the detector (C) to be maintained under controlled temperature
conditions with respect to the column.
4.1.3 Gas chromatographic measurements depend on the separation or partition of gaseous or
vaporized sample components in the carrier gas (mobile phase) by the stationary phase in the column.
Sample partition depends primarily on the operating parameters of the column such as gas flow rate,
temperature, vapor pressure, and the adsorbent properties of the stationary phase. The individual
components of the sample resolved by the column and detected are interpreted from a chromatogram
or data stored in a data handling system. The identification of components and quantification depends
on knowing the retention times and measuring corresponding peak areas of specific sample
components for an instrument operating under defined conditions.
Note: A more detailed description of the instrument may be obtained in references [4] [6].

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Source of
carrier gas

Carrier gas
regulator

(A)
Injection device

(B)
Column(s)

Source of gas(es) or
liquid(s) necessary
for detection
operation

Temperature
controller

(C)
Detector(s)

Output signal
recorder and/or data
handling system

Figure 1 Diagram of a gas chromatographic system

4.1.4

The major components of a gas chromatographic system are as follows:

pneumatic control system for the carrier gas,
injection device,
column,
temperature control system, and
detector, and data handling system.

A brief description of some of these components follows.

4.2
Pneumatic control system
The pneumatic control system regulates the flow of gas through the instrument.
4.3
Injection device
Injection devices may be one of the following or other types depending on the form of the sample and
its concentration:
A packed column injection device through which the sample is introduced into a region just
before the stationary material of a column.
A splitless capillary column injection device through which the entire sample is injected into a
heated vaporizing region just before the capillary column where it is mixed with the carrier
gas and most of the vaporized sample is introduced into the column, and at a specified time
after injection, vapors remaining in the liner are vented into the atmosphere.
A split capillary column injection device through which the entire sample is injected into a
heated region and vaporized just before the column where it is mixed with the carrier gas and
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split at a controlled ratio between that entering the column and that being vented into the
atmosphere.
A programmed temperature vaporizing injector (PTV) device which is an enhancement to the
split/splitless injector and is equivalent except that the injection liner temperature can be
rapidly heated or cooled. Sample injection is made into a cool liner, and after the syringe
needle has been removed, the temperature of the liner is rapidly increased for more controlled
sample vaporization.
A direct capillary on-column injection device through which a liquid sample is introduced
directly into the column at an ambient or a below ambient temperature thereby avoiding
thermal decomposition and adsorptive effects of high-boiling-point compounds that occur in
some vaporizing injectors.
A purge-and-trap injection device through which organic volatile compounds from a wide
variety of sample types are injected after having been concentrated, using a dynamic
headspace sampling chamber and a sorbent (cryogenic or non-cryogenic) trap.
The column may be of the following types: packed or capillary (open tubular).

4.4
Detector
The detector may be one of the following types:
The flame ionization detector (FID), a type that is mass flow dependent, nonselective, and
widely applicable for organic compounds.
The electron capture detector (ECD), a type that is concentration dependent, and selective for
halogenated and related compounds.
The flame photometric detector (FPD), a type that is mass flow dependent and selective for
phosphorus and sulfur containing compounds.
The thermionic detector (TID), a type that is mass flow dependent and selective for
phosphorus and nitrogen containing compounds. A TID may also be commonly referred as a
NPD (nitrogen/phosphorus detector) or NSD (nitrogen selective detector).
The electrolytic conductivity detector (ELCD), a type that is mass flow dependent and
selective for chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur containing compounds.
The photoionization detector (PID), a type that is concentration dependent, selective
(depending on lamp energy), and widely applicable to organic and inorganic gases.
The thermal conductivity detector (TCD), a type that is concentration dependent applicable to
organic and inorganic gases.
4.5
Data handling system
The data handling system may consist of one or more of the following three components: direct
display, chart recorder, and an integrating device with computer. A system may incorporate functions
of all three components and usually records the detector output signal as a function of time.

Metrological requirements

5.1
During type evaluation and initial and subsequent verification, the repeatability of the output
signal and the retention time of the GC system shall be tested in a laboratory using test compounds and
under reference conditions throughout the evaluation as follows:
ambient temperature between 20 C and 27 C and stable to within 3 C during the
measurement;
relative humidity (RH) between 30 % and 80 %;
carrier gas flow rate as specified by the manufacturer;
injection device, column, and detector temperatures as specified by the manufacturer.
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5.2
The manufacturer shall specify the following components and the conditions under which the
instrument is to be tested:
carrier gas type;
injector type;
detector type;
column type.
5.3
The repeatability of measurements for a GC system shall be checked by 10 repeated injections
of a single sample of the relevant test compound with a concentration equivalent to approximately the
value at the mid-point of the specified linear range within a relatively short period of time. The
manufacturer shall declare whether the instrument uses peak height or peak area as a method of
quantification. This Recommendation shall only refer to peak area, but a device may qualify using
peak height as a quantification principle (see the note in 3.13.1).
The relative standard deviation of the measurement results shall not exceed:
5 % for peak area of the output signal;
1 % for the retention time.
Note: The values of relative standard deviation for peak area and retention time are considered
maximum permissible errors and are determined according to the procedure provided in
Annex B.
5.4
The detection limits and the linear range of a specific detector or detectors to be used with the
instrument shall meet the performance requirements specified by the manufacturer for the following
relevant test compounds:
Detectors
FID
PID
TCD
ECD
FPD
TID
ELCD

Test compounds
Mixture of alkanes
Toluene
Mixture of alkanes
Lindane
Malathion
Malathion (P) and azobenzene (N)
Tetrachloroethane (Cl), azobenzene (N), and malathion (S)

5.4.1 The detection limit and the linear range for the detectors as specified by the manufacturer shall
be verified using the test procedure provided in Annex B.
Note: Achievable detection limits and the linear range for the detectors indicated for the designated
test compounds are provided in Annex C.
5.4.2 The detection limit shall be + 5 % or below of the value specified by the manufacturer.
5.4.3 The linear range shall be determined using a minimum of five concentrations of reference gas
sample, the maximum concentration being that specified by the manufacturer and the minimum
concentration being approximately 10 times the detection limit. Resultant data shall be analyzed by
linear least squares, determining the correlation coefficient, r. From this analysis, r2 shall not be less
than 0.95.

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Technical requirements

6.1
Carrier gas
6.1.1 The manufacturer shall specify the carrier gas and its necessary purity for the specific detector
or detectors to be used.
Note: Examples of common carrier gases are the following: hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, and argon
(Ar and methane). Traces of unwanted vapors and particulates shall be removed by means of
molecular sieve scrubbers, filters, and filter dryers which should be inserted in the gas supply
lines as close to the column as practical.
6.1.2 The instrument shall have a means for controlling and displaying the carrier gas flow rate.
Note: The flow rate may be indicated by the gas head pressure at or near the entrance to the column.
6.2
Temperature control system
6.2.1 Temperature control shall be provided for the injection device, column and detector.
6.2.2 The range of temperature programming and the rate of changes in temperature achievable in
that range shall be specified.
6.3

The manufacturer shall specify the types of column that may be accommodated in the system.

6.4
Data handling system
The data handling system shall be capable of producing an accurate, archivable, and retrievable record
of the detector response, sample characteristics, gas composition and flow parameters, temperature
profile and other essential data of the analysis.
6.5
Markings
Markings shall be attached conspicuously to all major components of the instrument as follows:
name of the manufacturer;
instrument model, serial number and date of manufacture;
voltage, frequency, and current requirements.
6.6
The manufacturer shall provide a manual that describes the operation and routine maintenance
of the instrument.

Practical instructions

7.1
Operation of a GC requires the use of high voltage, compressed gases, high temperatures and
may also include ultraviolet radiation and radioactive materials. Warning labels shall be placed
conspicuously on the instrument to alert the user of these potential hazards. These shall be consistent
with national safety regulations.
7.2
Before installation of a GC system instrument, all environmental factors shall be considered
including rated operating conditions at various ambient temperatures and humidity.

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7.3
The appropriate means for injecting a sample into the GC system may be selected on the basis
of the information available on carrier gas flow rates, or head pressures, and the temperature control
available for the various components.

Metrological controls

8.1
Type evaluation
8.1.1 Manufacturers shall provide the national responsible body with a GC system and its operating
manual and may also provide test data and other relevant information that could support a
determination as to whether the system meets the requirements of this Recommendation.
8.1.2 The operating manual shall be reviewed for its completeness and clarity of instructions. The
GC system shall be visually inspected in conjunction with a review of specifications provided by the
manufacturer to determine that requirements 6.1 through 6.6 are met.
8.1.3 The responsible national body shall carry out the following performance tests, or may accept
the manufacturer's test data, that confirm acceptable performance for the following:
repeatability of peak area (5.3 and Annex B);
repeatability of retention time (5.3 and Annex B);
detection limit for detectors (5.4 and Annex B);
linear range for detectors (5.4 and Annex B).
8.1.4 The report on the tests of the GC system carried out during type evaluation, intended for use
within the scope of the OIML Certificate System for Measuring Instruments, shall contain as a
minimum the items of information according to the format provided in Annex D. A specific form may
be developed according to national preference. The manufacturer shall be provided specific
information or comments about any test failures.
8.2
Initial and subsequent verification
8.2.1 An initial test of each GC system shall be performed according to the manufacturers
instructions. The result of this test shall be within the manufacturers specifications that shall be
consistent with the repeatability requirements of 5.3 and detection limit determinations in 5.4.1 and
5.4.2.
8.2.2 The test in 8.2.1 shall be carried out under the reference conditions specified in 5.1.
8.2.3 Other GC system tests specified under 8.1.3 that may be considered to be critical to the
specific application shall be performed and may be carried out for sample compounds of interest.
8.2.4 The national responsible body shall specify the period of validity of the initial verification.
Subsequent verification shall be carried out after the initial period of validity.
8.2.5 A GC system shall also undergo subsequent verification equivalent to initial verification after
repair or replacement of critical component parts as specified by the national responsible body. This
requirement does not pertain to the replacement of the column.
8.3
Routine tests by a user
8.3.1 The national responsible body shall provide information on methods for using a GC system to
measure specific pollutants. Some measurement methods may be appropriate for use as quality
assurance procedures for assessing the performance of the system.
8.3.2 The user should carry out frequently (for example, once per work period) a test of the entire
GC system using reference samples appropriate for the analytical method used for the class of sample
compounds of interest. Reference samples should be used daily along with analytical control charts to
verify the working range of the system.
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8.3.3 A chronological written record shall be maintained for each GC system and shall contain at
least the following information:
results of all routine tests;
results of calibrations;
identification of replacement of major components;
extent of maintenance and repair.

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References
[1]
[2]
[3]

[4]
[5]
[6]

Matter, L., Food Environmental Analysis in Capillary Gas Chromatography, John Wiley and
Sons, New York, (1997). ISBN 3778524194
Jennings, Walter, Editor, Analytical Gas Chromatography, Academic Press, New York,
(1997). ISBN 012384357X
Bruner, Fabrizio, Gas Chromatographic Environmental Analysis - Principles Techniques,
Instrumentation, Jointly by VCH Publishers, Inc. (U.S.A.), VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
(Germany), and VCH Publishers Ltd. (U.K.), New York, Weinheim, and Cambridge,
respectively, (1993)
ISBN 1-56081-011-4 VCH Publishers,
ISBN 3-527-28042-1 VCH Verlagsgesellschaft.
Schomburg, Gerhard, Gas Chromatography: A Practical Course, John Wiley and Sons, New
York, (1990). ISBN 3527278796
McNair, Harold M. and Miller James M., Basic Gas Chromatography: (Techniques in
Analytical Chemistry), John Wiley and Sons, New York, (1997). ISBN 047117260X
Grob, Robert L., Editor, Modern Practice of Gas Chromatography, John Wiley and Sons, New
York (1995). ISBN 047159707

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Annex A
(Informative)
Examples of compound types detectable
by gas chromatography

Examples

Compound type *
Volatile halocarbon solvents
Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons
Chlorinated aromatics
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides
Phthalate and adipate esters
Phenols and chlorinated phenols
Aromatic amines
Nitroaromatics, explosives
Chlorinated pesticides
Triazine herbicides
Organophosphorus pesticides

chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene

chloride, freons,
trichloroethylene,tetrachloroethylene, etc.
BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
xylenes)
chlorobenzenes, dichlorobenzenes, etc.
209 congeners containing one to 10 Cl
endrin, DDE, DDT, dieldrin, aldrin, etc.
dibutylphthalate, dibutyl adipate, dioctyl
phthalate, etc.
phenol, chlorophenol, dichlorophenol, etc.
Aniline, chloroanilines, N-methylanilines,
amino toluenes, etc.
Nitrotoluene, dinitrotoluene, TNT, etc.
2, 4-D, dichlorprop, dinoseb, etc.
Atratron, propozine, atrazine, terbutyn, etc.
Dichlorvos, malthion, parathion, etc.

Detectors **
ELCD, ECD
PID, FID
ECD
ECD
ECD
PID
FID
TID
TID
ELCD, ECD
TID
FPD

(*)
Some sample compounds may have to be converted to derivatives before being analyzed.
(**)
Selection of the chromatographic detector is dependent on the sample composition, the
concentration of compounds of interest, and the sample matrix.

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Annex B
(Mandatory)
Test procedure

B.1
This test provides a procedure for determining whether an instrument meets the performance
requirements under the conditions specified in clause 5.
B.2
Carry out the test under the reference conditions specified in 5.1 and with a reference sample
of the test compound specified by the manufacturer for each particular detector type.
B.3
Select an appropriate injection device (syringe or loop), column, and temperature controls for
the detector to be tested with an appropriate reference sample.
B.4
Inject an appropriate volume of reference sample with a minimum being 1 mL for gases and
1 L for liquids.
B.5
Reference sample
B.5.1 Obtain or prepare a stock reference sample having a concentration equivalent to the product of
the detection limit and the linear range according to that specified by the manufacturer for the detector
to be tested.
B.5.2 Use either a reference gas or liquid sample taking into account that air samples are diluted
with dry air or nitrogen and liquid samples are diluted with a suitable solvent.
B.6
Repeatability
B.6.1 Determine the repeatability of the reference liquid or gaseous sample tested under reference
conditions as specified in 5.1 and whether the requirement of 5.3 for relative standard deviation has
been met.
B.6.2 Calculate the relative standard deviation, r, using the following equation:

100
x

r =
where:

x x
i
=
n 1

)
2

1/ 2

xi = the individual result, and

x = the average result for n repeated measurements.
B.7
Linear range and detection limit
B.7.1 Make at least ten repeated injections of a blank sample (dry air or nitrogen for gas and solvent
used for the liquid) and record the peak areas. Determine the short-term noise level, Ns, (3.11) as the
average value of the results.
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B.7.2 Make at least five repeated injections at each of at least five selected concentrations of the
reference sample from about 10 times the detection limit to the maximum value specified for the linear
range. Record the peak area of the detector response.
B.7.3 From the results of B.7.2, calculate the average value of the peak area versus the amount
injected in grams taking into account any peaks or peaks coeluting with the reference sample as
determined in B.7.1. Plot the results to the mean value determined for each concentration and fit a
linear least-squares regression, determining the slope, m, intercept, b, and correlation coefficient, r,
parameters from the general linear equation model:
y = mx + b
Note: If necessary for air samples, correct the concentration injected to values at standard conditions
of temperature and pressure.
B.7.4 Calculate the square of the correlation coefficient for the least-squares regression curve using
the slope of the curve and the standard deviation of the known concentration values, x, and the
standard deviation of the measured peak area values, y, and the following equations:
r =
2

where:

2
S xy

x y

S xy = n (xi y i ) xi y i

x x
i
x =
n 1

y y
i
y =
n 1

1/ 2

)
2

1/ 2

The results shall meet the requirements of 5.4.3 for the square of the correlation coefficient, r2.
Note: The correlation coefficient, r, interprets how well the data fits the least-squares regression
curve. A perfect fit would be r = 1 or r2 = 1.
B.7.5 Record the sensitivity of the instrument, S, as the slope of the curve obtained in B.7.4; or
alternatively, calculate it using the appropriate equation in 3.13.
B.7.6 Draw a line parallel to the abscissa of the curve obtained in B.7.3 that is three times the shortterm noise level ( N s in B.7.1). The detection limit is calculated using Ns and the instrument
sensitivity, S:
3 Ns
Detection limit =
S

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Annex C
(Informative)
Achievable detection limits and linear range interval

C.1
Achievable detection limits and linear range intervals are given in Table C.1 for the test
compounds and detectors as could be determined under the reference conditions of test specified
in 5.1.
C.2
The actual detection limits and linear range interval for a GC system shall be specified by the
manufacturer and verified by the overall test provided in Annex B.
Table C.1

Achievable detection limits and linear range interval for GC detectors with
indicated test compounds

Detectors
FID
PID
TCD
ECD

Test compound(s)
Mixture of liquid alkanes
Toluene
Mixture of liquid alkanes
Lindane

FPD

Malathion

TID

Malathion (P) and azobenzene

(N)

ELCD

Tetrachlorothane (Cl),
azobenzene (N), and malathion
(S)

Linear range interval

104 - 107
104
104 - 105
102 - 104
102 - 103 (S)
103 - 105 (P)
105(P)
104(N)
104(S)
104(N)
105 - 106(C1)

Detection limit
1 pg/s - 10 pg/s
1 pg/mL - 10 pg/mL
300 pg/mL - 104 pg/mL
0.1 pg/mL - 1.0 pg/mL
10 pg/s - 100 pg/s
0.5 pg/s - 5 pg/s
25 pg/s
50 pg/s
2 pg/s
2 pg/s - 4 pg/s
0.5 pg/s

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Annex D
(Mandatory)
Test report format
A test report intended for use within the scope of the OIML Certificate System for Measuring
Instruments or for other purposes shall include the following information:

Report No. __________________

OIML Recommendation R 82, Edition 2006.
D.1
Name and address of the testing laboratory(ies)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.2
Location at which the tests were performed, if other than that indicated in D.1
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.3
Name and address of the manufacturer
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.4
Name and address of the applicant, if other than the manufacturer
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.5
Identification of the instrument (type) tested
Trade name:________________________________________________________________________
Model number: _____________________________________________________________________
Serial number: ______________________________________________________________________
Requirements for: Voltage_______________Frequency_______________Current_______________

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________

D.6

Review of the operating manual

Acceptable
Deficient
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.7
Summary of the visual inspection in conjunction with a review of the information
provided by the manufacturer or in the operating manual and according to clause 6
D.7.1

Means for controlling and displaying the carrier gas flow rate
Yes
No
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.7.2

Temperature controls
Injection device:
Yes
No
Column:
Yes
No
Detector:
Yes
No
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

D.7.3

Temperature programming
Yes
No
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.7.4

Types of columns that can be accommodated in the system are specified

Yes
No
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________

D.7.5 Type of data handling system

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.7.6

Markings
Pass
Fail
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.8
D.8.1

Summary of the results of the tests carried out according to 8.1.3

Conditions for testing (complete information for each detector type tested)
Ambient temperature:__________________________________________________________
Relative humidity: ____________________________________________________________
Carrier gas:
Type: ________________________________________________________________
Purity: _______________________________________________________________
Flow rate:_____________________________________________________________
Injection device type: __________________________________________________________
Column type: ________________________________________________________________
Detector type: ________________________________________________________________
Temperature:
Injection device: _______________________________________________________
Column: ______________________________________________________________
Detector: _____________________________________________________________
Temperature programming: _____________________________________________________
Data display or readout: ________________________________________________________

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D.8.2

Repeatability of peak area and of the retention time

Test compound: ______________________________________________________________
Concentration: _______________________________________________________________

Note: The TID and ELCD detectors will require more than one test compound and, hence, the tests
in D.8.2, D.8.3, and D.8.4 shall be repeated for each required test compound.
Repetition
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Peak area

Retention time

x
r
Relative standard deviation (r)
Peak area:
Pass
Retention time:
Pass

Fail
Fail

Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

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D.8.3

Determination of linearity

Test compound ________________________________

Peak area or height
Concentration
Repetition
1
2
3
4
5
Average
r2 (correlation coefficient squared) calculated from B.7.4:
Value: __________________________
Pass
Fail
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

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D.8.4

Determination of detection limit

Repetition
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Blank sample

10

x
x (noise level) = ___________________________________________________________________
Detection limit (specified by the manufacturer): ___________________________________________
Detection limit (determined according to B.7.6): ___________________________________________
Pass
Fail
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.9
Brief statement of the conclusions as to whether the GC system tested meets the
requirements of this Recommendation
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
D.10 Person(s) responsible for the testing
Signature(s) and title(s):
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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