Proposal:

Reallocate Funds to Purchase a Karl Fischer Titration System for the Analysis of VOCs

Synopsis:

Various AQMD rules limit the amount of VOCs in products. A Karl Fischer Titration System is needed to perform the water portion of the VOC analysis. For FY 96-97, $50,000 was allotted for an Inductive Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer (Fixed Asset #20), which staff has decided not to purchase since the new PM2.5 standard has not yet been finalized. This action is to reallocate funds from Fixed Asset #20 to purchase a Karl Fischer Titrator System, the cost of which is approximately $38,000.

Committee:

Administrative, March 21,1997, Recommended for Approval

Recommended Action:

Reallocate funds from Fixed Asset #20 to purchase a Karl Fischer Titrator System.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD determines the compliance of various products to the requirements of its rules and regulations through laboratory analysis. A Karl Fischer Titration System is needed to analyze the water portion of the product to determine its VOC content. Staff currently is using an old instrument which has, through the years, become very unreliable and requires an inordinate amount of time to maintain at an adequate operating condition. Products which have been reformulated to meet AQMD rules require a modified Karl Fischer Titrator System to accurately perform analysis in a timely manner.

Proposal

Reallocate $50,000 from FY 96-97 Fixed Asset #20 for the purchase of a Karl Fischer Titration System for the water analysis portion of the VOC determination of various products.

Resource Impacts

This Board action will reallocate funds from Fixed Asset #20 in the FY 96-97 budget to purchase a Karl Fischer Titrator System and will result in a net savings in excess of $10,000. The purchase of the Inductive Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer will be dependent upon the promulgation of the PM2.5 standards. Funds for the purchase, if needed, will be requested from the FY 98-99 budget.

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