Vapor Generation and Analysis Parameters of the Petroleum

Over a decade ago (1973-1983), a series of long-term inhalation exposures were performed to study the toxicity of a number of aviation and marine fuels derived from petroleum and compare results with those derived from shale. These included JP-4, JP-5, and diesel fuel marine, as well as some specialty petroleum derived fuels W-7, JP-8, and JP-TS. The Thomas Domes located in the Armstrong Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Dayton), Ohio, were ideally suited for these studies because of both the large capacity for inhalation exposure of the mixed animal complement and the convenience of entry without interrupting continuous exposures. The target total hydrocarbon (TH) concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 5.0 mg/L. The concentration levels of TH vapors were limited by the effective vapor pressure of the type of fuel and, if exceeded, the formation of condensate aerosols in the exposure chamber. The Th vapor generation and analytical equipment is described. Advances in gas chromatographic technology during the period covered provided a variety of qualitative pictures of the fuel, vapor, and waste TH components. Hydrocarbons above C14 existed only in very low concentrations in any of the vapors. (MM)