METHOD 310

 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 

(VOC) IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND REACTIVE ORGANIC 

COMPOUNDS IN AEROSOL COATING PRODUCTS

(Including Appendices A and B)

 Adopted: September 25, 1997 

Amended: September 3, 1999

Amended: July 18, 2001

Amended: May 5, 2005

Amended: August 6, 2010

Amended: September 29, 2011

DISCLAIMER: Mention of any trade name or commercial product in Method 310 does not 

constitute endorsement or recommendation of this product by the Air Resources Board.
METHOD 310

DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC) IN CONSUMER 

PRODUCTS AND REACTIVE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN AEROSOL COATING 

PRODUCTS

1 APPLICABILITY

1.1 This method (Method 310) applies to the determination of the percent by weight of:

(1) volatile organic compounds (VOC) in consumer products, antiperspirant and

deodorant products, and aerosol coatings products as those terms are defined in Title 17,

California Code of Regulations (CCR), Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5 (Consumer

Products), commencing with section 94500, and

(2) low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOC) as that term is defined in

section 94508(a), and

(3) the reactive organic compounds (ROC) contained in aerosol coating products, as that

term is defined in Title 17, CCR, section 94521.

1.2 Method 310 determines the total volatile material in a product and the presence of any

compounds prohibited by ARB regulations (“prohibited compounds”). Components of

the product that do not meet the definition of a VOC or are exempted by ARB regulations

for a specific product category (“exempt compounds”) are subtracted from the total

volatile material to determine the final VOC content for the product. Method 310 is also

used to determine the percent by weight of the ROCs contained in aerosol coating

products, for the purpose of determining compliance with the Regulation for Reducing

the Ozone Formed from Aerosol Coating Product Emissions, Title 17, CCR, sections 

94520 to 94528 (the “Aerosol Coatings Regulation”).

1.3 Method 310 does not apply to the determination of the composition or concentration of 

fragrance components in products.

1.4 The term “Executive Officer” as used in this document means the Executive Officer of 

the Air Resources Board or his or her authorized representative. 

2 TEST METHODS

Method 310 incorporates by reference the following American Society for Testing and 

Materials (ASTM) International, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH), and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) analytical test 

methods:

2.1 ASTM D 2369-01: Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings (January 10, 

2001).
2.2 ASTM D 1426-98: Standard Test Methods for Ammonia Nitrogen in Water (December 

10, 1998).

2.3 ASTM D 4017-96a: Standard Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint Materials by the 

Karl Fisher Titration Method (July 10, 1996).

2.4 ASTM D 3792-99: Standard Test Method for Water Content of Water-Reducible Paints 

by Direct Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph (May 10, 1999).

2.5 ASTM D 859-00: Standard Test Method for Silica in Water (determination of 

polymethylsiloxanes after digestion) (June 10, 2000).

2.6 ASTM D 3074-94: Standard Test Methods for Pressure in Metal Aerosol Containers 

(November 15, 1994) with the modifications found in Appendix A to this Method 310. 

2.7 ASTM D 3063-94: Standard Test Methods for Pressure in Glass Aerosol Bottles 

(November 15, 1994) with the modifications found in Appendix A to this Method 310.

2.8 ASTM D 3064-97: Standard Terminology Relating to Aerosol Products (September 10, 

1997).

2.9 NIOSH: Method 1400 Alcohols I (analysis of acetone and ethanol by gas 

chromatography). NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, Volume 1 (August 1994).

2.10 Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Volatile Organics (analysis of exempt and 

prohibited compounds in the product by headspace/gas chromatography/mass 

spectrometry).

2.10.1 US EPA Method 8240B, September 1994, Revision 2, Volatile Organic Compounds 

by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Test Methods for Evaluating 

Solid Waste, Volume 1 B, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2: Laboratory Manual 

Physical/Chemical Methods, SW-846, September 1994.

2.10.2 US EPA Method 8260B, December 1996, Revision 2, Volatile Organic Compounds 

by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Test Methods for Evaluating 

Solid Waste, Volume 1 B, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2: Laboratory Manual 

Physical/Chemical Methods, SW-846, December 1996.

2.11 US EPA Reference Method 24, Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water 

Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings: 40 Code of 

Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 60, Appendix A, as it existed on September 11, 1995.

2.12 US EPA Reference Method 24A, Determination of Volatile Matter Content and Density 

of Printing Inks and Related Coatings: 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A, as it existed on July 

1, 1994.
2.13 US EPA Reference Method 18, Measurement of Gaseous Organic Compound Emissions 

by Gas Chromatography: 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A, as it existed on September 25, 

1996.

2.14 US EPA Method 300.7, March 1986. Dissolved Sodium, Ammonium, Potassium, and 

Calcium in Wet Deposition by Chemically Suppressed Ion Chromatography.

2.15 ASTM D 86-01: Standard Test Methods for Distillation of Petroleum Products (August 

10, 2001).

2.16 ASTM D 850-00: Standard Test Methods for Distillation of Industrial Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons and Related Materials (December 10, 2000).

2.17 ASTM D 1078-01: Standard Test Methods for Distillation Range of Volatile Liquids 

(June 10, 2001).

2.18 ASTM D 2879-97: Standard Test Method for Vapor-Pressure-Temperature Relationship 

and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope (April 10, 1997) with 

the modifications found in Appendix B to this Method 310.

2.19 ASTM D 2887-01: Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum 

Fractions by Gas Chromatography (May 10, 2001).

2.20 ASTM E 1719-97: Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Liquids by Ebulliometry 

(March 10, 1997).

2.21 ASTM D 3257-06: Standard Test Methods for Aromatics in Mineral Spirits by Gas 

Chromatography (April 1, 2006).

2.22 ASTM D 3606-07: Standard Test Method for Determination of Benzene and Toluene in 

Finished Motor and Aviation Gasoline by Gas Chromatography (Nov. 1, 2007).

2.23 ASTM D 3710-95 (Reapproved 2004): Standard Test Method for Boiling Range 

Distribution of Gasoline and Gasoline Fractions by Gas Chromatography ( Nov. 1, 2004).

2.24 ASTM D 5443-04: Standard Test Method for Paraffin, Naphthene, and Aromatic 

Hydrocarbon Type Analysis in Petroleum Distillates Through 200° C by MultiDimensional Gas Chromatography (Nov. 1, 2004).

2.25 ASTM D 5580-02 (Reapproved in 2007): Standard Test Method for Determination of 

Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, p/m-Xylene, o-Xylene, C9 and Heavier Aromatics, and 

Total Aromatics in Finished Gasoline by Gas Chromatography (Nov. 1, 2007).

2.26 ASTM E 1782-08: Standard Test Method for Determining Vapor Pressure by Thermal 

Analysis (March 1, 2008).
2.27 US EPA Method 602: Purgable Aromatics, 40 CFR 136 Appendix A, Method for 

Organic Chemical Analysis of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (January 2008).

2.28 US EPA Method 625: Base/Neutrals and Acids, 40 CFR 136 Appendix A, Method for 

Organic Chemical Analysis of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (January 2008).

2.29 US EPA SW-846 Method 8015B: Non-Halogenated Organics Using GC/FID ( Rev 2, 

December 1996).

2.30 US EPA SW-846 Method 8020A: Aromatic Volatile Organics by Gas Chromatography 

(Rev 1, September 1994).

2.31 US EPA SW-846 Method 8270D: Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas 

Chromatography / Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) (Rev. 4, January 1998).

3 CONSUMER PRODUCTS TESTING PROCEDURE

3.1 The testing begins when the Executive Officer selects a product for analysis by Method 

310. The Executive Officer will maintain sample chain of custody throughout the 

selection and analytical process.

3.2 Initial Testing of Aerosol Products

If the sample is an aerosol product, the aerosol propellant is separated from the nonpropellant portion of the product by using ASTM D 3074-94 (as modified in Appendix A 

for metal aerosol container) or ASTM D 3063-94 (as modified in Appendix A for glass 

aerosol container). The propellant portion is analyzed for exempt or prohibited 

compounds by using US EPA Reference Method 18. The remaining non-propellant 

portion of the product is then analyzed as specified in section 3.3.

3.3 Initial Testing of Non-Aerosol Products and the Non-Propellant Portion of Aerosol 

Products

The non-aerosol product or non-propellant portion of an aerosol product is analyzed to 

determine the total volatile material present in the sample and to determine the presence 

of any exempt or prohibited compounds. This analysis is conducted by performing the 

following tests:1

3.3.1 Gravimetric analysis of samples to determine the weight percent of total volatile 

material, using US EPA Reference Methods 24/24A, ASTM D 2369-01.

3.3.2 Determination of sample water content. For determination of water content either 

ASTM D 4017-96a, or ASTM D 3792-99 may be used, or results from both 

procedures may be averaged and that value reported.

 1 Alternate test methods may be used, as provided in section 7.0
3.3.3 Determination of ammonium content using ASTM D 1426-98 or US EPA Method 

300.7.

3.3.4 Determination of ketones and alcohol content using NIOSH Method 1400.

3.3.5 Analysis of exempt and prohibited compounds, if present (US EPA Reference 

Method 18, US EPA Method 8240B, US EPA Method 8260B, ASTM D 859-00, 

NIOSH Method 1400).

3.3.6 If LVP-VOC status is claimed or the analysis indicates the presence of an LVP-VOC 

component and the percent VOC is not in compliance, the Executive Officer will 

request formulation data as specified in Section 3.5.2.

3.3.7 For low level VOC content samples, direct determination using US EPA Reference 

Method 18, US EPA Method 8240B, US EPA Method 8260B, ASTM D 859-00, 

NIOSH Method 1400.

3.3.8 For aromatic compound content determination, US EPA Method 602, US EPA SW846 Method 8020A, US EPA Modified Method 8015, US EPA Method 625, US EPA 

Method SW-846 Method 8270D, ASTM D 5443-04, ASTM D 3257, ASTM D 3710-

95, ASTM D3606-07, ASTM D 5580-02.

3.4 Prohibited Compounds

If the sample is found to contain compounds prohibited by ARB regulations (i.e., ozonedepleting compounds) at concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.1 percent by weight, the 

Executive Officer will reanalyze the sample for confirmation.

3.5 Initial Determination of VOC Content

The Executive Officer will determine the VOC content pursuant to sections 3.2 and 3.3. 

Only those components with concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1 percent by weight 

will be reported.

3.5.1 Using the appropriate formula specified in section 4.0, the Executive Officer will 

make an initial determination of whether the product meets the applicable VOC 

standards specified in ARB regulations. If initial results show that the product does 

not meet the applicable VOC standards, the Executive Officer may perform additional 

testing to confirm the initial results.

3.5.2 If the results obtained under section 3.5.1 show that the product does not meet the 

applicable VOC standards, the Executive Officer will request the product 

manufacturer or responsible party to supply product formulation data. The 

manufacturer or responsible party shall supply the requested information. 

Information submitted to the ARB Executive Officer may be claimed as confidential; 
such information will be handled in accordance with the confidentiality procedures 

specified in Title 17, California Code of Regulations, sections 91000 to 91022.

3.5.3 If the information supplied by the manufacturer or responsible party shows that the 

product does not meet the applicable VOC standards, then the Executive Officer will 

take appropriate enforcement action.

3.5.4 If the manufacturer or responsible party fails to provide formulation data as specified 

in section 3.5.2, the initial determination of VOC content under this section 3.5 shall 

determine if the product is in compliance with the applicable VOC standards. This 

determination may be used to establish a violation of ARB regulations. 

3.6 Determination of the LVP-VOC status of compounds and mixtures. This section does 

not apply to antiperspirants and deodorants or aerosol coatings products because there is 

no LVP-VOC exemption for these products.

3.6.1 Formulation data. If the vapor pressure is unknown, the following ASTM methods 

may be used to determine the LVP-VOC status of compounds and mixtures: ASTM 

D 86-01, ASTM D 850-00, ASTM D 1078-01, ASTM D 2879-97, as modified in 

Appendix B to this Method 310, ASTM D 2887-01 and ASTM E 1719-97.

3.6.2 LVP-VOC status of “compounds” or “mixtures.” The Executive Officer will test a 

sample of the LVP-VOC used in the product formulation to determine the boiling 

point for a compound or for a mixture. If the boiling point exceeds 216o

C, the 

compound or mixture is an LVP-VOC. If the boiling point is less than 216oC, then 

the weight percent of the mixture which boils above 216oC is an LVP-VOC. The 

Executive Officer will use the nearest 5 percent distillation cut that is greater than 

216oC as determined under 3.6.1 to determine the percentage of the mixture 

qualifying as an LVP-VOC.

3.6.3 Reference method for identification of LVP-VOC compounds and mixtures. If a 

product does not qualify as an LVP-VOC under 3.6.2, the Executive Officer will test 

a sample of the compound or mixture used in a product’s formulation utilizing one or 

both of the following: ASTM D 2879-97, as modified in Appendix B to this Method 

310, and ASTM E 1719-97, to determine if the compound or mixture meets the 

definition of LVP-VOC as specified in Title 17, CCR, section 94508(a).

3.7 Final Determination of VOC Content

If a product’s compliance status is not satisfactorily resolved under sections 3.5 and 3.6, 

the Executive Officer will conduct further analyses and testing as necessary to verify the 

formulation data.

3.7.1 If the accuracy of the supplied formulation data is verified and the product sample is 

determined to meet the applicable VOC standards, then no enforcement action for 

violation of the VOC standards will be taken.
3.7.2 If the Executive Officer is unable to verify the accuracy of the supplied formulation 

data, then the Executive Officer will request the product manufacturer or responsible 

party to supply information to explain the discrepancy.

3.7.3 If there exists a discrepancy that cannot be resolved between the results of Method 

310 and the supplied formulation data, then the results of Method 310 shall take 

precedence over the supplied formulation data. The results of Method 310 shall then 

determine if the product is in compliance with the applicable VOC standards, and 

may be used to establish a violation of ARB regulations.

4 CALCULATION OF VOC CONTENT

This section specifies the procedure for determining the final VOC content of a product, which is 

reported as percent by weight of VOC.

4.1 Aerosol Products

4.1.1 For aerosol products, except those containing LVP-VOC, the percent VOC content 

shall be calculated using the following equation:

Where2: 

WL = weight (gm) of the non-propellant portion, excluding container and 

packaging.

TV = weight fraction of non-propellant total volatile material. 

A = weight fraction of ammonia (as NH4) in the non-propellant portion. 

H = weight fraction of water in the non-propellant portion.

EL = weight fraction of exempt compounds in the non-propellant portion.

WP = weight (gm) of propellant.

EP = weight (gm) of exempt compounds in propellant.

4.1.2 For aerosol products containing LVP-VOC, the percent VOC shall be calculated using 

the following equation:

 2

Alternate test methods, as provided in section 7.0, or appropriate approved methods from section 

2.0 may be used.

100

WL WP

WL (TV A H EL) WP EP % VOC ×

+

− − − + − =
Where:

LVP = weight fraction of LVP-VOC compounds and/or mixtures in the nonpropellant, non-aqueous portion.

1 – H = weight fraction of the non-propellant portion that does not contain 

water.

1 – LVP= weight fraction of the non-propellant, non-aqueous portion that is 

volatile.

4.2 Non-Aerosol Products

4.2.1 For non-aerosol products, except those containing LVP-VOC, the percent VOC 

content shall be calculated using the following equation:

4.2.2 For non-aerosol products containing LVP-VOC, the percent VOC shall be calculated 

using the following equation:

4.2.3 For Fabric Softener – Single Use Dryer Product, the grams of VOC per sheet shall be 

calculated as follows:

Total Grams VOC per Sheet

Where:

S = mass, in grams, of the dryer sheet sample.

R = mass, in grams, of sample residue by gravimetric analysis.

D = mass, in grams, of the single dryer sheet.

4.3 Consumer products subject to low VOC limits (below 5.0%) may have their VOC 

content characterized by a low level direct determination.

4.3.1 For aerosol products the percent VOC content may be calculated using the following 

equation:

[( ) ( ) ] ( ) 100

WL WP

WL 1 H 1 LVP EL WP EP % VOC ×

+

− × − − + − =

% VOC = (TV − A − H −EL) × 100

% VOC = [(1− H) × (1− LVP) − EL]× 100

D

S

S R

× − =
Where: 

V = weight fraction of non-exempted volatile organic compounds in the non-propellant 

portion.

n = number of non-exempted volatile organic compounds in the non-propellant portion.

WL = weight (gm) of the non-propellant portion, excluding container and packaging.

WP = weight (gm) of propellant.

EP = weight (gm) of exempt compounds in propellant.

4.3.2 For non-aerosol products the percent VOC content shall be calculated using the 

following equation:

% = [ ∑ ]×100 VOC Vn

5 TESTING TO DETERMINE REACTIVE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN AEROSOL 

COATING PRODUCTS

This section specifies the procedure for determining the percent by weight of the reactive 

organic compounds contained in aerosol coating products, for the purpose of determining 

compliance with the Aerosol Coatings Regulation.

5.1 The testing begins when the Executive Officer selects a product for analysis. The 

Executive Officer will maintain sample chain of custody throughout the selection and 

analytical process. When a product is selected for testing, the Executive Officer will 

request the product manufacturer or responsible party to supply the product formulation 

data specified in Title 17, CCR, section 94526(b)(2). The manufacturer or responsible 

party shall supply the requested information within 10 working days. Information 

submitted to the Executive Officer may be claimed as confidential; such information will 

be handled in accordance with the confidentiality procedures specified in sections 91000 

to 91022, Title 17, CCR.

5.2 Initial Testing of the Propellant Portion of Aerosol Coating Products

The aerosol propellant is separated from the non-propellant portion of the product by 

using ASTM D 3074-94 (as modified in Appendix A for metal aerosol container) or 

ASTM D 3063-94 (as modified in Appendix A for glass aerosol container). The 

propellant portion is analyzed for reactive organic compounds and other compounds by 

[ ] % ×100

+

+ − = ∑

WL WP

WL V WP EP

VOC n
using US EPA Reference Method 18. The remaining non-propellant portion of the 

product is then analyzed as specified in section 5.3.

5.3 Initial Testing of the Non-Propellant Portion of Aerosol Coating Products

The non-propellant portion of the product sample is analyzed to determine the reactive 

organic compounds in the sample, including the presence of any prohibited compounds. 

This analysis is conducted by performing the following tests:3

5.3.1 Gravimetric analysis of samples to determine the weight percent of total volatile 

material, using US EPA Reference Methods 24/24A, ASTM D 2369-01.

5.3.2 Determination of sample water content. For determination of water content either 

ASTM D 4017-96a, or ASTM D 3792-99 may be used, or results from both 

procedures may be averaged and that value reported.

5.3.3 Determination of ammonium content using ASTM D 1426-98 or US EPA Method 

300.7.

5.3.4 Determination of ketones and alcohol content using NIOSH Method 1400.

5.3.5 Analysis of reactive organic compounds and, if present, prohibited compounds (US 

EPA Reference Method 18, US EPA Method 8240B, US EPA Method 8260B, ASTM 

D 859-00, NIOSH Method 1400).

5.4 Prohibited Compounds

If the sample is found to contain compounds prohibited by the Aerosol Coatings 

Regulation (e.g., ozone-depleting compounds) at concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.1 

percent by weight, the Executive Officer will reanalyze the sample for confirmation.

5.5 Initial Determination and Verification of Reactive Organic Compound Content

The Executive Officer will determine the reactive organic compound content by verifying 

formulation data pursuant to sections 5.2 and 5.3. Only those components with 

concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1 percent by weight will be reported.

5.5.1 Based on manufacturers formulation data and the analysis conducted under section 5, 

the Executive Officer will make an initial determination of whether the product meets 

the applicable requirements specified in the Aerosol Coatings Regulation. If initial 

results show that the product does not meet the applicable requirements, the 

Executive Officer may perform additional testing to confirm the initial results.

5.6 Final Determination of Reactive Organic Compound Content

 3 Alternate test methods may be used, as provided in section 7.0
If a product’s status is not satisfactorily resolved under section 5.1 - 5.5, the Executive 

Officer may conduct additional analyses and testing as necessary to verify the 

formulation data.

5.6.1 If the Executive Officer is unable to verify the accuracy of the supplied formulation 

data, then the Executive Officer will request the product manufacturer or responsible 

party to supply additional information to explain the discrepancy. 

5.6.2 If the additional information supplied by the manufacturer or responsible party shows 

that the product does not meet the applicable requirements, then the Executive Officer 

will take appropriate enforcement action. 

5.6.3 If the manufacturer or responsible party fails to provide additional information as 

specified in section 5.6.1, the initial determination of reactive organic compound 

content under section 5.1 – 5.5 shall determine if the product is in compliance with 

the applicable reactive organic compound limits. This determination may be used to 

establish a violation of the Aerosol Coatings Regulation.

5.6.4 If there exists a discrepancy that cannot be resolved between the results of Method 

310 and the formulation data or additional information supplied by the manufacturer

or responsible party, then the results of Method 310 shall take precedence over the 

supplied formulation data or additional information. The results of Method 310 shall 

then determine if the product is in compliance with the applicable requirements, and 

may be used to establish a violation of the Aerosol Coatings Regulation.

6 METHOD PRECISION AND ACCURACY

6.1 The precision of Method 310 for determining VOC content was evaluated using seven 

representative products with known volatile organic compound (VOC) contents ranging 

from 6.2 to 81.2 percent VOC by weight. Each sample was divided into six portions, and 

each portion was separately analyzed to determine the VOC content. Based on the results 

of this analysis, the 95 percent confidence interval for Method 310 is 3.0 percent by 

weight (Wt/Wt%). 

6.2 For determining the percent by weight of the individual ingredients in aerosol coating 

products, the precision and accuracy of the determination for each ingredient is governed 

by the precision and accuracy of the test method used to ascertain the percent by weight 

of each ingredient.

7 ALTERNATE TEST METHODS

Alternative test methods which are shown to accurately determine the concentration of VOCs 

or constituent components in antiperspirant/deodorants, consumer products, or aerosol 

coating products (or their emissions) may be used upon written approval of the Executive 

Officer.
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 1

Method 310 - Appendix A

PROPELLANT COLLECTION PROCEDURES

1 APPLICATION

The procedure applies to modify ASTM D 3074-94 and D 3063-94 to allow collection of the 

propellant for analysis and density measurement for metal aerosol containers and glass 

aerosol containers, respectively. These modified procedures also retain the aerosol standard 

terminology listed in ASTM D 3064-97.

2 LIMITATIONS

Nitrogen analysis: Nitrogen may be used as a component of the propellant system. Ambient 

air is 78 percent nitrogen and may be present as a contaminate in the system prior to sample 

collection. This is eliminated by sweeping out any connecting lines to the Tedlar bag with 

product before starting sample collection. This procedure will eliminate or reduce nitrogen 

contamination to less than 0.1% by weight of the sample and the analysis of the propellant 

gas will be unaffected.

3 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

3.1 Propellant Collection System: See Figure 1 (metal containers) and Figure 3 (glass 

containers).

3.2 Tedlar Bags equipped with slip valve and septum

3.3 Density Measurement

3.3.1 250 mL gas dilution bulb, or

3.3.2 Density/Specific gravity meter meeting the following minimum specifications:

3.3.2.1 Measurement Range: 0 – 3 +/- 0.00001 g/cm3

3.3.2.2 Measurement Temperature Range: 4oC ~ 70oC.

3.4 Balance, capable of accurately weighing to 0.1 mg
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 2

3.5 Sample Venting Platform. See Figure 2 (metal containers)1 and Figure 4 (glass 

containers)2.

3.6 Platform Shaker, equivalent to Thermolyne M49125

3.7 Cork Rings, 80 x 32 mm

4 PROCEDURE

4.1 Propellant Collection for Metal Aerosol Containers

4.1.1 Close valves on Propellant Collection System (see Figure 1).

4.1.2 Remove the actuator from valve on the aerosol can and weigh can to the nearest 

0.01 g. 

4.1.3 Place the can in an inverted position onto the Sample Venting Platform, stabilized by 

cork rings.

4.1.4 Slowly raise the hydraulic jack until the can is pierced. Note the pressure of the can.

4.1.5 Vent the can until propellant is seen flowing from output 1. Collect the propellant in 

the Tedlar bag from output 1. Density is determined from this same Tedlar bag, as 

necessary.

4.1.6 After the propellant is collected, close and remove the Tedlar bag and vent the 

remainder of the propellant.

4.1.7 After the flow ceases from the can, it is removed from the assembly and allowed to 

vent overnight on a platform shaker, to vent the remainder of the propellant.

4.1.8 Reweigh the can to the nearest 0.01 gm and record weight loss (total gms propellant). 

The can may now be opened for analysis of the non-propellant portion of the sample.

4.2 Propellant Collection for Glass Aerosol Containers

4.2.1 Remove the actuator from valve of the aerosol glass container and weigh container to 

the nearest 0.01 gm.

 1 The metal piercing adaptor is available from Mid-West Screw Products, Inc., 3523 North Kenton Ave., Chicago, 

IL 60641. Interim Part Number: 8013A-3/4 45TAPER REV. The gasket is available from Alltech Associate 2051 

Waukegan road, Deerfield, IL 60015, part number 80-16.

2 The glass aerosol tapered adaptor is available from Armstrong Technologies, Inc. 12780 Earhart Ave., Auburn, CA 

95602.
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 3

4.2.2 With container in an inverted position place the valve onto the tapered adaptor. 

4.2.3 Pressurize the air cylinder to actuate the sample container valve onto the tapered 

adaptor. Note the pressure of the sample container.

4.2.4 Open the sample valve and collect propellant sample into the Tedlar bag. Density is 

determined from this same Tedlar bag, as necessary.

4.2.5 After the propellant is collected, close and remove the Tedlar bag and vent the 

remainder of the propellant.

4.2.6 Continue to vent the container on the platform assembly until no pressure registers on 

the sample gauge and there in no visable propellant flowing from the sampling tube.

4.2.7 Remove the container from the platform.

4.2.8 Loosen and remove the container valve assembly.

4.2.9 Place the container on a platform shaker to vent the remainder of the propellant.

4.2.10 Reweigh the container and valve assembly to the nearest 0.01 gm and record weight 

loss (total gms propellant). The non-propellant portion of the sample is ready to be 

analyzed.
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 4

FIGURE 1

PROPELLANT COLLECTION SYSTEM 

METAL AEROSOL CONTAINER
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 5

FIGURE 2

SAMPLE VENTING PLATFORM 

METAL AEROSOL CONTAINER
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 6

FIGURE 3

PROPELLANT COLLECTION SYSTEM 

GLASS AEROSOL CONTAINER
Appendix A: Method 310 Page 7

FIGURE 4

SAMPLE VENTING PLATFORM 

GLASS AEROSOL CONTAINER
Appendix B: Method 310 Page 1

Method 310 - Appendix B

MODIFICATIONS to ASTM D-2879-97

This procedure modifies ASTM D-2879-97 as follows:

1. Modifications to the isoteniscope apparatus include:

a. capacitance manometers and digital readout

b. manifold system made of stainless steel and modified in design

c. Ultra-torr fittings and Ultra-torr flex-lines

d. ballast on the vacuum side of the isoteniscope manifold as depicted in ASTM D 2879-97 

schematics, has been removed.

e. stainless steel liquid nitrogen trap (Cold Trap)

f. stainless steel high vacuum valves

g. recirculating cooling system (required for extremely low pressure work only)

h. diffusion pump (required for extremely low pressure work only)

i. hot ion cathode vacuum gauges (required for extremely low pressure work only)

2. A purge and degassing procedure consisting of lower pressures and a liquid nitrogen bath 

replaces the step of lightly boiling the sample as outlined in ASTM D 2879-97.

3. Purge and Degassing Cycle

a. With the U-tube connected, the system is evacuated to approximately 1.0 mm Hg. This 

readily removes most of the higher volatility gases from the sample.

b. The stainless steel, liquid nitrogen cold trap is filled. The manifold is now brought to 

approximately 300 mm Hg with the purified nitrogen, regulated through the needle valve.

c. The isoteniscope tube is carefully placed into a Dewar of liquid nitrogen. The 1⁄2 

atmosphere pressure of nitrogen prevents the sample from splashing while being frozen. 

After the sample freezes, the system is evacuated to 0.05 mm Hg.

d. The U-tube is removed from the Dewar, secured and allowed to warm to room 

temperature. The U-tube bulb head should be angled so the dissolved gases will be 

readily evacuated as the frozen sample starts to melt. When gases build up, it may be 

necessary to tilt the U-tube to release the gases.

e. Repeat the freeze and degas process once, reducing pressure each time to less than 0.05 

mm Hg. After the sample has returned to room temperature, close valve #3. There 

should be minimal dissolved gases left once the frozen sample starts to melt. Tilt the 

tube to release any gas pockets (if necessary). Do not push nitrogen into the evacuated 
Appendix B: Method 310 Page 2

space between the sample in the arm and the sample in the reservoir. At this point, if the 

sample is properly degassed, a “natural break” should form in the sample. This creates a 

vapor space as the liquid level in the bulb leg of the manometer falls to a quasiequilibrium position, usually with the fluid level higher in the long manometer leg. If 

there is no pendulum effect, and the liquid level in the long leg of the manometer is 

significantly higher than the level in the short leg (> 2 mm), degassing is probably 

incomplete, and the degassing procedure should be repeated.

4. Data Evaluation

The regression based on the plot of Log P vs. 1/T as outlined in ASTM D 2879-97 has been 

removed and replaced with a nonlinear regression to generate the coefficients for an Antoine 

equation. The data analysis procedure assumes that the measured pressure is the sum of the 

compound’s vapor pressure and a residual fixed gas pressure. The vapor pressure’s 

dependence on absolute temperature is represented by an Antoine expression, and the fixed 

gas as pressure is directly proportional to absolute temperature as outlined in ASTM 2879. 

This leads to the model equations:

where T is the absolute temperature (K) and B0, B1, B2 and B3 are coefficients to be 

determined via a nonlinear regression which minimizes the sum of squares 

2

∑(Pmeas − Pmodel) for all experimental data points. The vapor pressure at 20o C is then 

calculated as:

With a set of pressure vs. temperature measurements, the nonlinear regression can be 

performed using a statistical software packages. The following constraints are imposed to 

obtain meaningful Antoine equation coefficients for low vapor pressure samples:

a. Pressures shall be measured at temperatures ranging from room temperature to about 

180o C. Narrower ranges will not provide sufficient information to determine the 

(B1/( 293.15 B2)) Pvapor (293.15 K) B0 10 +

= ∗

P B0 10 B3 T (B1 / ( T B2))

model = ∗ + ∗ +

Pmodel Pvapor Pfixed gas = +
Appendix B: Method 310 Page 3

Antoine curvature, i.e., B2 coefficient. Wider ranges can lead to experimental difficulties 

maintaining the vapor space in the isoteniscope. A minimum of 12 points is necessary to 

provide ample degrees of freedom for the calculations.

b. Initial pressures at room temperature shall be less than 1 mm Hg. Higher values are 

indicative of significant levels of dissolved fixed gases. These will vaporize during the 

course of the experiment as temperature is increased and invalidate the model’s 

assumption for the fixed gas contribution.

c. -235 ≤ B 2 ≤ 0. Positive values of B2 imply that the heat of vaporization of the substance 

increases with increasing temperature. Thermodynamic data for many compounds 

suggests this is unrealistic. Large negative values can lead to unrealistically low vapor 

pressure values coupled with excessive fixed gas contributions. The -235(K) bound is 

chosen to be consistent with literature values of B2 for many pure compounds. For 

hydrocarbons in the LVP-VOC range, B2 ≥ -100 provides reasonable agreement between 

measured and literature vapor pressures.

d. The fixed gas coefficient, B3, should normally be ≥ 0.
Appendix B: Method 310 Page 4

Figure 1

ISOTENISCOPE VAPOR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS

3

4

5

7

Pressure Transducer

Ballast

Heating Chamber / U-Tube

Vacuum Pump

Diffusion Pump

1

 2

Cold Trap

Nitrogen Gas

Needle Valve