Which is better Teflon or Poly bladders
Teflon bladders are very costly to our clients and they are more time consuming to install as well as to decontaminate the parts associated with Teflon bladders. If we could eliminate the use of Teflon bladders at some of these sites it would be beneficial.
QED did complete a study to compare the rates of sorption for VOCs in both our polyethylene and Teflon bladders using benzene and TCE solutions. Our results showed virtually no difference under conditions that are more rigorous than actual use (i.e., the residence time of the solutions in the bladder were much longer than would be experienced when pumping at typical low-flow rates). A PDF copy of this study is attached. The study data was sufficient to get approval from the Florida DEP to use our PE bladders for VOC sampling, which was written into their SOP FS2200. Most regulatory agencies allow use of our PE bladders and tubing for single use sampling of groundwater for VOC analysis, where the bladder and tubing are replaced after each use.
QED did complete a study to compare the rates of sorption for VOCs in both our polyethylene and Teflon bladders using benzene and TCE solutions. Our results showed virtually no difference under conditions that are more rigorous than actual use (i.e., the residence time of the solutions in the bladder were much longer than would be experienced when pumping at typical low-flow rates). A PDF copy of this study is attached. The study data was sufficient to get approval from the Florida DEP to use our PE bladders for VOC sampling, which was written into their SOP FS2200. Most regulatory agencies allow use of our PE bladders and tubing for single use sampling of groundwater for VOC analysis, where the bladder and tubing are replaced after each use.