LCS Laboratory offers tests for residual pentane in Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Pentane is the most common expansion agent in EPS production. Low concentration of pentane can be trapped during production, inside the closed cells of EPS. By the end of the production cycle, EPS products may still contain 1-2% of Pentane by weight (Otto Plettner, Epsilon Holdings, LLC, Glendora, CA, USA, 2019) . At this concentration, pentane can build up in the air around EPS at concentrations way above the flammability point or exceed the occupational exposure limit for pentane.
Our laboratory offers chemical analysis of your EPS product for residual pentane concentration. During the test, the sample is dissolved in solution and analyzed for pentane. Other volatile components, for example styrene monomer, can be analyzed during the same test. Our typical detection limit is 150 mg of pentane per kg of EPS. Please email us to place an order or to discuss your project
