TO-16: an operational procedure for the use of a Fourier transform long-path, open-path instrument

There is a growing need for standardizing the procedure concentration data from Fourier transform remote sensor instruments. To that end, the ManTech Environmental Technology, Inc., under contract to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing a document that has become known simply as TO-16. When complete, the document will become a part of a compendium of methods on toxic organic chemical species that has been compiled and is maintained by the US EPA. The document will actually be a procedure that when followed will allow the consistent production of atmospheric gas concentration data. This paper discusses the contents of the procedure. It also addresses some of the difficulties encountered in the production of such a procedure.