Section 590. Test methods and procedures

A. The provisions of subsection G of 9VAC5-45-30 (Emission testing) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-30 do not apply.

B. For the purpose of determining compliance with the VOC content limits in Table 45-5A, the VOC content of a coating shall be determined by using the procedures described in subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection, as appropriate. The VOC content of a tint base shall be determined without colorant that is added after the tint base is manufactured.

1. With the exception of low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, excluding the volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC content using the following equation:

where:

VOC content = grams of VOC per liter of coating

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

Vw = volume of water, in liters

Vec = volume of exempt compounds, in liters

2. For low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in units of grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, including the volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC content using the following equation:

where:

VOC Content (ls) = the VOC content of a low solids coating in grams per liter of coating

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

C. To determine the physical properties of a coating in order to perform the calculations in subsection B, the reference method for VOC content is Reference Method 24 (see 9VAC5-20-21). The exempt compounds content shall be determined by SCAQMD Method for Determination of Exempt Compounds (see 9VAC5-20-21). To determine the VOC content of a coating, the manufacturer may use Reference Method 24, formulation data, or any other reasonable means for predicting that the coating has been formulated as intended (e.g., quality assurance checks, recordkeeping). However, if there are any inconsistencies between the results of a Reference Method 24 test and any other means for determining VOC content, the Reference Method 24 results will govern. The board may require the manufacturer to conduct a Reference Method 24 analysis.

D. Exempt compounds that are cyclic, branched, or linear, completely methylated siloxanes shall be analyzed as exempt compounds by Bay Area Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Method for Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in Solvent‑Based Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials (see 9VAC5-20-21).

E. The exempt compound parachlorobenzotrifluoride shall be analyzed as an exempt compound by BAAQMD Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent‑Based Coatings and Related Materials Containing Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (see 9VAC5-20-21).

F. The content of compounds exempt under Reference Method 24 shall be determined by SCAQMD Method for Determination of Exempt Compounds, Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples (see 9VAC5-20-21).

G. The VOC content of a coating shall be determined by Reference Method 24 (see 9VAC5-20-21).

H. The VOC content of coatings may be determined by either Reference Method 24 or SCAQMD Method for Determination of Exempt Compounds, Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples (see 9VAC5-20-21).

I. Other test methods may be used for purposes of determining compliance with this article consistent with the approval requirements of 9VAC5-45-20 A 2.

J. Analysis of methacrylate multicomponents used as traffic marking coatings shall be conducted according to a modification of Reference Method 24 (40 CFR 59, Subpart D, Appendix A; see 9VAC5-20-21). This method has not been approved for methacrylate multicomponent coatings used for other purposes than as traffic marking coatings or for other classes of multicomponent coatings.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.