Compliance Provisions and Test Methods

Section 223.340  Compliance Provisions and Test Methods a)         Calculation of VOM Content.  For the purpose of determining compliance with the VOM content limits in Section 223.310(a), the VOM content of a coating shall be determined by using the procedures described in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), as appropriate.  The VOM 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 VOM content in grams of VOM per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, excluding the volume of any water and exempt compounds.  Determine the VOM content as follows: Where: VOM content = grams of VOM per liter of coating Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams Ww = weight of water, in grams Wem = weight of exempt materials, in grams Vm = volume of coating, in liters Vw = volume of water, in liters Vem = volume of exempt materials, in liters 2)         For low solids coatings, determine the VOM content in units of grams of VOM per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, including the volume of any water and exempt compounds.  Determine the VOM content as follows: Where: VOM content = the VOM content of a low solids coating in grams per liter of coating Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams Ww = weight of water, in grams Wem = weight of exempt materials, in grams Vm = volume of coating, in liters b)         VOM Content of Coatings.  To determine the physical properties of a coating in order to perform the calculations in subsection (a), the reference method for VOM content is USEPA Method 24, incorporated by reference in Section 223.120, except as provided in Sections 223.350 and 223.360.  An alternative method to determine the VOM content of coatings is SCAQMD Method 304-91, incorporated by reference in Section 223.120.  The exempt compounds content shall be determined by SCAQMD Method 303-91, incorporated by reference in Section 223.120. To determine the VOM content of a coating, the manufacturer may use USEPA Method 24, or an equivalent alternative method as provided in Section 223.350, 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 Method 24 test and any other means for determining VOM content, the Method 24 results will govern, except when an equivalent alternative method is approved as specified in Section 223.350.  The Agency may require the manufacturer to conduct a Method 24 analysis.