ALTEF bags are an alternative to Tedlar bags for the collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); however, these bags are not recommended for ketones, acetates, hydrogen sulfide, and permanent gases.
Multi-layer foil gas sampling bags are recommended for light, low molecular weight analytes, including methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and permanent gases. These bags are not recommended for low (ppm) level VOCs due to background levels.
Tedlar bag compatibility is similar to ALTEF bag compatibility, except that Tedlar bags contain trace amounts (≤1%) of dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and phenol, due to their manufacturing process, while ALTEF bags do not. Therefore, some labs prefer ALTEF bags to prevent exposure of their samples to DMAC and phenol.
For reactive compounds like ammonia and chlorine gas, Restek does not recommend the use of sampling bags. Instead, we recommend SilcoCan air sampling canisters.
