Sampling Methods for Formaldehyde and VOC Emissions in Korean Car Climate Chambers
In the testing process for formaldehyde VOCs in Korean automotive standards, gas sampling is required. Below, we will explain the relevant sampling methods.
Testing Equipment:Huanyi Instruments, Korean Automotive Formaldehyde VOC Emission Climate Chamber
Test Sample Sampling:
1. Test Samples:
After the VOCs emission assessment sampling is completed, air samples for odor assessment are collected through a standardized sampling port. The samples should be sealed, odorless, non-permeable, and non-absorbent, and should be taken through air-purifying bags made of materials that do not cause odor deterioration. The following materials meet the requirements (see ISO 12219-7 for details):
1) FEP (Tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer)
2) PVF (Polyvinyl fluoride)
3) PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
2. Sampling Method
Connect the air sampling pump's inlet and outlet to the sampling port of the test chamber and the inlet of the sampling bag, respectively, ensuring no air leakage occurs at the connection points. The sampling flow rate should be less than the test chamber's ventilation flow rate (0.4 times/h = 6.67 L/min). Sampling should be completed within 10 minutes of the VOCs assessment sample, ensuring each assessor obtains at least 2 liters of sample. Depending on the type of component being assessed, the sample can be diluted to odorless air such as nitrogen, with the dilution ratios as shown in the table below.
| Sequence | Component Name | Dilution Ratio (Note 2) | Remarks | |
| 1 | Sunroof② | 2 | Panoramic sunroof | |
| 2 | Door Module | 2 | Door module replacement parts (door compartments, etc.) also apply the same dilution ratio | |
| 3 | Seats (Note 1) | FR | 1 | Driver's/Passenger's cab |
| RR | Double row seats (integrated) | |||
| 4 | Tires (Spare Tire) | 1 | With wheels installed | |
| 2 | Without wheels installed | |||
Note 1) Seating components should be evaluated based on the size of the test chamber, categorized as FR (Frequency Ratio) and RR (Restricted Ratio); each category should individually meet the odor level and TVOC management benchmark values. When there are three or more rows of seats, each row should also be evaluated according to the same standard.
Note 2) Dilution factor = (Odorless air volume + Sample air volume) ÷ (Sample air volume). Undiluted air during sampling is equivalent to "Dilution factor = 1".
The air sampling pump with a built-in dilution device is referenced from ISO 12219-7, see the figure below.
For questions regarding the formaldehyde VOC sampling requirements in Korean automotive standards, please consult the relevant technical personnel at Huanyi Instruments.