Abstract: Methods of assessing the destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of a thermal combustion device having a gaseous effluent according to the formulaDRE=100.times.(W.sub.in -W.sub.out)/W.sub.inwhere:W.sub.in =mass feed rate of an organic compound into the device, andW.sub.out =the mass emission rate of the organic compound in the gaseous effluent. An apparatus for determining the destruction and removal efficiency of a thermal combustion device is also described. The methods and apparatus are capable of assessing the DRE in real time and are particularly useful in thermal combustion devices regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that combust or burn hazardous materials containing organics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous emissions monitoring system for exhaust gas emissions containing HCl comprising a sampling subsystem with a sample probe in the effluent to collect effluent samples that are transmitted through heated conduits through one or more filters and pumps to a mass spectrometer. The sampling subsystem is maintained at a temperature no less than about 190.degree. C. and the flow rate through the-system is greater than about 10 liters per minute. The process for continuous monitoring of exhaust emissions containing HCl extracts an exhaust gas sample and maintains the temperature and physical state of the exhaust gas throughout transport of the sample from the exhaust effluent to a mass spectrometer.