High-Volume PM10 Air Sampler

What is the High-Volume PM10 Air Sampler?

A gravimetric sampler that draws air through a size-selective inlet and a pre-weighed filter at high flow. It is the reference method for particulate mass, used to audit continuous monitors and to collect filters for chemical analysis.

Overview

The high-volume sampler combines a size-selective inlet, a filter holder, a blower and a flow controller. Air is drawn at about 1.13 cubic metres per minute for total suspended particulate and lower flows for PM10 or PM2.5, so that a full day of sampling collects enough mass for accurate weighing. Quartz or glass fibre filters are pre-weighed after equilibration in a controlled weighing room, exposed in the field, then re-equilibrated and weighed again; the mass difference divided by the sampled volume gives the concentration. Because the method is direct and traceable, it serves as the reference against which continuous monitors are compared and audited. Filters can also be extracted for metals, ions or organic carbon. The blower is loud and power-hungry, so the sampler is usually housed in a shelter, and flow calibration with a transfer standard is performed before and after each sampling period.

How does it work?

Particulate monitors use several physical principles. Beta attenuation monitors deposit particles on a filter tape and measure the attenuation of beta radiation from a carbon-14 source, which is proportional to deposited mass. Tapered element oscillating microbalance instruments weigh particles continuously on a filter mounted on an oscillating element whose frequency falls as mass accumulates. Optical monitors measure light scattered by particles at one or more angles and convert the signal to mass using an assumed or calibrated factor. High-volume samplers draw air through a size-selective inlet and a pre-weighed filter, giving a gravimetric result that serves as a reference. Condensation particle counters grow ultrafine particles in a supersaturated vapour and count them optically. Size-selective inlets such as cyclones or impactors define the cut point.

What are the key features?

• Gravimetric method gives traceable reference mass data for audit purposes.
• Size-selective inlet defines PM10, PM2.5 or total suspended particulate.
• Large filter area collects enough mass for accurate weighing and speciation.
• Flow controller maintains constant volume over the sampling period.
• Quartz and glass fibre filter options suit metals, ions and organic carbon.
• Used to validate and correct co-located continuous monitors.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical high-volume pm10 air sampler configuration offers measurement method of Gravimetric, pre-weighed filter, size fractions of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 (inlet dependent), flow rate of 1.13 m³/min (TSP), 0.5–1.0 m³/min (PM), filter size of 203 × 254 mm, filter media of Quartz or glass fibre and sampling duration of 8–24 h typical. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The High-Volume PM10 Air Sampler is used in reference PM mass measurement for network audits, filter collection for metals and ion speciation, washout and dustfall surveys and research on aerosol composition. Across the wider Particulate Monitors class, laboratories also deploy it for ambient PM10 and PM2.5 monitoring networks, industrial fence-line dust monitoring and indoor and occupational dust exposure checks.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include EN 12341, US EPA 40 CFR Part 50 Appendix L, ISO 23210, ISO 10155, HJ 653 and GB 3095. Certification candidates for this model are CE, US EPA reference method designation and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Site the monitor so the inlet is 2 to 15 m above ground, away from walls, vents and trees that distort airflow, and record the inlet height. For beta attenuation and TEOM instruments, replace filter tape or cartridges on schedule and perform leak checks and flow audits with a primary standard. Keep the heated inlet and drying system working, since moisture control is critical to accuracy. For gravimetric samplers, equilibrate filters in a controlled weighing room at 20 to 23 °C and 30 to 40 percent relative humidity before and after sampling. Log operational status and invalid data flags, and co-locate new instruments with a reference monitor for field comparison before reporting.

How do I select the right High-Volume PM10 Air Sampler?

Select the high-volume sampler when reference mass data or filter-based speciation is needed, and to audit continuous monitors. It does not give real-time data, so pair it with a beta attenuation or optical unit for continuous coverage. In an RFQ, specify the size fraction, flow rate, filter media, shelter needs and weighing service.

How does it compare with other Particulate Monitors variants?

Choose the monitor by the metric and the purpose. For regulatory PM10 and PM2.5 mass data, beta attenuation or TEOM instruments approved under US EPA or EN methods are used, with gravimetric samplers for reference and auditing. For worker exposure, indoor checks and network densification, low-cost optical monitors give fast indicative results but need correction against reference data. Consider the size cut point, measurement range, averaging time and whether the instrument reports mass or number. Evaluate sampling inlet conditioning, since relative humidity above about 60 percent can bias optical and beta readings through particle growth, so heated inlets or naffion dryers are often fitted. Confirm filter or tape consumption and the calibration and audit schedule.