0

Portable Particulate Air Sampler

Model DS-2.5

E c

1

Table of Contents

Page Number

Warranty 3

1. Introduction 4

Applications 4

General Applications 4

Features 4

Features Continue 5

Easy Set-Up and Operation 5

Specifications 5

Specifications Continue 6

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling Mode 6

PM-10 Sampling Reference Method 7

2. Getting Started 8

System Components 8

Charging Batteries 8

Battery Check 8

Turn the Sampler On/Off 9

Checking For Leaks 9

3. Controls and Adjustments 10

Digital Timer Operating Instructions 11

Elapsed Timer Accumulator 11

Programmable Timer 11

Flow meter 11

Flow Rate Adjustment 11

On/Auto/Off Button 11

4. PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling 12

PM Requirements 12

Laboratory Pre-Check 12

Calibration 12

Pre-separator / Filter Assembly 13

Clean and Grease Impactor 13

Installing Filters 13

2

Installing Filters Continue 14

Preparing Battery Pack 14

Battery Charging 14

Battery Check 14

Setting the Desired Sampling Time 15

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling Procedure 16

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sample Retrieval 16

5. Maintenance 17

Impaction Inlet 17

Impaction Inlet continue 18

Flow Control System 18

Battery Pack 18

6. Trouble Shooting 19

Problem and Solution 20

21

3

WARRANTY

Environmental Devices Corporation warrants only non-

expendable products, parts, and labor, for a period of one year

from date of shipment to the original purchaser. The warranty

covers only product parts and labor that failed due to normal

operation of the instrument and not due to abuse or negligence.

The product will be delivered in accordance to its published

specifications and free from defects in materials or workmanship.

If a product fails to conform to this one year limited warranty it

may be returned to the factory for repair or replacement of the

defected part(s). Environmental Devices Corporation must be

notified of all returning warranty repair products, either in writing

or by telephone, along with a description of product malfunctions.

The purchaser will prepay shipping and insurance cost.

Environmental Devices Corporation makes no other express

warranty, disclaims any implied warranty, and disclaims any

implied warranty of fitness or merchantability.

4

1. Introduction

The Dust-Sol DS-2.5 PM-2.5 and PM-10 Dust Sampler is a device for monitoring

PM-10 and PM-2.5 air. Small, durable, lightweight and battery operated, it is

ideal for monitoring in remote areas or where no permanent site has been

established.

Applications

PM-10 & PM-2.5 Saturation Sampling:

In saturation sampling, a network of samplers is deployed in an area to determine

where the worst air quality problems exist. In addition to providing data for

environmental impact studies, saturation sapling is frequently used to determine

the location for permanent monitoring sites, define boundaries of air quality

concerns and extent of point source impacts.

Indoor Air Quality Sampling: The portable sampler’s small size and low noise

output makes it ideal for monitoring indoor air quality.

Fugitive Emission Sampling: Measure air quality impacts from a variety of

sources, including volcanoes, solid-fuel rocket engines, oil fires, and industrial air

pollution. Other sources include forest fires, unpaved roads, mining, and

agriculture.

General Applications:

PM-10, PM-2.5 and TSP (Total suspended particulates)

Fugitive Emission Sampling

Indoor Air Sampling

Industrial Hygiene Studies

Saturation Monitoring

Waste Sites

Controlled Burning Studies

Evaluates Pollution Control

Features

5

Features of the Dust–Sol DS-2.5:

Light weight and compact: 14.0lbs complete

Uses standard 47mm filter media

Features (Continued)

AC/DC power sources with battery charging indicator

Programmable 7-day, 24 hour timer

10,000 continuous hour diaphragm pump

Elapsed time indicator

Variable flow adjustment

Weather proof construction

Easy Set-Up and Operation:

The Portable Sampler is basically a pump controlled by a programmable timer,

which can be set to program six sampling runs within 24 hours. The sampler has

been designed for easy installation at a variety of sampling locations. When used

outdoors it is mounted on a variety of structures, such as telephone poles, light

posts, fence posts, etc.

The sampler is equipped to operate on either AC or DC power. In DC mode the

sampler operates from a rechargeable lead-acid battery pack (up to 24 sampling

hours on a charge), making the sampling site independent of line power.

An elapsed time accumulator records the total pump operation time.

Specifications:

Pulse Free Diaphragm Pump

Pump Rated for 10,000 Hours of Continuous Service

Flow Rate: 4.0 LPM

Programmable 7-day Timer

AC or DC Operation

Constant Flow Circuitry

6

Specifications (Continued):

Variable Flow Adjustment

Elapsed Time Meter

Battery Charge Indicator

Flow Rate Indicator

Sealed Lead Acid Battery

Capacity for 24 Hour Continuous Sampling

Non-Directional Inlet Design Standard 47mm Filter Holder

Nominal 2.5 or 10 micron “Cut-Point” at 4 Lpm Sample Rate

NEMA 4X Housing

Weight: 14 Lbs with Battery Pack

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling Mode

In the PM-10 / PM-2.5 sampling mode, air is drawn through a particle size

separator and then though a filter medium. Particle separation is achieved by

impaction. Critical to the collection of the correct particle size is the correct flow

rate through the inlet. For the Dust-Sol, the actual volumetric flow rate must be

4.0 liters per minute at ambient conditions.

The inlet tube downstream from the filter conducts the air to the twin cylinder

diaphragm pump. From the pump, air is forced through a standard rotameter

where it is exhausted to atmosphere inside the sampler body. To assure a constant

4.0 l/min flow rate through the size separator at differing air temperatures and

atmospheric pressure, the sampler must be adjusted for each sampling project.

The programmable timer will automatically turn the pump off at the end of a

sampling period. The sampler must then be serviced and set up for the next

sampling period. Servicing includes removing the filter folder with sample inside

from the sampler, and replacing it with a fresh filter in another holder. The battery

pack is also changed at this time.

7

PM-10 Sampling Reference Method

The sampling technique used by the Dust-Sol is a modification of the standard

PM-10 reference method outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 50,

Appendix J). Under these criteria, a PM-10 sampler must have: 1) a sample air

inlet system to provide particle size discrimination, 2) a flow control device

capable of maintaining a flow rate within specified limits, 3) means to measure

the total flow rate during the sampling period, and 4) a timing control device

capable of starting and stopping the sampler. Environmental Devices Corporation

Dust-Sol portable sampler meets all of these specifications. It is equipped with: 1)

an inlet impactor capable of separating particulates to ≤ 10μm, 2) a flow control

device which will maintain a specified flow rate, 3) a rotameter to measure the

flow rate during the sampling period 4) an elapsed time meter, and 5) a

programmable timer that starts and stops the sampler unattended.

The Dust-Sol’s flow rate is generally less then the flow rates used by the reference

method devices. This results in a greater deviation in accuracy, especially at low

concentrations of particulates where precision can be lost through the handling

weighing of a minute particulate sample. However, at high particulate

concentrations the sampler produces results that are precise and comparable to the

standard reference method.

While the Dust-Sol’s sampling method is not reference or equivalent method, it

has been proven to be an excellent indicator of absolute ambient PM-10

concentrations. Although the data generated by portable PM-10 sampling do not

wholly conform or comply with NAAQS protocols, they still serve as a useful

supplement to data generated by PM-10 reference methods.

8

2. Getting Started

System Components

The Dust-Sol comes packed in a foam box with the following items.

1 Dust-Sol Sampler

Universal Battery Charger 110V-240VAC w/US, Euro, AUS & UK

Plugs

BP-2.5 Battery Pack

Pump Adjust Trim Stick

ISA-2.5 Impactor Stack Assembly/with 2.5 micron Impactor

47mm FRM Filter Cassette Holder

CD Instruction Manual

IG-105 Impactor Grease

PC-105 Precipitation Cap

Certificate of Calibration

On receipt, visually inspect the contents of the case to account for all components.

Compare the equipment delivered with the enclosed shipping check list slip.

Notify Environmental Devices Corporation of any missing or damaged

equipment.

Charging Batteries

1. Connect the charging plug of the AC/DC charger to the charging jack on the

battery pack.

2. Plug the charger into a multi-receptacle power strip with fuse.

3. The LED on the top of the battery will light indicating that the battery is being

charged. When this light goes green, the battery is fully charged.

4. When the batteries are charged, disconnect the charger.

9

Battery Check

Use a volt-ohm meter (VOM), or preferably a test circuit with two 6-volt

flashlight bulbs in series (to simulate load), to check the voltage on each

recharged battery pack. Insert the VOM probe/test circuit into the odd colored

socket closest to the battery recharger jack. The voltage reading should fall

nominally around 6 volts higher. If the battery cannot be adequately charged,

replace battery.

Turn the Sampler On/Off

The ON/AUTO/OFF button on the Programmable Timer allows the operator to

manually turn the sampler on or off (or to place it in the “Auto” mode in which it

is controlled by programmed on/off sequence). As the ON/AUTO/OFF button is

pressed, a bar at the lower edge of the LCD display move horizontally from “On”

to “Auto” to “Off”.

With the sampler attached to a charged battery pack, press the ON/AUTO/OFF

button until the bar at the lower edge of the LCD display is above the “On” legend

on the Timer case. The red power indicator (to the right of the ON/AUTO/OFF

button) should light and the pump motor should start.

Note: If the Timer display does not respond, check the single AA battery on the

back side of the circuit board.

Checking For Leaks

To check for leaks, cover the air inlet with the palm of hand while the pump is

running. The ball in the rotameter should drop immediately to zero and remain

there without movement. If it does not, leak exists somewhere in the hoses and

fittings between the inlet and the rotameter. Leaks on the inlet side of the pump

are especially critical, since flow measurement will not accurately reflect the

amount passing though the filter. The sampler will be measuring air passing

through the filter, plus whatever air may be entering through the leak.

Verify that all push-on hose fittings are secure.

10

Check the screw fittings attached to the pump. These must be screwed in

securely. Unlike pipe threads these fittings “seat” into their connecting

socket. Do NOT attempt to tighten these fittings with a wrench, since too

much pressure could break them. If any appear to loose, tighten by hand to a

“finger snugness.” Check the compression fitting.

3. Controls and Adjustments

Impactor Sleeve

Filter Holder

Flow Meter

Programmable

Timer

Flow Adjust

Quick Start

Instructions

Battery Pack

Charge Jacks

Hour Meter

Hour Meter Reset

Main Power

ON/OFF

2 AMP 5x20mm Fuse

Precipitation Cap

11

Elapsed Time Accumulator

Totalizes in hours and hundreds of hours the length of time the pump has run. The

totalizer accumulates only while the pump is running. Because it accumulates

continuously and cannot be reset to zero, the total hours should be recorded at the

beginning and end of watch sampling period. The two right-most red counters

indicate hundredths of hours.

Programmable Timer

Controls the on/off operation of the sampler. Allows up to six sampling times to

be preprogrammed over twenty-four hours or throughout a week.

Flow meter (Rotameter)

Indicates the flow rate of air though the system in liters/minute. The flow rate is

adjusted using the “Flow Rate Adjustment”. Set flow rate to 4.0 Lpm

Flow Rate Adjustment

Adjusts the sampler’s flow rate as indicated by the level of the call in the

rotameter. Using a small screwdriver, slowly turn this potentiometer unit the air

flow reaches the desired level. The sampler’s flow control circuit will try to

maintain this flow rate by speeding up or slowing down the pump even with a

changing restriction in the filter as it accumulates PM-10 particulate matter.

Main Power On/Off

Manually turns the sampler on or off, or places it in the “Auto” mode. In the

“Auto” position the sampler is controlled by whatever programmed on/off

sequences have been entered. A bar on the lower edge of the Timer’s LCD

display moves from “On” to “Auto” to “Off” as the button is pressed.

12

4. PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling

PM Requirements

PM-10 and PM-2.5 sampling should conform to the Code of Federal Regulations

(40 CFR 58, Appendix E). The Dust-Sol should be positioned with the intake

upward and located in an unobstructed area at least 30 cm from any obstacle to air

flow. Accessibility to the unit under all weather conditions, and safety and

security of the monitoring personnel and equipment should be prime

considerations.

Laboratory Pre-Check

Before transporting the Dust-Sol to the field perform a laboratory check to

determine if it is operational. Turn the sampler on and observe the motor

performance. Check all tubing for crimps, cracks or breaks. Conduct a flow check

with a “dummy” filter in place to emulate the load against the sampler pump.

Investigate and correct any malfunctions before proceeding. Perform a single-

point rate check using a soap-bubble meter or other flow measuring device of

known accuracy and compare to curve established during calibration. The flow

should be within +/-15% of 5 liters/min at current conditions. If the unit fails to

operate in the range, check the sampler for obvious crimps, battery malfunction,

etc. The sampler must be repaired or recalibrated if the flow criteria are not met.

Calibration

Because gas density varies with temperature and pressure, the sampler must be

adjusted for proper flow rate at ambient conditions. At the factory the Dust-Sol is

calibrated at approximately 23 °C at 754 mm Hg. In other localities, the sampler

must be adjusted to account for difference in temperature and barometric pressure.

Adjust within a range previously established by calibration at conditions as close

to “seasonal average” temperature and pressure conditions as possible.

To insure that the flow rate will be set within specifications when transported to

the field site, affix a sticker next to the rotameter indicating the flow rate set

point as determined by the flow rate calculation.

13

Note: push up from bottom

with pencil or similar to slide

impactor out of sleeve to clean

or replace.

Impactor

Preseparator / Filter Assembly

The Preseparator consists of an impactor, preseparator adapter, and precipitation

cap. The attached Filter Assembly contains a filter holder fitted with an anti-twist

ring in which the quartz filter (optional) is supported by a filter drain disk.

Clean and Grease Impactor

Initially, and after every seventh sample, the impaction stage should be cleaned

and re-greased under a laboratory fume hood (preferably) or any well ventilated

area (including on-site). The cleaning and greasing of impactors should be

increased with higher concentration of particulates.

Note on Drain Disks & Filter Media: Quartz and other fibrous filters must be

supported by a “drain disk” located between the plastic support grid on the bottom

half of the filter holder and the filter media. The drain disk prevents fibrous media

from sticking to the rubber O-ring around the plastic support grid. The drain disk

is not required for non-friable filter media (e.g. Teflon filters), but it can be used

to eliminate the support grid pattern from particulate matter deposits on filters that

are to be used for X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Installing Filters

Contact and handling of all filters should be limited to the edges of the filters.

Also, the use of non-serrated, Teflon-tipped forceps is strongly recommended.

Filters should be kept in protective petri slides. Unexposed filters must never be

bent or folded. Use the pre-weighed filters in the numbered sequence in which

they arrive.

1. Select a filter and remove cover from petri slide.

2. Using forceps install the new filter onto the filter support grid, take care not to

shred or damage the edges of the filter.

3. Replace the slip ring, lining up the notches on the ring with the holder so that

the ring does not move. Improper alignment could cause filters to tear.

4. Replace preseparator adapter and screw down snugly.

14

Installing Filters (Continued)

5. Place an identifying tag on the filter holder so that the ID of the filter mounted

in the folder is known.

6. Place the entire clean filter assembly into a second plastic bag, or other case,

for transporting to the site. It is best to keep the filter assembly in a vertical

position until installed on the sampler.

Preparing Battery Pack

Battery Charging

After each sampling event, the battery packs should be charged for a minimum of

18 hours.

1. Connect the charging plug of the AC/DC charger to the charging jack on the

first battery pack.

2. Plug the charger into a multi-receptacle power strip with fuse.

3. The LED on the top of the battery will light indicating that the battery is being

charged. When this light goes green, the battery is fully charged.

4. When the batteries are charged, disconnect the charger.

Battery Check

The voltage on each recharged battery pack should be checked with a volt-ohm

meter (VOM). (The battery packs are functional for at least 100 recharging

cycles.)

1. Insert the VOM probe/test circuit into the odd colored socket and the pickup

closest to the recharger jack. The voltage reading should fall nominally around

12 volts or higher.

2. If the battery charge is less than 6 volts, replace with new battery.

15

Setting the Desired Sampling Time

Determine the time of the day when sampler is to turn on and off. Program the

timer to turn the sampler on and off at these times.

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sampling Procedure

After the sampler has been assembled, calibrated, verified to be in proper working

order, and a filter loaded in the Filter Assembly, the sampler is ready to collect air

samples.

1. Carefully transport the sampler to the field site. Verify that the sampler, when

finally installed in the cradle, will be positioned with the intake upward in an

unobstructed area at least 30 cm from any obstacle to air flow.

2. Place sampler on a firm level surface.

3. Install a clean filter into filter holder.

4. Record the number of the clean filter assembly on a PM-10 Field Data Sheet.

5. Unscrew cap of filter holder assembly and remove filter holder.

6. Install filter and holder assembly.

7. To obtain the beginning flow rate, press the ON/OFF button to start the pump.

On the LCD display, the horizontal bar should move to “ON”.

8. If the rotameter, which should be in the vertical position, indicates zero or a

very low reading, check for restrictions in the tubing, or improperly seated

screw fittings between the pump and the rotameter.

9. Check that air is moving through the filter assembly by removing the rain cap

and placing palm (or heavy mil plastic bag) over the flow nozzle. The

rotameter should drop to zero. If the rotameter does not reach zero but reads

less than two hundred ml/min, this is adequate. If the rotameter does not drop,

check that the quick-connect which attaches the sampling module to the air

inlet is securely connected. Check all filter holder joints and hose connections.

Verify that the filter assembly is not leaking air from below the filter.

16

10. Using the Flow Rate Adjustment control set the rotameter flow within

specifications for the project temperature and pressure conditions as indicated

by the sticker attached next to the rotameter during calibration.

11. Press the ON/OFF button to stop pump.

12. Press the ON/OFF button to set the timer to “Auto” mode. The Sampler must

be in Auto mode before the operator leaves.

13. Place Dust-Sol sampler in desired sampling location.

PM-10 / PM-2.5 Sample Retrieval

As soon as possible after the end of the sampling period, the operator should

return to the monitoring site to retrieve the exposed filter. Potential for changes in

sample mass due to particle loss, passive deposition, and/or volatilizations, and

filter damage increases in if the filter is left in the sampler for extended periods.

On a Field Data Sheet record the average ambient temperature for the run day (Ta)

and average ambient barometric pressure for the run day (Pa).

Note: Ta and Pa reading may be estimated on site or may be obtained from a

nearby US National Weather Service Forecast Office or airport weather station.

Barometric pressure readings obtained from airports must be at station pressure

(not corrected to sea level), and they may have to be corrected for differences

between the elevation of the monitoring site and that of the airport. If Ta and Pa

readings are not available, seasonal average temperature (Tavg) and barometric

pressure (Pavg) may be substituted. Care must be taken that the actual conditions at

the sire can be reasonably represented by such averages. It is therefore

recommended that seasonal values represent actual values with 20 °C and 40 mm

Hg.

17

5. Maintenance

Maintenance records should be maintained for each Dust-Sol, reflecting the

history of maintenance, including all replacement parts, supplies, costs,

expenditures, and an inventory of on-hand spare equipment for each sampler.

Check sheets should be used to record preventative and/or corrective maintenance

activities and the subsequent sampler calibration curve.

The sampler is comprised of four basic components: impaction inlet, flow control

system, timer, and battery pack. Following are recommended maintenance

procedures for each.

Impaction Inlet

The impaction inlet should be dismantled and cleaned at regular intervals-i.e.,

every seventh sampler to start, but if heavy loadings are observed on stage and

filter, as often as appropriate.

1. Unmate the impactor section from the filter assembly and remove the

precipitation cap.

2. Pushing with thumb from the bottom, remove the impactor through top of

tube into palm of free hand.

3. Rinse the impactor from top to bottom with hexane using the squeeze bottle

with particular attention to the impaction stage having concentric, grooved

rings.

4. Let the impact air-dry.

5. Prepare a mixture of hexane and Apiezon M grease in a dropper bottle until

thoroughly mixed and of a fluid consistency. Use a 1-inch length of Apiezon

grease to 100 ml of hexane. Vigorously shake the mixture until an opaque,

uniform suspension, free from grease globs, is obtained.

6. Put two or three drops of the cloudy solution on the impaction stage. The

drops should saturate the stage, flowing freely to the edge.

18

Impaction Inlet (Continued)

7. Let the stage “dry” by allowing the hexane to volatilize, leaving a thin film of

grease on the stage.

8. Inspect o-rings on impactor for fitness and replace of necessary. Remove any

extraneous, loose or hair-like shredded material from the impactor unit since

this material could fall onto the filter below and cause erroneous gravimetric

results. Carefully re-insert impactor from the top until top of the nozzle is

flush with the top of the tube.

Flow Control System

Tubing and fittings must be routinely checked for crimps, cracks, or obstructions.

Fittings should be inspected periodically for cross-threading and tightness. The

rotameter should be cleaned or replaced if it indicates no flow, low flow,

excessive flow, or erratic flow. The rotameter can be easily cleaned using warm

water and detergent:

1. Remove the inlet and outlet tubing and detach the rotameter from the main

circuit board.

2. Remove the rotameter end caps and submerge in detergent solution. Slosh

water back and forth using the ball as a self-cleaning agitator.

3. Air dry and reinstall.

Battery Pack

Check recharged battery using either a volt-ohm meter or a test circuit a 6-volt

lights to simulate load prior to each sample run. Note: A dead battery is the most

common field sampling problem. Many apparent battery problems can be traced

to loose or dirty electrical connections in the battery pack or sampler bottom.

These should be checked routinely for tightness and cleanliness. If a battery pack

is consistently failing in the field remove the pack from further sampling work.

19

6. Troubleshooting

This section identifies common problems and the action necessary to correct them.

Problem

The filter/sampler may have

leaks, which would compromise

sample integrity.

A pump nozzle fitting has broken

off

The charger light on top of

battery fails to light when charger

is plugged in.

Solution

Prior to every sample run with the pump

running, check for leaks by removing the inlet

assembly and covering the quick connect inlet

with the palm of hand of finger. The rotameter

should drop to zero. If not, a leak is present.

Check tubings and fittings.

Jam a small Phillips head screwdriver or tip of

penknife blade into hole of broken fitting and

turn out counterclockwise.

The charging LED on the top of the battery

should light briefly even if the battery is already

fully charged. If the LED fails to light, either the

charger is defective, the battery is defective, or

the battery charger board inside the battery case

needs to be replaced.

1. Switch the charger to the second battery

pack. If the LED on the pack fails to

light, the charger is probably defective.

If you have a second sampler, use the

charger from that sampler to charge the

batteries.

2. Disassemble the battery case using a

Phillips screwdriver and connect the

battery charger board to another battery.

If the same conditions results, the battery

charger board is defective. If the battery

LED lights and the new battery charges,

the previous battery is defective.

20

Problem

The battery charger light on the

battery top does not turn off after

overnight charge.

Battery voltage is less than 6

volts after charging.

The Flow rate cannot be

accurately adjusted using the

Flow Rate Adjustment.

Solution

The battery may be defective, as indicated by

the charger light remaining on “high charge”

(i.e., the battery fails to hold the charge and the

charger continues to charge). Connect a new

battery to the battery charger board. If the same

condition results, the charger board is defective.

If the light turns off, the previous battery is

defective.

1. Test the battery by connecting a volt-

ohm meter (VOM to the negative and

positive battery terminals located on

either side of the battery charger light

(the negative terminal is odd colored and

located next to the sampler catch). If no

voltage, check that the terminals on the

battery cover are tight. If not, tighten

them by inserting a star compression

washer into the connection.

2. If still no voltage, disassemble the

battery pack using a Phillips screwdriver

and look for loose connections. The

battery charger board should be screwed

down tightly and connected securely to

the battery. Clean any connections if

corroded. Connect the meter directly to

the internal battery terminals. If still no

voltage, the battery needs replacing.

3. Even if VOM meter indicates correct

voltage, check by connecting two 6-volt

lights to the battery to simulate load.

This will indicate the battery’s true

potential.

The pump valves and diaphragms are dirty or

worn and need cleaning or replacing (see

21

Problem

The rotameter will not register a

high flow rate (7 l/m or above).

There is no apparent restriction

or leak in the plumbing.

Solution

Section 5, Maintenance, “Cleaning/Replacing

Pump Valves and Diaphragms”).

The pump valves and diaphragms are dirty or

worn and need cleaning or replacing (see

Section 5, Maintenance, “Cleaning/Replacing

Pump Valves and Diaphragms”).