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Field operation
Complete sitting criteria (for samplers collecting data to be directly of ultimately report
to the U.S. EPA) can be found in 40 CRF 58. Minimum ASI/GMW requirements are
presented below:
1. Carefully transport the assembled inlet and sampler shelter to the monitoring
site. The sampler must be either bolted or anchored to the monitoring site
platform. Extended support feet (PN G2021) are available from the
manufacturer and can be easily installed on the sampler to provide extra
stability.
2. Attach the sampler inlet according to Assembly Procedures presented in
Section 3.1.
3. Check at the power cords and pressure recorder tubing for crimps, cracks, etc..
4. Plug the male power cord into a grounded line voltage outlet of compatible AC
voltage. Be sure that the electrical connectors are not exposed to inclement
weather.
An electrical surge suppressor and a ground fault interrupter (GFI) are
recommended to protect the system from transient voltage spikes and for
safety. For any sampler equipped with an MFC, an independent AC power
circuit is suggested; alternating current voltage (VAC) at the sampler cannot be
below 90 VAC for the 115 systems; or below 200 volts VAC System. If it is
necessary to run extension cord to provide power, a lower gauge (heavier
conductor wire) is necessary.
5. Perform a flow rate calibration, as described in Section 4.
With reference to figure 5.1 the steps taken prior to sampling in the field are.
2. Fill out the top portion of the field data sheet, table 5.1 for VFC or 5.2 for MFC
3. On the backside of the flow event recorder chart, record the sampler S/N,
sampler location and date of the sample period.
4. Inspect the filter for any pinholes, tears or irregularities. If found, reject and
select another filter, record the selected filter identification number ID on the
backside of the recorder chart and on the field data sheet.
Loosen the four nuts that clamp the cartridge together and remove the upper
portion of the filter cartridge.
Inspect the filter cartridge screen for deposits or foreign material. Clean if
necessary. Ensure that the cartridge gasket is not damaged or compressed.
Center the filter on the cartridge support screen. Every filter has an "up" side on
which the particulate matter should be deposited. For GQMA filters, this is the
rough side. It is recommended that the purchaser request the analysis
laboratory emboss the filter whit a filter ID consistently on the bottom of the
filter. This will allow access to the ID number when the sample is folded (post-
sampling) and also provide the operator with a foolproof method for determining
the "up" side.
7. Raise de sampler inlet by releasing the six shelter pan draw-catches and gently
tilting back the inlet until the shelter pan support strut is locked in second
position.
8. Inspect the sampler’s filter screen and remove any deposits or foreign matter.
9. Inspect the filter holder-sealing gasket located beneath the filter screen for
compression or damage. Replace, if necessary, before the next sample period.
10. Remove the filter cartridge top cover (if so equipped) and center the cartridge
on the sampler’s filter screen. Tighten the four swing bolts. The wing nuts
should be tightened at diagonally opposite corners simultaneously to assure
even compression of the gasket.
11. Open the shelter door and the flow event recorder. Install the annotated
recorder chart buy raising the pen arm and placing the chart center hole over
the recorder slotted drive. Lower the pen arm. If a master On/off timer controls
the sampler, and data are to be reported to the US EPA set the chart at 12
midnights. Rotating the slotted drive clockwise advances the chart, until the
desired sample start time is beneath the pointed indicator on the lower right of
the recorder.
12. Make sure that the flow recorder is connected to the motor housing pressure
tap and it is properly zero (the pen rests on the inner most circle of the chart).
Adjust the zero by the rotating the small setscrew located on the bottom right of
the recorder.
13. Energize the sampler. Ensure that the recorder pen is inking and indicated that
the sampler is operating at its correct set point.
A. No adjustment can be made to the VFC sampler flow rate. If the recorder
indicates that the sampler is not operating within 3 chart divisions of the correct
set point, check the recorder connections. If problems persist, contact the
manufacture.
B. If the sampler is equipped whit an MFC, allow the sampler to operate for 3-5
minutes. If necessary, adjust the potentiometer on the MFC (refer to appendix
B) until the correct set point is indicated. Note: If the MFC is operating correctly,
there will be no "searching" of the motor.
14. Turn off the sampler and close the recorder and shelter doors. Lower the
sampler inlet and attach the six shelter pan draw-catches.
15. Following procedures presented in Appendix D set the master timer (if so
equipped) to active the sampler on the next scheduled run day. Reset the
elapsed time indicator to 0000.
The post sampling steps are illustrated in figure 5.2. As soon as possible after the run
day, the operator must:
1. Return to the monitoring site. Release the six shelter pan draw-catches and
raise the sampler inlet: Reversing the installation procedure (step 10), remove
the filter cartridge. Replace the Snap-On cover.
2. Open the shelter door. Open the recorder door and remove the recorder chart.
Examine the chart. The trace should be stable without peaks or interruptions.
Investigate any irregularities before continuing.
3. Observe conditions around the monitoring site and record any unusual activities
that might affect the sample.
Difference must be <10%, If exceeded, recalibrate the sampler before the next
sample period.
7. Record the sample period's elapsed time. If reporting to the U.S EPA the
sample duration must be 1440 -± 60 min and the sampler must have turned on
and off within 30 min of midnight.
8. The sampler can now be prepared for the next sample period.
10. Reversing the installation procedure, carefully remove the filter form the
cartridge. Handle the filter only by the edges to avoid disturbing any of the
deposit. Fold length-wise, aligning the deposit edges. Place the filter in a
protective cover and transport it, the recorder chart and data sheet to the
analysis laboratory.
The laboratory is responsible for providing tare (Wt) and gross (Wg) weights for each
sample filter. The difference of these two weights, the net mass (Wn), is then used to
calculate the concentration of PM10 collected on the filter. The calculation necessary to
report data to the U.S > EPA is as follows:
The US. EPA stipulates that routine quality control and periodic quality assurance
procedures be conducted in each monitoring network. These activities are used to
assess data quality, precision and accuracy. Complete US EPA requeriments and
procedures can be found in the "Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Monitoring
Systems; Volume II" , Section " sections 11.3 and 11.7
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