This high-volume PM2.5 sampler is first of its kind developed in India, the technology is patented by CSIR – National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and licenced by Environmental Solutions. It has several novelty and advantages over existing high-volume PM2.5 sampler available in global market. It offers more than 98% intake efficiency for PM2.5 particles with sharp particle cut-off size (slope or geometric standard deviation, GSD = 1.27) in typical Indian conditions- high particle loading, and humidity condition without affecting the performance, flow rate, negligible re-entrainment problem, etc. The novel design of the sampler covers an impactor assembly comprising a nozzle plate, an impaction plate, and a filter unit. The nozzle plate comprises a plurality of nozzles for channelling an air stream through the sampler. The impaction plate is adapted to collect particulate matter having size greater than a threshold size. The filter unit is adapted to collect particulate matter having size less than or equal to the threshold size. The sampler further comprises a control assembly coupled with the impactor assembly. The control assembly comprises flow control devices to maintain a predetermined air-flow rate of the air stream within the sampler throughout the sampling period even at very high particle loading and humidity (foggy) conditions.
Advantage of this high-volume sampler over low-volume sampler:
- because of high-volume flow, high PM mass is collected, so a sensitive balance (6 digits) doesn’t needed for routine measurements of PM2.5 mass
- large filter (8×10 inches) is used, so it is ideal for an extensive chemical composition analysis and thus source tracing of PM2.5
- because of large filter and mass, less error due to charge effect is observed while measuring mass using electronics balance.
Technical specifications:
| Particulars | |
| Particle Separation | Two stage separation: Size bin-I for coarse size particles, a pre-separator tube type nozzle impactor is used Size bin-II thereafter for separation of particles more than 2.5 µm, a plate nozzle impactor is used |
| PM2.5 Impactor Design (Patented) | Novel design, plate nozzles |
| Inlet efficiency for PM2.5 particles (aspiration efficiency) | >98% |
| Particle cut-off size | 2.52 µm ± 2% |
| Slope/Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD) (for sharp cut-off should be 1.2 -1.3) | 1.27 |
| Traceability of measurement | Yes, for all related parameters to SI units from primary standards of CSIR-NPL |
| Air-pump | Three stage brushless blower type to minimize dust generation |
| Volumetric flow rate | 1130 letter/minute 1.13 m3/min (auto adjustable according to particle mass loading (±2%)) |
| Sampling type supported | Single and cyclic (1) timer based on the time, and (2) volume timer based on cumulative flow rate. Facility for Manual operation without timer |
| Sampling duration | Tested for 1 min – 1000 hours |
| Power source | 230 V, 50 / 60 Hz |
| Power requirement | Approx. 240 VA |
| Filter size / dimension | 220 mm x 180 mm |
| Exposed filter area | 210 mm x 170 mm |
| Mini weather station | Ambient pressure, temperature and humidity |
| Tray | |
| Operating temperature range | -20 to +60 °C |
| Operating humidity range | 10 to 95% RH |
| Sound pressure level | < 35 dB(A) acc. to EN 3744:2010 (distance 8 m) |
| Protection | Patent 2179US329 |
| Data Logger | Yes |
| USB Drive | Yes |
| Weight | 40 kg (approx.) |
| Dimensions | Sampling inlet diameter = Cabinet: Width = Height = Depth = |
| Shelter Material | High quality aluminium |
| Door / Lock | Lockable doors |
| Colour | White / Silver |
| Display | LCD Display |
| Warranty | A comprehensive 1 year warranty |
Features:
- Sampling head consists of two stages separation for minimising the re-entrainment problem
- Auto scheduling of sampling
- Provision for single and cyclic sampling
- Four types of timer facility: (1) timer for a fixed sampling duration (hours), (1) timer for a fixed sampling ending time (watch time), (3) timer for a fixed sampling air volume, and (4) timer for cyclic operation of sampler with non-sampling hour intervals. Facility for manual operation without timer is also available.
- Facility to record/set clock information, Integrating time, Integrating flow volume, Average flow rate, Error massages (if any)
- History of sampling report includes (i) power failures
- Mini weather station for monitoring and logging ambient temperature, humidity and pressure
- User defined data logging interval
- Control unit with User friendly electronic modules
- Real time display for record of flow rate/flow volume (cumulative)/ sampling duration/ ambient humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.
- Capturing and recording Sampling start and end date/time, Sampling duration in hours and minutes, Mean volumetric flow rate in m³/h and Nm³/h, Sampled volume in m³ and Nm³, Mean air pressure/temperature/humidity, Mean pressure difference at the filter, Filter storage temperature
- User friendly reports in USB in csv format
- Sampling report history availability for one month.
- USB connectivity for easier data transfer
- Automatic, multi-point calibrations of flow when using the deltaCal calibrator
- Easier temperature and pressure calibration adjustment for maintaining constant flow rate
- Ability to upgrade firmware automatically via flash drive