School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR MEASUREMENT OF PM10 METALS USING THE BGI PQ167R LOW VOLUME SAMPLER U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, Science and Ecosystem Support Division Athens, Georgia, 30605 Page 1 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 Acknowledgement This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by EPA Region 4, Science and Ecosystem Support Division. This SOP is based on the Commonwealth of Kentucky's ambient monitoring SOP template. Special thanks to BGI Inc. and ERG for operational content and illustrations. For questions or comments please contact: Greg Noah, EPA, Region 4, SESD at noah.greg@epa.gov or 706-355-8635 Mike Jones, EPA-OAQPS-AQAD at iones.michael(S)epa.gov or 919-541-0528 Page 2 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 Table of Contents I. Introduction 4 II. Installation 7 A. Sampler Siting 7 B. Sampler Installation 7 III. Operating Procedure 9 A. Equipment and Supplies 9 B. Initial Receipt Activities 9 C. Verification 10 D. Calibration 11 E. Conducting the Sampling Event 12 Site Arrival Daily Activities 12 Preparing Sampler for a Sampling Event 13 Loading Filter Cassette into Filter Cassette Holder Assembly 15 Sample Recovery and Data Collection 16 Sample Shipping 17 IV. Quality Assurance 18 A. Flow Calibration 18 B. Flow Verifications 18 C. Independent Audits 18 V. Data Forms 18 A. ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet 19 Page3 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 INTRODUCTION This procedure is designed to provide instruction on collecting suspended airborne particulates with a size diameter of 10 microns or smaller (PM10) using the BGI PQ167R air sampler for metals analysis. The BGI PQ100 is an "Intelligent Air Pump" that can monitor its own airflow rate and thereby adjust the pump speed to compensate for changes in load pressure and/or other forces which would otherwise hamper the flow of air through a filter (or sample collector). The PQ100 can be programmed to begin its sampling job at a specific date, time, and stop sampling after the user defined run time is depleted. However, the sampling time should always be 24 hours for the Toxics in Schools Study. The PQ100 was designed to operate from 1 standard liter per minute (1000 cc per minute) to 25.0 standard liters per minute and is unaffected by changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure. The flow rate precision is guaranteed to 2% of the calibration set point. This SOP is designed to be a step by step method for operating the sampler to be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's operators manual. Laboratory Analysis Methodology may be referenced by contacting the Eastern Research Group (ERG) directly at 919-468-7800 or by email Julie.Swift@erg.com. Maintenance and troubleshooting should be conducted using the BGI167R operator's manual. Page 4 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 FIGURE 1. Schematic of PQ167 Sampling System SIZE SELECTIVE INLET OR FILTER PULSATION DAMPING VOLUME PUMP MICRO PROCESSOR VISUAL DATA DISPLAY BATTERY BATTERY CHARGER A.C. POWER SUPPLY Page 5 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 FIGURE 2. PQ167R with Mounting Stand Page 6 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 INSTALLATION A. Sampler Siting Check the areas for safety. Ensure there will be enough room for the operator to move freely while working, and ensure physical conditions of the location will allow the operator to work safely. The sampler should be set in a location unobstructed from any side. No tree limbs or other hanging obstructions should be above the sampler. It is suggested that the horizontal distance from the sampler to the closest vertical obstruction higher than the sampler be at least twice the height of the vertical obstruction. Locate the sampler on a reasonably level structure at a height between two (2) and fifteen (15) meters above the ground. B. Sampler Installation Assemble the filter cassette holder according to Figure 3. For detail and illustration, refer to the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document, pages 2 through 8. FIGURE 3. Cassette and Cassette Holder Assembly - - - - 04 CASSETTE ASSEMBLY H 05 | — FILTER MEDIA 4 5 6 -! 8 9 5.4,8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 5.4.8 All 52 BUNA135 A1727-L27 Fl/U A1729-L29 B1425 Filter Holder Top O-Rings Cassette Top - New Model Screen Cassette Bottom - New Model Filter Holder Bottom Page 7 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 Assemble the sampler according to Figure 4. For detail and illustration, refer to the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document, pages 2 through 8. Figure 4. Sampler Assembly Diagram 01 PM10 Inlet head 03 Water collection bottle 11A Tripod frame 12 Rubber hose 34 Hose adapter 160 Sampler leg 161 Filter cassette holder assembly 162 Downtube 163 Downtube assembly brace Page 8 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 If operating using a deep cycle marine battery for power, install the external power cord by screwing the round harness into the "utility adapter" port on top of the sampler. Attach the positive and negative contacts to the deep cycle marine battery and secure. A fully charged battery should provide power for at least 2 sampling runs. Depending on the battery available, more consecutive runs may be possible. Store the battery in a plastic container near the sampler to conceal and protect it from the weather. Place and level the sampler on site. To secure the sampler and protect membrane roofs, 2x4 wooden studs may be cut into one foot sections and fastened to the feet of the legs using lag bolts. Place sand bags on these skids to prevent tipping of the sampler. Connect the sampler to a grounded electrical outlet with 115 volts, and at least 5 amp service. Protect the connector from precipitation by fastening beneath the sampler or wrapping it with plastic tape. If collocated samplers will be located at the site, the two samplers must be within four (4) meters of each other, but outside of two (2) meters. The inlet heights must be within one (1) meter vertically. OPERATING PROCEDURE A. Equipment and Supplies BGI PQ167R Flow Calibrator Logbook Pre-weighed 47mm filter cassette(s) in antistatic bag Powderfree gloves ERG sample paperwork Cooler with ice substitute Deep cycle marine battery (optional) B. Initial Receipt Activities 1. Plug sampler into AC power and charge the internal battery for at least 24 hours. 2. Check parts and components against the packing list. 3. After charging, ensure sampler will power up and that the main screen is operational. Page 9 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 C. Verification NOTE: THE PQ100 DOES NOT REQUIRE A LEAK TEST. CUTTING OFF THE FLOW OF AIR BY COVERING OR RESTRICTING THE AIR FLOW TO THE INLET WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PUMP AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. To VERIFY flow: 1. Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube. Unscrew filter cassette holder assembly and place a test filter cassette, with filter facing up, in the bottom holder assembly. Replace top holder assembly and reinstall the entire filter cassette assembly on the sampler. NOTE: The filter cassette should not be the same one used for the actual run event. 2. Replace the downtube and attach a NIST traceable flow standard on the end of the downtube. Ensure the flow standard is on and has equilibrated to ambient conditions. 3. Turn on the PQ167R by pushing the "ON/OFF" button. If a message is blinking on the display, press "ENTER" to proceed to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY". The screen display should read: ETOOOOMin TSOO.OOM (Date) Q(Flow)Lpm T(Time) Bty(Capacity)% (Date) -today's date in military notation; e.g., 01JAN= January 1st (Flow) - the current flow rate selected to be regulated. (Time)-military time; e.g., 13:08= 13 Hours 8 Minutes or 1:08 PM (Capacity) - remaining charge in the internal battery. 4. Press SETUP three times until the Set START DATE and TIME screen appears: The screen should appear as below: Set START DATE and TIME (Date) (Time) Off 5. The word, "Off, should be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. The bottom line of the display should be flashing. If "On" is Page 10 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 displayed, press the "ENTER" button until "On" stops flashing. Then toggle to "Off" by pressing the + or- buttons. 6. Press the "SETUP" button twice to get to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY" 7. Press the "RUN/STOP" button to activate the pump. 8. Allow the pump to stabilize for at least 2 minutes. 9. If the measured flow and the flow indicated on the flow standard are within 4%, the sampler's calibration is acceptable. If the flow is outside 4%, the unit must be recalibrated. 10. Press the "RUN/STOP" button to turn off the pump. D. Calibration NOTE: THE PQ100 DOES NOT REQUIRE A LEAK TEST. CUTTING OFF THE FLOW OF AIR BY COVERING OR RESTRICTING THE AIR FLOW TO THE INLET WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PUMP AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. To CALIBRATE flow: 1. Insert test filter cassette in filter cassette holder as described in C. Verifications Step 1. 2. Press "SETUP". The screen will read; "Select FLOW RATE" 3. From the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY" press the "Setup" key once until the message below appears; Select FLOW RATE Target Q should read 16.7 Lpm (See Sect. 6.4 of the operator's manual to select a new target Flow Rate.) 4. From the "Select FLOW RATE" message screen, press both the "Reset" key and the "Run/Stop" key simultaneously to enter the calibration mode and the message below will appear; CALIBRATE Target=16.7 Lpm Page 11 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 5. Press the "RUN/STOP" button to activate the pump and the message below will appear: CALIBRATE Target = 16.7 Lpm Reference Q.. XX.X The Reference Q is an approximate flow rate used only as a visual aid in finding the corrected flow on the calibration device. This value may indicate 5 to 15% error. This is for reference only! 6. Use the "+/-" keys to move the pump speed up or down until the calibration device indicates the desired flow rate. 7. When a stable reading has been achieved, press the "ENTER" key to store the flow rate. 8. Exit the Setup menu and return to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY". CALIBRATIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED UNTIL THE ENTER KEY IS PRESSED AND THE PUMP IS RUNNING. 9. Verify the calibration with the verification procedure in section C above. If the verification is within 4% of the design flow, the flow is acceptable. If it is not, recalibration is necessary. 10. Record pre- and post- flow measurements and adjustments in the logbook. E. Conducting the Sampling Event Site Arrival Daily Activities 1. Visually inspect the filter holder and confirm the 0-rings are in place and secure. Inspect all visible 0-rings and replace if necessary. 2. Confirm all cables (electrical connections) are secure, and that exterior connections are protected from the elements. 3. Inspect the water collection jar. As needed, drain and clean, inspect the seal and replace the glassware on the holder. 4. Record activities, site observations and maintenance activities in logbook. Page 12 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 Preparing Sampler for a Sampling Event 1. Prepare sample paperwork. On the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet, complete the "Lab Pre-Samp." and "Field Setup" sections. In the top part of the TSP/PM10 Metals table, record the filter number under "Filter #" and sampler ID under "System #" for the run. Record any pertinent observations in the notes section at the bottom of the form. 2. Turn on the PQ167R by pushing the "ON/OFF" button. If a message is blinking on the display, press "ENTER" to proceed to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY". Then press "RESET" to clear prior run data. 3. Conduct an initial flow check (verification) by following the instructions in section C. Verification. Record the measurement from the flow standard on the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet on the "PM10/TSP Metals" table in the "Start MFC" blank. 4. The screen display should read: ETOOOOMin TSOO.OOM (Date) Q(Flow)Lpm T(Time) Bty(Capacity)% (Date) -today's date in military notation; e.g., 01JAN= January 1st (Flow) - the current flow rate selected to be regulated. (Time)-military time; e.g., 13:08= 13 Hours 8 Minutes or 1:08 PM (Capacity) - remaining charge in the internal battery. 5. Press "SETUP". The screen will read; "Select FLOW RATE" The flow rate value will be blinking. 6. The flow rate should read 16.7 Lpm. If it does not read 16.7 Lpm, set TARGET FLOW RATE to 16.7 Lpm by pressing ENTER. The whole number value will remain on constant while the tenths still blink); use "+" or"-" to increase or decrease until 16 is displayed. Press ENTER (Tenths value will now remain constant while whole number blinks); use "+" or"-" to increase or decrease until .7 is displayed. 7. Press "SETUP". This is the date and time screen. Page 13 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 The screen should read; Set DATE and TIME (dd) (mmm) (yyyy) (time) To change the Date and Time; TIP: Only the field not blinking can be adjusted. Push enter to move to the next field. a. DAY: Press ENTER and change by pressing the + or - key. When the day is correct, press ENTER. b. MONTH: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. c. YEAR: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. d. TIME (hrs): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. e. TIME (min): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. 8. When date and time are correct press "SETUP" 9. This is the sample start screen which reads; Set START DATE and TIME (dd) (mmm) 00:00 Off This screen allows you to set a start date and time for a sampling run. The default is set to midnight the next day. To designate your own start date and time: a. DAY: Press ENTER and change by pressing the + or - key. When the day is correct, press ENTER. b. MONTH: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. c. YEAR: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. Page 14 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 d. TIME (hrs): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. e. TIME (min): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press ENTER. f. Enable the run by setting the "On/Off" function on the screen to "On". WARNING: The sampler will not automatically activate if this option is set to "Off". 10. Press "SETUP" The screen will read; Set RUN TIME Hours: 24 Min: 00 On Set to 24 hours 0 minutes. The default is always 24 hrs 0 min, the required sample duration. If the sample time needs to be modified, adjust as instructed in step 6 and 8. 11. Press "SETUP". The screen will return to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY" WARNING: DO NOT PRESS THE RESET BUTTON AT THIS TIME AS THE START TIME AND RUN TIME WILL DEFAULT. 12. Press "RUN/STOP" If the START TIME ENABLE is set to "On" then the message "Alarm Triggered Run..."followed by "PQ100 Powering Down.."will appear briefly. The PQ100 is now waiting for the internal real time clock to achieve the designated start time and will then power itself on and begin the sampling run. If the START TIME ENABLE is set to "Off" then the pump will begin to run immediately. If this occurs, press RUN/STOP and begin back at step 2 ensuring START TIME ENABLE is set to "On". Loading Filter Cassette into Filter Cassette Holder Assembly NOTE: Gloves must be changed for each sample, i.e. between retrieving a sample and preparing a new run gloves MUST be changed to prevent cross contamination. Page 15 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 1. Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube and set aside. 2. Remove filter cassette holder. 3. Put on a clean pair of powderfree gloves 4. Unscrew filter holder top from filter holder bottom. 5. Remove test filter cassette from assembly. Remove the new filter cassette assembly from the antistatic bag and briefly check the filter for obvious contamination, scratches or wrinkles. If any abnormalities are observed, place the filter cassette back into the antistatic bag and use a new filter cassette. 6. Place the filter cassette filter side up onto the filter holder bottom. Carefully screw the filter holder top onto the filter holder bottom. Remember to annotate the filter number on the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet. NOTE: If running a field blank, repeat steps 1 through 6, count to 10, and then remove the field blank filter cassette placing it back into the antistatic bag. Label the bag to designate the filter cassette as a field blank. Log the filter ID as field blank in the comments section of the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet. The field blank must be run before the sample filter cassette is loaded into the sampler. 7. Replace the filter cassette holder assembly on the sampler. 8. Replace the downtube and the PM10 head. Sample Recovery and Data Collection NOTE: Gloves must be changed for each sample, i.e. between retrieving a sample and preparing a new run, gloves MUST be changed to prevent cross contamination. 1. Conduct a final flow check (verification) by following the instructions in section C. Verification. Record the measurement from the flow standard on the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet on the "PM10/TSP Metals" table in the "Start MFC" blank. 2. Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube and set aside. 3. Remove filter cassette holder. Page 16 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 4. Put on a clean pair of powderfree gloves 5. Open the antistatic bag and set aside. 6. Unscrew filter holder top from filter holder bottom. 7. Remove filter cassette and place it back into the antistatic bag. Seal the bag. 8. Replace with test filter cassette and reassemble filter cassette holder. 9. Replace downtube and PM10 inlet head. 10. On the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet, fill in the "Field Recovery" section. In the TSP/PM10 Metals table, fill in the "End Time", "Total Time" (ETXXXXMin), and "Avg Flow (L)" (QXX.XLpm). Record the total sample volume (TSXX.XM) in the comments section. "Start MFC" and "Stop MFC" are not used. 11. Data may be downloaded to a laptop using the PQ100/200 DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE. ERG does not require this data, but direction can be found in the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document, pages 16 and 17. Sample Shipping Place samples in a bag along with the paperwork and pack in a small box/cooler. The samples are not required to be shipped cold. Use the pre-filled out FedEx label provided by ERG, and fill out the "Sender" section with the sampling agency's address and phone number. Send priority overnight to ERG. If the shipping form is lost, use the address below for shipping to ERG, and contact them directly for the FedEx accounting. Address: ERG 601 Keystone Park Drive Suite 700 Morrisville, NC 27560 919-468-7924 Page 17 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 IV. QUALITY ASSURANCE To ensure that quality data is being collected the following checks should be considered: A. Flow Calibration A flow verification must be completed at the beginning of the study period. If the verification does not compare within 4%, the flow must be calibrated. Document all quality assurance activities in the logbook. B. Flow Verifications It is strongly recommended that the operator perform a verification of the samplers flow during and after the study's completion. It is recommended that after the 5th sampling run, the operator should verify flow. A verification of the flow after the last sample is recommended to bracket the data to indicate that the flow rate was stable throughout the study. Document all quality assurance activities in the logbook. C. Independent Audits If possible, it is recommended that an independent flow check of the sampler be conducted at some point during the study. This check may be conducted by a state or local agency's quality assurance team or independent audit program. V. DATA FORMS All sample related run data forms will be supplied by ERG. Check the data sheets for completion after every setup or retrieval event. The operator is expected to keep a logbook to document all site activities, quality assurance activities, and sampling activities. The ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet is attached below. Page 18 of 19 ------- School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP Rev. No. 1 May 13, 2009 ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet ^ERG ERG Lab ID ±f PM10 / TSP METALS DATA SHEET Lab Pre-Samp. 1 f fr 2 > © o c g f£ Lab Recovery Site Code: City /State: AQS Code: Set-Up Date: Recovery Date: Col ection Date: Duplicate Event Operator: (Y/N): Sample Duration (i.e. 24 hr): Status: Valid Void (Circle one) Received by: Date: Status: Valid Void (Circle one) If void, why: PM10/TSP METALS Sample Date Sample Date Sample Date Start Time Start MFC Start Time Start MFC Start Time Start MFC End Time End MFC End Time End MFC End Time End MFC Total Time Avg Flow (L) Total Time Avg Flow (L) Total Time Avg Flow (L) System # System # System* Filter # Filter # Filter* Lab ID Lab ID Lab ID Comments: White: Sample iraveier Canary: Lab Copy Pink: Field Copy Page 19 of 19 ------- |