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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
Rev. No. 1
May 13, 2009
FIGURE 2. PQ167R with Mounting Stand
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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
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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
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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
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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.
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School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
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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
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