School Air Toxics, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
FOR
MEASUREMENT OF SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS USING THE
TISCH ENVIRONMENTAL INC. TE-PUF SAMPLER
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 4, Science and Ecosystem Support Division
Athens, Georgia, 30605
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School Air Toxics, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
Acknowledgement
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by EPA Region 4,
Science and Ecosystem Support Division. This SOP is based in part on the
Commonwealth of Kentucky's ambient monitoring SOP, Measurement of Semi-
Volatile Organic Compounds by the PDF Sampler (TS17-16). In addition, Eastern
Research Group (ERG), Morrisville, North Carolina contributed greatly in the
development of this document. Special thanks to the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
Tisch Environmental, Inc. and ERG for sharing their work in developing this SOP for
the National Toxics in Schools Initiative.
For questions or comments please contact:
Tim Slagle, EPA, Region 4, SESD at slagle.tim(S)epa.gov or 706-355-8741
Greg Noah, EPA, Region 4, SESD at noah.greg@epa.gov or 706-355-8635
Mike Jones, EPA-OAQPS-AQAD at iones.mike(S)epa.gov or 919-541-0528
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School Air Toxics, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
Table of Contents
I. Introduction 4
II. Installation 7
A. Sampler Installation and Siting 7
III. Calibration 7
A. Equipment and Supplies 7
B. Procedure 7
IV. Standard Operating Prodedure 8
A. Equipment and Supplies 8
B. Sample Delivery to Field 8
C. Collection Event Set-up and Loading the PS-1 Sampling Head 9
D. Collection Event Set-up and Setting up the PS-1 10
E. Collection Event Recovery 11
F. Collection Event Recovery and Unloading the Sampling Head 11
V. Preventative Maintenance 14
A. Schedule 14
VI. Data Forms 14
A. ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet 15
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July 30, 2009
INTRODUCTION
This method is designed to simultaneously collect suspended airborne
particulates as well as trap Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) such as
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The Poly-Urethane Foam sampler (Figure 1), commonly known as the "PUF
sampler" is composed of an aluminum shelter, dual chamber sampling head, flow
venturi, magnehelic gauge, voltage variator / elapsed time indicator, blower
motor, exhaust hose, and seven-day skip timer.
The dual chamber sampling head (Figure 2), contains both filtering systems. The
upper chamber supports the 4" diameter Micro-Quartz particulate filter while the
lower chamber houses the glass cartridge that contains the PolyUrethane Foam
and XAD-2® for vapor entrapment.
The blower motor is manufactured with a by-pass and cooling fan to permit the
motor to operate at low sampling flow rates for periods of long duration without
motor failure from overheating. Optimum flow rate for the sampler is 0.225
m3/min. which yields a total volume of air sampled per 24 hours of greater than
300 m3.
The voltage variator adjusting screw alters the blower motor speed to achieve the
desired flow rate. The air flow rate is measured through the flow venturi utilizing
a 0-100" magnehelic gauge.
A seven-day skip timer is used to automatically initiate and terminate sampling at
preset times. The actual length of sampling is measured by the elapsed time
indicator. The whole assembly is housed in a specially designed aluminum
shelter that provides protection from precipitation while maintaining ample space
for air entering or leaving the sampler. The height of the shelter puts the air inlet
at about one meter above the grade.
This SOP is designed to be a step by step method for operating the sampler to
be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's operations manual;
http://www.tisch-env.com/tisch/pdf/te1000.PDF. Maintenance and
troubleshooting should be conducted using the Tisch; TE-PUF operations
manual.
Laboratory Analysis Methodology may be referenced by contacting the Eastern
Research Group (ERG) directly at 919-468-7800 or by email;
Julie.Swift(S)erg.com.
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July 30, 2009
FIGURE 1. Polyurethane Foam (PUF) Sampler
Magnenlic Gauge
0-100 in.
Exhaust Duct
(6 in. x 10 ft)
Sampling Head
see Figure 3)
Voltage Variator
Elapsed Time
Meter
7-Day Timer
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School Air Toxics, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
FIGURE 2. Sampling Head
- LOWER CANISTER
GLASS CARTRIDGE AND
-ADSORBENT
StLICONE RUBBER '
GASKET
FILTER HOLDER WITH
SUPPORT SCREEN
4" DIAMETER FILTER
FILTER RETAINING RING /
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II. INSTALLATION
A. Sampler Installation and Siting
Assemble the sampler as described in the Tisch Environmental, Inc. TE-PUF
Operations Manual shipped with the sampler which can also be found at;
http://www.tisch-env.com/tisch/pdf/te1000.PDF.
Check the sample site 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. The exhaust hose should be stretched out in a
down wind direction if possible.
Install the sampler on a reasonably level structure at a height between two
(2) and fifteen (15) meters above the ground.
Two skids of approximately one meter length may be attached parallel to the
legs of the sampler, and concrete blocks or sand bags may be placed on the
skids to prevent tipping of the sampler.
Connect the sampler to a grounded electrical outlet with 115 volts, and at
least 15 amp service. Protect the connector from precipitation by placing it
in the shelter 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.
III. CALIBRATION
A. Equipment and Supplies
Empty glass cartridge
Calibration kit containing; Manometer and orifice calibration unit
B. Procedure
For accurate data the hardware used to obtain this data must be checked
and calibrated. This includes the Sample Train which consists of the Dual
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July 30, 2009
Chamber Sampling Head Flow through venturi and also the magnehelic
gage. Calibration of the sampler is performed without a foam plug or filter
paper in the sampling head. However the empty glass cartridge must
remain in the head to insure a good seal through the head.
The procedure for calibration is described in the Tisch TE-PUF Operations
Manual shipped with the sampler which can also be found at;
http://www.tisch-env.com/tisch/pdf/te1000.PDF. The sample train must be
calibrated with an orifice calibration unit. The orifice calibration unit itself has
been calibrated against a positive displacement primary standard (Roots
Meter) so that it can be used to calibrate the sample train. The calibration
data sheet for the orifice calibration unit should be copied for safe keeping.
Data from this sheet will be required for calibration of the TE-PUF sampler.
Operators collecting SVOC samples should be familiar with the methodology
and calculations contained in EPA Compendium Method TO-13A
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Ambient
Air Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), which can
be found at; http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/airtox/to-13arr.pdf.
The orifice is generally calibrated once a year. However, before each use, it
should be inspected for visible signs of damage. A calibration check must
be made anytime the unit appears to have any nicks or dents.
IV. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
A. Equipment and Supplies
Logbook
Tubular Glass PUF/XAD-2 resin cartridge
110 mm diameter filter
Powderless gloves (example; VWR®MICROGRIP® PURPLE NITRILE®
Poly-Coated Powder-Free Gloves, Catalog # 40101-XXX for~$30 pkg. 100)
ERG sample paperwork
B. Sample Delivery to Field
The filter is packaged in a plastic petri dish sealed by wrapping it with Teflon
tape and placed in a zip lock bag along with the associated ASVOC Sample
Data Sheets (i.e., Chain of Custody (COC)) form. The ends of the glass
cartridge are sealed with Teflon/0-ring press-in caps, and the entire
cartridge is then wrapped in cleaned aluminum foil. The wrapped cartridge
is then inserted into a bubble wrap bag and packaged in a plastic screw lid
jar. The plastic jar and the zip lock bag containing the petri dish and COC
are placed in a small cooler with a Blue Ice brick(s) and shipped to the field
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site. Upon receipt at the site, the filter and the plastic jar should be removed
from the cooler and placed in a refrigerator with a maximum operating
temperature of 4BC, or in a freezer, until ready for use. The Blue Ice brick(s)
should be placed in a freezer until ready for re-use.
C. Collection Event Set-up and Loading the PS-1 Sampling Head
SETUP MUST BE PERFORMED ON THE DAY PRIOR TO THE
SAMPLING EVENT
The PS-1 Sampling Head can be loaded at the laboratory/office or at the
field site on the discretion of each program participant (agency). Regardless
of which approach is used, great care must be exercised to minimize the
potential for contaminating the collection media. Whether the media is
loaded at the laboratory/office or at the field site, it must be maintained at a
cool temperature while transporting the media to the site location for set-up.
The following instructions apply to loading the collection media into the PS-1
sampling head at an alternate location in the event of adverse weather
conditions:
1. Put on a pair of powder-free nitrile gloves
2. Separate the components of the sampling head. Unscrew the
Cartridge Holder from the Filter Holder Base by rotating in a counter-
clockwise direction. Detach the Filter Retaining Ring from the Filter
Holder by loosening the wing nuts on pivot screw posts and rotating
them downward from their associated tabs. Place the components on
a clean surface.
3. Remove the prepared sampling glass cartridge from it=s transport
packaging. Place the bubble wrap bag back in the plastic jar. Remove
the aluminum foil wrap from around the cartridge. Neatly fold the foil
and place it back in the plastic jar. Remove the Teflon/0-ring press-in
caps from the inlet and outlet ports of the glass cartridge and place
them back in the plastic jar.
4. Visually ensure that a silicone gasket is present in the bottom of the
Cartridge Holder. Insert the glass cartridge into the Cartridge Holder
ensuring that the fritted end is pointing downward.
5. Visually ensure that a silicone gasket is present in the outlet end of the
Filter Holder. Place the Filter Holder on top of the Cartridge Holder
and screw the 2 components together by rotating the Filter Holder in a
clockwise direction until the silicone gaskets barely seat against the
lips of the glass cartridge. At this point, rotate the Filter Holder just a
small amount further to seal the components; DO NOT OVER-
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July 30, 2009
TIGHTEN (over-tightening can cause the lips of the glass cartridge to
chip or the cartridge to crack).
6. Remove the Teflon tape from the outside of the petri dish. Using
cleaned Teflon coated forceps, gently pick up the filter media and
center it on the Filter Support Screen positioned at the inlet of the Filter
Holder. Immediately place the Teflon Gasket and Filter Retaining Ring
on top of the loaded filter, taking care to align the pivot screw posts on
the Filter Holder with the corresponding tabs on the Filter Retaining
Ring. Ensure the filter is installed between the upper and lower
Teflon® gaskets. Windy conditions can make this step tricky; try to
replace the hold down ring as quickly as possible so the filter is not
lost. If the filter is blown off the sampler; replace with a new filter. Lift
the pivot screw posts up into position and tighten the wing nuts until
they barely seat against the tabs. At this point, tighten each wing nut a
small amount and then move to the next one. Continue this process
until all of the wings nuts are hand tight.
7. If you are assembling the Sampling Head at the Laboratory/office, you
will need to install the filter protection cap as part of Step 6, and then
remove it at the site. You will also want to cover the outlet port of the
Sampling Head with cleaned aluminum foil.
8. Prepare sample paperwork. On the ERG SVOC Sample Data Sheet,
complete the "Field Setup" section which includes "Site Operator",
"Setup Date", "Collection Date", "System #", and "Elapsed Timer
Reset" fields.
D. Collection Event Set-up and Setting up the PS-1
1. Remove the pin from the latch on the top of the sampler housing and
open the top sampler cover/inlet. The top can be latched in the open
position from the rear.
2. Insure the throat quick-connect fitting gasket is installed correctly and
in good condition.
3. Place the sampling head quick-connect fitting into the throat quick-
connect fitting, using the levers, lock the connection. Ensure that the
levers are parallel with the sampling head and the "rings" do not
prevent the levers from completely closing.
7) Press the reset button (if equipped) on the elapsed time meter on the
sampler and record the reading of the timer on the ERG SVOC Sample
Data Sheet, under the "Elapsed Time, Start" section. The meter
should reset to all zeroes. If the timer is not equipped with a reset
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July 30, 2009
button record the current reading of the timer.
8) On the ERG SVOC Sample Data Sheet, record the ambient
temperature (°C) and barometric pressure (inches Hg) under the
"Elapsed Time, Start" section.
9) Check the zero reading on the magnehelic gauge. Close the roof of the
shelter and run the sampler for about 5 minutes to warm up the motor.
While the motor warms up, read and record the ambient temperature
and pressure.
10) Observe and record the magnehelic gauge reading on the PUF
Sample Form (Figure 3) and in the station logbook in the space
marked "Magnehelic Reading: Initial:". Note: the initial reading
should correspond to a flow rate of 0.226 m3/min ±10%. If reading
is outside of these limits adjust the ball valve or voltage variator
screw for proper flow rate.
11) Turn off the sampler and set the seven-day timer to sample from
midnight to midnight local time of the sampling day.
12) Record the Sample I.D., Batch #, Sampler I.D., Site I.D., County,
Operator, Sample Date, and running time (elapsed) meter reading on
the PUF Sample Form and in the logbook. (Be sure to record running
time (elapsed) meter reading in the "Time: (Minutes), Initial" space.)
E. Collection Event Recovery
1. After the sampling period, record the running time (elapsed) meter
reading in the "Time: (Minutes), Final" space on the form and in the
logbook. Check magnehelic gauge zero. Also read and record the
ambient temperature and pressure.
2. Turn the sampler on and allow the motor to warm up for 5 minutes, then
observe and record the magnehelic gauge reading on the PUF Sample
Form and in the station logbook in the space marked "Magnehelic
Reading: Final:".
F. Collection Event Recovery and Unloading the Sampling Head
The PS-1 Sampling Head can be unloaded at the laboratory/office or at the
field site on the discretion of each program participant (agency). Regardless
of which approach is used, great care must be exercised to minimize the
potential for contaminating the collection media when handling it. If the
sampling head is removed from the PS-1 and transported to the laboratory
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July 30, 2009
or office to replace the collection media, it must remain in an upright position.
This is to prevent particulate collected on the filter from falling off.
The following steps are associated with unloading the collection media from
the PS-1 sampling head:
1) Put on a pair of powder-free nitrile gloves. Note: A new set of gloves
should always be used between handing parts of the sampling head
(wing-nuts, the retaining ring, etc.) and the sampling media.
2) Unscrew the Cartridge Holder from the Filter Holder Base by
rotating in a counter-clockwise direction and place it on a clean
surface. Open the petri dish. Detach the Filter Retaining Ring from
the Filter Holder by loosening the wing nuts on pivot screw posts and
rotating them downward from their associated tabs. Lift the Filter
Retaining Ring and remove the filter sample from the Filter Holder
using cleaned Teflon coated forceps and place it in the open petri dish.
With a new set of clean gloves on, gently grasp the filter sample and
fold it in half so that the collected particulate from both halves is
pressed against each other. Now fold the filter in half again (i.e., quad-
fold) and place it in the petri dish. Re-seal the petri dish by wrapping it
with new Teflon tape.
3) Remove the retained aluminum foil, Teflon/0-ring press-in caps, and
bubble wrap bag from plastic transport jar.
4) Remove the glass cartridge sample from the Cartridge Holder. Insert
the Teflon/0-ring press-in caps into the cartridge inlet and outlet ports.
Wrap the glass cartridge sample in the retained aluminum foil, and
place it in the bubble wrap bag. Slide the bubble wrap bag (with the
cartridge sample) into the transport plastic jar and screw on the cap.
5) Using the current calibration for the motor and the appropriate
temperature range, convert the magnehelic readings to flow rate and
record on the form and in the logbook.
NOTE: Final flow rate must be within ±10% of the initial flow rate,
otherwise the sample is to be flagged.
6. Average the initial and final flow rates and record the average on the
form and in the logbook.
7. Subtract the initial running time meter reading from the final reading
and record the hours sampled in the appropriate space on the form
and in the logbook.
NOTE: Hours sampled must be between 23 to 25 hours.
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July 30, 2009
8. If the sample is defective, void it at this time by writing with big letters
VOID on the form along with a brief reason for voiding. Also enter
reason for voiding in the logbook, for example - power off, motor dead,
timer malfunction.
9. For data validation purposes the site operator must record information
concerning weather conditions and unusual site events that occur on
the sampling date.
The following information should be recorded in the appropriate spaces
on the record forms for transmittal with the samples.
Weather Conditions (sample date only).
Report newspaper, local airport report, and/or own observations
over the 24-hour sampling period. The report should include:
Temperatures (high-low), Precipitation (rain, snow, etc.), Sky
(clear/cloudy), Wind (calm/light/moderate/strong), and Wind
Direction.
Unusual Events
Report fires, tornadoes, dust storms, construction, demolition,
etc., that may have an impact at the site on the sampling date.
Use newspaper reports and own observations. The report
should include; type of event, sites in the area of the event,
distance and direction from site, date of occurrence, pictures of
the event if visible from site, weekly observations if event is on-
going, and date event ended.
10. At least one field filter/PUF blank must be returned to the laboratory
with each group of samples. A field blank is treated exactly as a
sample except that no air is drawn through the filter/PUF cartridge
assembly.
11. Place the completed COC and the sealed petri dish into a zip lock bag.
Place the zip lock bag and the transport plastic jar into the cooler
initially used to ship the media to the site. Place the frozen Blue Ice
brick(s) in the cooler and ship the cooler back to the ERG Laboratory
using overnight service. If the Sampling Head is transported back to
the laboratory/office for recovery, the media must be maintained at a
cool temperature while transporting, and protected from ultraviolet (UV)
light to prevent possible photo-decomposition of collected analytes.
Also, care must be taken to insure that the Sampling Head is
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School Air Toxics, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
transported in a vertical position with the filter pointing upward to
ensure that particulate matter is not dislodged from the filter and lost.
ALL SAMPLES MUST BE SHIPPED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER COLLECTION
IS COMPLETED BECAUSE THE EXTRACTION HOLD-TIME FOR THESE SAMPLES
IS 7 DAYS AFTER COLLECTION.
THE SAMPLES MUST REMAIN COLD SO ALL SHIPMENTS SHOULD BE MADE
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. BECAUSE SAMPLES ARE NOT DELIVERED ON
THE WEEKEND, NO SHIPMENTS SHOULD BE MADE ON FRIDAY.
V. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
A. Schedule
1. Weekly
a. Check power cords and plugs, repair or replace as necessary.
b. Check filter holder gasket for leakage, replace if worn.
c. Check shelter hinges for breaks or stiffness, repair if necessary.
d. Check tubing from Flow Venturi to Magnehelic gage for holes
and/or cracking.
VI. 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, SVOC / PAH SOP
July 30, 2009
Figure 3 SVOC Chain of Custody (COC)
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