PM10 and PM2.5 sampling in accordance with EN-12341:2014 requirements
The high-volume sampler considered as “reference sampler” is the same used in EPA directive (see section 40 Part 50.11) for the same application. With regard to medium-volume samplers, the recommended impactor is - in this case as well - the one directly referred to in section A of the above mentioned EPA directive (Annex A). These PM10 and PM2,5 impactors obtained the certification of compliance with TUV Rheinland Institute.
The sequential sampler for PM10 and PM2,5 particles consists in a system contained in an epoxy-coated, climate-resistant aluminum structure including sampling unit, flow controller and precision mechanical components for the handling of up to sixteen 47mm filters, housed in inert-material filter holders.
It is provided with twin head vacuum pump, with free blowing air volume up to 50 l/min capable of maintaining the sampling conditions constantly to 38,3 l/min in accordance with regulation.

Technical features
- High-efficiency vacuum pump, 5m3/h
- Electronically-controlled constant flow, accuracy +/-2%
- Application range between 5 and 50 l/min
- Sampling volume monitored by an embedded volumetric meter, accuracy +/-2%
- Sampling flow monitored by a precision electronic device, Mass-Flow +/-1%
- Barometric Pressure Sensor and temperature sensors at the flow meter, at the sampling point (filter holder), for ambient temperature detection and temperature monitoring in the storage area of sampled filters.
- Setting and monitoring of the sampling flow standard deviation with stop mode in case of excessive pressure drops and related display during sampling phases.
- Different types of sampling sequences can be optionally set for sampling time or volumes, for one day or up to 16 days. Program conditions can be optionally changed during the sampling phases through real-time resetting.
- Calculation of the temperature difference between external environment and sampling filter
- Instrument control settings, including leak test and monitoring of quantity measuring sensors, fault alarms settable as well. Filter pressure drop monitoring during sampling through the measurement of the differential pressure.
- Connection with a sensor for the detection of wind speed and direction (optional), and for rainfall detection (optional).
- RS232 data output for data download on SDC2000™ software (included with sampler delivery)
- Data storage in memory and further data transfer through removable USB device. This device allows also electronic board firmware upgrade.
- Serial printer embedded in front panel; it can provide a printout of the average and absolute data of the sampling parameters at the end of each sampling cycle.
- Designed for use with GSM/GPRS modem (optional modem) for sampling remote management and for programming of sampling phases directly from your PC (tab manager optional)
- Storage of sampling data in case of power failure with sampling restart after main power is restored (the event will be reported in the final summary).
- Automatic device for filter exchange with fault alert for blockage of the mechanism based on a single stepper motor

Cooling Device for filter holder housing
The DusctCheck DPM16 sequential sampler consists in two compartments, physically separated and insulated with innovative polyurethane closed-cell materials. The reference standard requires the temperature of the sampled filters to be kept to a value not exceeding 23°C.
This feature can be reached thanks to a dry cooling device, capable of adjusting and keeping the temperature constant in the storage compartment of the sampled filters, allowing filters to be properly preserved at the desired conditions.

Sampling accessories
Dustcheck DPM 16 sampler can be associated, for proper use, with different types of accessories such as impactors/pre-selectors or for calibration. At the time of the instrument purchase, the correct accessories (not included in the basic instrument) must be selected for use. These are:

Delta Cal-Mesa Lab certified flow calibrator
DeltaCal Calibrator is the first continuous volumetric flow calibrator giving a direct indication of volumetric flow rate, standard flow rate, barometric pressure, ambient temperature and filter temperature in one instrument.
It has been developed to test and calibrate PM10 and PM2,5 sampling systems in compliance with US EPA and CEN requirements. Three different flow rates for three different applications in the field of the environmental air pollution control.

Leak test
CEN and EPA standards require PM10 and PM2,5 samplers to be leak tested over the entire suction pipeline. More specifically, EN 12341:2014 part 5.1.7.1 standard requires that the leak tightness of connections should be checked over the entire pneumatic line of the sampler.
This test provides for the removal of the impactor, being clear that it would be difficult to perform the test if this device was mounted. DPM16 sampler makes use of an automatic internal device to perform the leak test, so as to allow users to perform the test at any time, before or after sampling.

Filter Membranes for PM10 and PM2,5 sampling
The four types of filter membranes that can be used for the sampling of PM10 and PM2,5 fine particulate are reported under paragraph 5.1.4 of the above mentioned standard. One of the main conditions is linked to the separation efficiency required per category of materials. The requested value is 99,5% for a particle size of 0,3μm. All membranes proposed in this catalogue comply with this requisite. The filter media allowed for sampling use are: quartz fiber and glass fiber, provided that they are free from binders that could interfere in chemical analyses for metals, IPA, PTFE and Teflon-coated synthetic fibers. The above mentioned standard, specifies the conditions and the tests needed to check for integrity at the end of the various handling phases, filter holder loading and unloading, transport of the sample to the laboratory and conditioning with final weighing.
In this situation, microfiber filters present some undesirable features linked to their composition and to the origin of materials. The best choice from the point of view of integrity is PTFE, preferably if supported by a rigid sealing ring. PTFE filter could risk a strong back pressure caused by sample and moisture overload due to its intrinsic hydrophobic properties, under specific environmental conditions and with high air humidity. This event could ultimately affect the constancy of the flow rate, a fundamental rule for the correct use of impactors. PTFE membranes are optionally available with individually numbered and sequenced sealing ring. This option allows users to better identify the different samples. AMS Analitica offers a full range of filters to be used for the sampling of PM10 and PM2,5 particles, as follows:

PM10 and PM2,5 sampling with Selective Wind Monitoring
Dustcheck DPM16 sampler can be interfaced with a combined sensor for wind speed and direction detection (optional). The user can choose between two types of sensors: a traditional one with mechanical elements and a second one with a speed and direction detection device with ultrasonic sensors.
The user will be able to set the sampling by setting via software the area of origin on a dial scale 0°-360° after connecting the sensors to the sampler and after selecting the desired type of sensor (mechanical or ultrasonic).
Additionally, the user will be able to set the minimum speed allowed to start sampling in automatic mode, stopping it once the wind event will be concluded. The kit includes 2m pole, floor stand, sensor and 5m connection cable to the sampler.

The PM10 and PM2,5 sequential sampler DustCheck DPM16 has been designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of EN-12341:2014 European regulation in addition to US-EPA Cfr.40 compliance (if equipped with US-EPA impactor unit). It is housed in an epoxy-coated insulated aluminum structure and can work in adverse climatic conditions.

Additional components for PM10 and PM2,5 sampling according to EN-12341-2014 regulation:
Constant-flow high-volume samplers
Before the unification of the rules dealing specifically with the monitoring of PM fraction, the references to the legislation respectively concerning PM10 fraction with EN-12341:1996 and PM2,5 fraction with EN-14907:2005
were two.
The first version of EN12341 (B2) and the corresponding version of EN14907 (5.1) provide the two alternative applications for low-volume sampling through high-volume samplers.
These samplers, while respecting the same requirements set by legislation, ensure the possibility of obtaining a higher volume of sample in the same sampling delay.
This option ensures optimal results for what concerns the sensitivity of the analysis, particularly in those situations where very low limit values established by the law for single pollutant have to be dealt with.
AMS Analitica, through AirFlow™HVS sampler models, manufacture both systems dedicated to PM10 and PM2,5 high-volume sampling, in compliance with the requirements of the respective standards.
Both methods have been confirmed by 2014 upgrade, making AMS Analitica the company that offers the most complete solution of its kind on the market at the moment.

To learn more:  AirFlow PM10 HVS e AirFlow PM2,5 HVS


Certified PM Impactors
AMS Analitica manufacture and offer a large variety of sampling inlets and cyclones. We can considera s follow:

• PM inlets with inertial impactors with EN-12341:2014 compliance
• PM inlets with inertial impactors and cyclones with US EPA compliance

PM impactors with EN 12341:2014 compliance
The European regulation offer two different options to collect fine particles in air with a filter media: one in a standard low volume flow rate and another one with high volume sampling devices. AMS Analitica manufacture all these kind of impactors and received the official accreditation from TUV Rheinland laboratory. All parts are in anodized aluminum to resist at strong atmospheric conditions. The following chart show the EN impactors features and part numbers.

PM impactors with US EPA compliance
US EPA has a different way to collect PM suspended particles.
Different inlets and different flow rates: 16,7 liters per minute. Originally US EPA has detected as ideal impactor for PM2,5 raction a WINS impactor, small in line impactor connected directly to PM10 down tube. In the last year a different approach move to a big change, from an impactor to a Sharp Cut Cyclone.
AMS offer an accredited sharp cut cyclone to replace the Wins impactor. Cyclone has better performance and less ambient influence compared to the WINS. Sharp Cut cyclone can fitted in any DustCheck DPM ambient sampler.