Introduction
Overview
1-2
Partisol 2000
i
and Partisol 2000
i
-D Instruction Manual
Thermo Fisher Scientific
The Partisol 2000
i
-D Sampler (
Figure 1–2
) operates by splitting a PM
10
sample stream into its fine (PM
2.5
) and coarse fractions (particles between 2.5
and 10 microns in size) using a U.S. EPA designed virtual impactor for the
2.5 micron cutpoint. The system collects particulate matter on two 47 mm
diameter filters simultaneously. Users can determine the coarse and fine
particle fractions by weighing the two corresponding collection filters and
PM
10
is determined by adding the totals of the fine and coarse PM fractions.
The simultaneous sampling of fine and coarse PM can be important for
source identification, since these particle size fractions often have different
origins, elemental analysis of the filters can reveal information concerning the
sources of the collected particles, differentiated by particle size.
Both the Partisol 2000
i
and 2000
i
-D sample using standard 47 mm filters
and a variety of filter materials are available in this size. The type of filter
media used for sampling depends on the specific requirements of the samples
being collected. For PM
2.5
and PM
coarse
sampling the U.S. EPA requires the
use of Teflon® filters, while PM
10
sampling is typically performed using
TX40, quartz fiber, or Teflon filters. Other agencies may require the use of
different media for regulatory sampling and other media is available for
special applications.
The updated design of the samplers utilizes a common enclosure and other
components to simplify the use and servicing of the samplers. The two
samplers contain straightforward filter changer mechanisms for easy filter
exchange, microprocessor control with internal data storage. A built-in
sample pump provides the vacuum required to pull the air flow through the
sample filters and mass flow controllers. The mass flow controllers are
controlled as an active volumetric flow control system to maintain constant
volumetric flow at the sampler inlet as required by the U.S. EPA.
As with other manual sampling devices, the filters used in the Partisol 2000
i
and 2000
i
-D Samplers must be conditioned and weighed before exposure,
and then conditioned and weighed again after use to determine the mass of
the particulate matter collected during the sample exposure time. The
Partisol hardware stores the data relevant to each collection period in its
internal data logger for viewing and/or retrieval after the fact. Such
information includes the total volume sampled (computed in both
volumetric and standard terms to comply with different regulations around
the world), total collection time, and the average ambient temperature and
pressure during the collection period. In addition, the device stores interval
data records every five minutes to keep a record of the temperature of the
ambient air and sample filter.
