Air Sampler Operations Guide
Air Sampler Operations Guide
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TE-5170DV-BL TSP VFC
We are the experts in high volume air sampling, lead sampling, lead samplers, particulate monitoring,
particulate emissions, pesticide monitoring, pesticide sampling, total suspended particles, particulate
sampler, Federal Reference Method PM-10, Federal Reference Method PM2.5, EPA Method TO-4A,
EPA Method TO-9A, EPA Method TO-13A. TEI is a family business located in the Village of Cleves,
Ohio. TEI employs skilled personnel who average over 20 years of experience each in the design,
manufacture, and support of air pollution monitoring equipment. Our modern well-equipped factory,
quality philosophy and experience have made TEI the supplier of choice for air pollution monitoring
equipment. Now working on the fourth generation, TEI has state-of-the-art manufacturing capability and
is looking into the future needs of today's environmental professionals.
Assistance
sales@tisch-env.com
www.Tisch-Env.com
Introduction _______________________________________________________________________ 6
EPA Standards ___________________________________________________________________________ 6
Safety Precautions _______________________________________________________________________ 6
Important Safety Instructions ______________________________________________________________ 6
Electrical Installation _____________________________________________________________________ 7
Do Not Abuse Cords ______________________________________________________________________ 7
Extension Cords__________________________________________________________________________ 7
Assembly _________________________________________________________________________ 13
Gabled Roof Assembly ___________________________________________________________________ 14
Electrical Set-Up ________________________________________________________________________ 16
Operations________________________________________________________________________ 17
Calibration Procedure ____________________________________________________________________ 17
Example Calculations ____________________________________________________________________ 22
Sampler Operation ______________________________________________________________________ 29
Timer Preparation _______________________________________________________________________ 31
Troubleshooting ___________________________________________________________________ 33
Maintenance and Care ______________________________________________________________ 35
Warranty _________________________________________________________________________ 36
Assembly Drawings_________________________________________________________________ 37
EPA Standards
The following manual will instruct you in the unpacking, assemblage, operation,
calibration, and usage of the corresponding Tisch Environmental product. For
information on air sampling principles, procedures and requirements and to ensure
compliance with government regulations please contact the local Environmental
Protection Agency Office serving your area or visit www.epa.gov.
Safety Precautions
Read and understand all instructions. Do not dispose of these instructions. Failure to follow all
instruction listed in this manual may result in electric shock, fire, and/or personal injury. When using an
electrical device, basic precautions must always be followed, including the precautions listed in the
safety section of this manual. Never operate this unit in the presence of flammable materials or vapors
are present as electrical devices may produce arcs or sparks that can cause fire or explosions. Always
disconnect power supply before attempting to service or remove any components. Never immerse
electrical parts in water or any other liquid. Always avoid body contact with grounded surfaces when
plugging or unplugging this device is wet or dangerous conditions.
Installation must be carried out by specialized personal only, and must adhere to all local safety rules.
This unit can be used for different power supply versions; before connecting this unit to the power line,
always check if the voltage shown on the serial number tag corresponds to the one on your power
supply. This product does use grounded plugs and wires. Grounding provides the path of least resistance
for electrical currents, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock to users. This system is equipped with
electrical cords with internal ground wires and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a
matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and
ordinances. Do not modify the plug provided. If plug will not fit outlet, have the proper corresponding
outlet installed by a professional, qualified electrician.
In the event that any electrical component of this system needs to be transported, DO NOT carry the
unit by its power cord or unplug the unit by yanking the cord from the outlet. Pull the plugs, not the
cords, to reduce risk of damage to unit. Keep all cords away from heat, oil, sharp objects, and moving
parts.
Extension Cords
It is always advisable to use the shortest extension cord possible. Grounded units require a three-wire
extension cord. As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge extension
cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wires results in serious changes in voltage, resulting
in a loss of power and possible damage to equipment. It is recommended to only use 10-gauge extension
cords for this product. Never use cords that exceed one hundred feet. Outdoor extension cords must be
marked with the suffix “W-A” (or “W” in Canada)to indicate that it is suitable for outdoor usage.
Always ensure that extension cords are properly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace
damaged extension cords immediately, or seek repair from qualified electricians before further use.
Remember to protect extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet conditions.
Introduction
The High Volume Air Sampler (also known as a lead sampler) is the recommended
instrument for sampling large volumes of air for the collection of TSP (Total
Suspended Particulate). The physical design of the sampler is based on aerodynamic
principles that result in the collection of particles of 100 microns (Stokes Equivalent
Diameter) and less. The TE-5170DV-BL TSP VFC sampler consists of a TE-5001
Anodized Aluminum Shelter, TE-5001-10 Gabled Roof Assembly, TE-5070-BL
Brushless Blower Motor Assembly, TE-5003V 8”x10” Stainless Steel Filter Holder with
pressure tap, TE-5030 30” Water Manometer, TE-10618 Male Stagnation fitting, TE-
5009 Continuous flow/pressure recorder, TE-10557TSP-BL Volumetric Flow
Controller, and TE-303 Digital Timer/Elapsed Time Indicator(110volt installations
require TE-10965 step up transformer..
Applications
Ambient air monitoring to determine suspended particulate levels relative to air
quality standards.
Calibration Requirements
TE-5170DV-BL TSP VFC High Volume Air Sampler should be calibrated:
Upon installation
After any motor maintenance
Once every quarter (three months)
After 360 sampling hours
The TE-5028 is the calibration kit available for use with the TE-5170DV-BL TSP VFC
High Volume Air Sampler.
The TE-5028 is the preferred method to calibrate the TE-5170DV-BL VFC TSP High
Volume Air Sampler. It simulates change in the resistance by merely rotating the knob
on the top of the calibrator. The infinite resolution lets the technician select the desired
flow resistance. The TE-5028 calibration kit includes: carrying case, 30” slack tube
water manometer, adapter plate, 3’ piece of tubing, and TE-5028A orifice with flow
calibration certificate. Optional electronic manometer is available.
** It is recommended by the EPA that each calibrator should be re-calibrated annually. (1998
Code of Federal Regulations Parts 50 to 51, Appendix B to Part 50, Reference Method for the
Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere, 9.2.5 page 29.)
Digital Timer
TE-303 110volt
Filter Holder
TE-5003V
Gabled Roof
TE-5001-10
*** Save the shipping containers and packing material for future use.
1. Open shelter box and remove Anodized Aluminum Shelter, TE-5003V Filter Holder
with TE-5005-9 gasket, TE-5030 30” Water Manometer, male tube fitting, and TE-
5070-BL VFC Brushless Blower Motor Assembly with VFC attached.
2. Open lid box and remove 5001-10 Roof (for roof assembly see below),
4. Lower Filter Holder, VFC, and Brushless Blower Motor down through top support
pan on shelter.
5. Connect clear tubing from bulkhead fitting to pressure tap on side of filter holder.
6. Connect black tubing from TE-5070-BL to pressure fitting on the bottom of the TE-
5009 chart recorder.
7. For 110 volt installations only, install power transformer to bottom pan of
shelter using the (4) ¼-20 bolts and nuts supplied with the transformer.
The following steps are accompanied by pictures to aid your understanding of gabled
roof assembly. Please be aware that the pictures are standardized and may not
match the equipment that you are using. The gabled roof is used on both TSP and PUF
models, and the assembly procedure is the same for both products.
Lid Hardware
5 pcs 10-24 x 1/2 pan head screws
5 pcs 10-24 stop nuts
1 pc 6-32 x 3/8 pan head screw
1 pc 6-32 hex nut
1 pc 20" chain with “S” hook
1 pc TE-5001-10-9 roof back catch
1 pc TE-5001-10-10 front catch
1 pc TE-5001-10-11 rear lid hasp
Step 1
Secure TE-5001-10-10 front catch to the shelter using 2 10-
24 pan head screws with stop nuts. *Do not tighten
completely, this may need to be adjusted after final
assembly*
Step 2
Secure TE-5001-10-9 roof back catch to the back of shelter
using #6-32 pan head screw with stop nut.
Step 3
Secure TE-5001-10-11 rear lid hasp inside the lid with the
slot angled up using (2) #10-24 pan head screws with stop
nuts. *Do not tighten completely, this may need to be
adjusted after final assembly*
Step 6
Attach the chain and “S” hook assembly to the side of the
shelter with a #6-32 x 3/8” pan head screw.
Step 7
The Lid can now be secured in an open or closed position
with the “S” hook.
The TE-5070-BL Brushless Blower Motor male cord set plugs into the Transformer
Female cord set.
The Transformer male cord set plugs into the female relay switch cord.
The male cord set on the relay switch is to be plugged into 110 volt line power.
The other female cord set on timer (on the right) is hot all the time and plugs into
the TE-5009 Continuous Flow Recorder male cord set.
The male cord set of timer plugs into the line voltage.
Calibration Procedure
The following is a step by step process of the calibration of a TE-5170V Volumetric Flow Controlled
TSP Particulate Sampling System. Following these steps are example calculations determining the
calibration flow rates for the sampler. The air flow through these types of sampling systems is controlled
by a Volumetric Flow Controller (VFC) or dimensional venturi device.
This calibration differs from that of a mass flow controlled TSP sampler in that a slope and intercept
does not have to be calculated to determine air flows. Also, the calibrator orifice Qactual slope and
intercept from the orifice certification worksheet can be used here, unlike a mass flow controlled TSP
where Qstandard slope and intercept are used. The flows are converted from actual to standard
conditions when the particulate concentrations are calculated. With a Volumetric Flow Controlled
(VFC) sampler, the calibration flow rates are provided in a Flow Look Up Table that accompanies each
sampler.
The attached example calibration worksheet uses a TE-5028A Variable Orifice Calibrator which uses an
adjustable or variable orifice, which we recommend when calibrating a VFC.
Step 1: Mount the calibrator orifice and top loading adapter plate to the sampler. A sampling filter is
generally not used during this procedure. Tighten the top loading adapter hold down nuts securely for
this procedure to assure that no air leaks are present.
Step 2: Turn on the sampler and allow it to warm up to its normal operating temperature.
Step 3: Conduct a leak test by covering the holes on top of the orifice and pressure tap on the orifice
with your hands. Listen for a high-pitched squealing sound made by escaping air. If this sound is heard,
a leak is present and the top loading adapter hold-down nuts need to be re-tightened.
Avoid running the sampler for longer than 30 seconds at a time with the orifice blocked. This will
reduce the chance of the motor overheating. Also, never try this leak test procedure with a manometer
Step 4: Connect one side of a water manometer or other type of flow measurement device to the
pressure tap on the side of the orifice with a rubber vacuum tube. Leave the opposite side of the
manometer open to the atmosphere.
Step 5: Connect a water manometer to the quick disconnect located on the side of the aluminum outdoor
shelter (this quick disconnect is connected to the pressure tap on the side of the filter holder).
Step 6: Make sure the TE-5028A orifice is all the way open (turn the black knob counter clock-wise).
Record both manometer readings, the one from the orifice and the other from the side of the sampler. To
read a manometer one side goes up and the other side goes down, you add both sides, this is your inches
of water. Repeat this process for the other four points by adjusting the knob on the variable orifice (just a
slight turn) to four different positions and taking four different readings. You should have five sets of
numbers, ten numbers in all.
Step 7: Remove the variable orifice and the top loading adapter and install a clean filter. Set your timer.
Step 8: Record the ambient air temperature, the ambient barometric pressure, the sampler serial number, the
orifice serial number, the orifice Qactual slope and intercept with date last certified, todays date, site
location and the operators initials.
One example calibration sheet and one blank calibration sheet are attached to this manual. To download
the electronic spreadsheet, please visit www.tisch-env.com (download the TE-5170V High Vol TSP
VFC with G-Factor excel spreadsheet). It is highly recommended to download the electronic excel
spreadsheet and use spreadsheet features to complete calculations. (If you do not have a G Factor then
go to “TE-5170V High Vol. TSP” excel spreadsheet on web site and then go to page 22)
Site Information
Location The location of the instrument
Date Current Date
Tech Technician performing the calibration
Serial # Serial number of the instrument, Pxxxx
VFC G The g-factor of the VFC you are calibrating. This can be found on the
Factor lookup table documentation (first page of this doc) or the sticker
located on the VFC.
Ambient Conditions
Temp (Deg Enter the current ambient temperature at calibration, Ta in
Calibration Information
Orifice The pressure measured at the orifice port using a manometer. The first point should
“H20 be performed with the orifice knob turned counter-clockwise or wide open, then four
consecutive points turning the orifice knob clockwise (not closed)
Good idea to take a few extra points here.
Sampler The pressure measured at the sampler side port using a manometer
“H20 (clear tubing that is connect to bulk head fitting that is connected to
side of filter holder)
1 𝑇𝑎
𝑄𝑎 = 𝑥 √"𝐻20𝑥 ( ) − 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑃𝑎
The calculated flow in m3/min will be calculated using the g-factor formula, this flow will correspond to the flow
found in the lookup table supplied with the VFC.
As per stated in the method IO-2.1, % Difference calculations should be less than +-4%
3. To calculate the total air volume during the sample enter the following
information:
Using the g-factor formula, Po/Pa will be calculated and an average flow rate of the sample will be calculated in
m3/min. Using this information the total sample volume will be calculated.
An example of a Volumetric Flow Controlled Sampler Calibration Data Sheet has been attached with
data filled in from a typical calibration. This includes the transfer standard orifice calibration
relationship which was taken from the Orifice Calibration Worksheet that accompanies the calibrator
orifice. The slope and intercept are taken from the Qactual section of the Orifice Calibration Worksheet.
The first step is to convert the orifice readings to the amount of actual air flow they represent using the
following equation:
Qa = 1/m[Sqrt((H2O)(Ta/Pa))-b]
where:
Qa = actual flow rate as indicated by the calibrator orifice, m3/min
H2O = orifice manometer reading during calibration, in. H2O
Ta = ambient temperature during calibration, K ( K = 273 + °C)
Pa = ambient barometric pressure during calibration, mm Hg
m = slope of Q actual orifice calibration relationship
b = intercept of Q actual orifice calibration relationship.
The sampler H2O readings need to be converted to mm Hg and recorded in the column titled Pf. This is
done using the following equation:
where: Pf is recorded in mm Hg
in. H2O = sampler side pressure reading during calibration.
Po/Pa is calculated next. This is used to locate the sampler calibration air flows found in the Look Up
Table. This is done using the following equation:
Po/Pa = 1 - Pf/Pa
Using Po/Pa and the ambient temperature during the calibration, consult the Look Up Table to find the
actual flow rate. Record these flows in the column titled Look Up.
Calculate the percent difference between the calibrator flow rates and the sampler flow rates using the
following equation:
The EPA guidelines state that the percent difference should be within + or - 3 or 4%. If they are greater
than this a leak may have been present during calibration and the sampler should be recalibrated.
Example Calculations
After all the sampling site information, calibrator information, and meteorological information have
been recorded on the worksheet, actual air flows need to be determined from the orifice manometer
readings taken during the calibration using the following equation:
1. Qa = 1/m[Sqrt((H2O)(Ta/Pa))-b]
where:
Note that the ambient temperature is needed in degrees Kelvin to satisfy the Qa equation. Also, the
barometric pressure needs to be reported in millimeters of mercury (if sea level barometric pressure is
used it must be corrected to the site elevation). In our case the two following conversions may be
needed:
Inserting the numbers from the calibration worksheet test number one we get:
It is possible that your answers to the above calculations may vary. This is most likely due to different
calculators carrying numbers to different decimal points. This should not be an area of concern as
generally these variations are slight.
where:
17. Pf is recorded in mm Hg
18. in. H2O = sampler side pressure reading during calibration
19. Pf = 25.4(6.4/13.6)
20. Pf = 25.4(.4705882)
21. Pf = 11.95294 mm Hg
Use Po/Pa and the ambient temperature during the calibration (Ta) to locate the flow for the calibration
point in the Look Up table. Record this in the column titled Look Up. Calculate the percent difference
using the following equation:
It is possible that your answers to the above calculations may vary. This is most likely due to different
calculators carrying numbers to different decimal points. This should not be an area of concern as
generally these variations are slight.
Temperature: Ta = 20 oC
3. Measure filter pressure differential, Pf. This reading is the set-up reading plus pick-up reading
divided by 2 for an average reading. This is taken with a differential manometer with one
side of the manometer connected to the stagnation tap on the filter holder (or the Bulkhead
Fitting) and the other side open to the atmosphere. Filter must be in place during this
measurement.
Assume that:
Pf = 26.69 mm Hg
Po/Pa = 1 - (Pf/Pa)
Po/Pa = .964
Ta = 20oC
Po/Pa = .964
Temperature oC
Po/Pa 20 22 24 26 28
0.961 1.250 1.254 1.258 1.261 1.265
0.962 1.251 1.255 1.259 1.263 1.266
0.963 1.253 1.256 1.260 1.264 1.268
0.964 1.254 1.258 1.262 1.265 1.269
0.965 1.255 1.259 1.263 1.267 1.271
0.966 1.257 1.261 1.264 1.268 1.272
If your Po/Pa number is not in look up table ie; >.979 then interpolate.
If your Po/Pa number is not in look up table ie; >.979 then interpolate.
2. Carefully center a new filter, rougher side up, on the supporting screen. Properly
align the filter on the screen so that when the frame is in position the gasket will
form an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.
3. Secure the filter with the frame, brass bolts, and washers with sufficient pressure
to avoid air leakage at the edges (make sure that the plastic washers are on top of
the frame).
4. Wipe any dirt accumulation from around the filter holder with a clean cloth.
5. Close shelter lid carefully and secure with the "S" hook.
6. Make sure all cords are plugged into their appropriate receptacles and the rubber
tubing between the blower motor pressure tap and the TE-5009 continuous flow
recorder is connected (be careful not to pinch tubing when closing door).
a. Clean any excess ink and moisture on the inside of recorder by wiping with a
clean cloth.
b. Depress pen arm lifter to raise pen point and carefully insert a fresh chart.
c. Carefully align the tab of the chart to the drive hub of the recorder and press
gently with thumb to lower chart center onto hub. Make sure chart is placed
under the chart guide clip and the time index clip so it will rotate freely without
binding. Set time by rotating the drive hub clock-wise until the correct time on
chart is aligned with time index pointer.
9. At the end of the sampling period, remove the frame to expose the filter. Carefully
remove the exposed filter from the supporting screen by holding it gently at the
ends (not at the corners). Fold the filter lengthwise so that sample touches sample.
10. It is always a good idea to contact the lab you are dealing with to see how they may
suggest you collect the filter and any other information that they may need.
The TE-303 has 3 built in ETI’s; one ETI is to track motor life, one for calibration
frequency, and one for user based events. The ETI’s can be reset at any time and also
have a feature that allows the user set alert reminders for tracking motor life,
calibration frequency or user based event.
The TE-303 digital timer is equipped with a manual motor control feature.
This feature allows the user to turn the motor (or whatever is plugged into the AC
out timed cord) to be turned on/off without using the timer.
*note: this is a general troubleshooting guide, not all problem may apply to every sampler*
Problem Solution
-Check Motor brushes(Change every 500 hours)
-Check Motor(Should be replaced after 2 brush changes about
1500 hours)
-Check power supply
Brush Motor Won’t Turn On -Ensure that all electrical connections are secure
-Make sure timer is on
-Make sure flow controller(if applicable) is adjusted properly
-Check for loose or damaged wires
A regular maintenance schedule will allow a monitoring network to operate for longer
periods of time without system failure. Our customers may find that the adjustments in
routine maintenance frequencies are necessary due to the operational demands on
their sampler(s). We recommend that the following cleaning and maintenance
activities be observed until a stable operating history of the sampler has been
established.
1. Make sure all gaskets (including motor cushion) are in good shape and that they
seal properly.
2. The power cords should be checked for good connections and for cracks (replace
if necessary).
4. Inspect the filter holder frame gasket each sample period and make sure of an
airtight seal.