The Mini-Partisol Model 2100 Air Sampler is a small, quiet, battery-, AC- or solar-operated sampling device for the collection of particulate matter (PM) or gases from ambient air.

The Mini-Partisol Model 2100 Air Sampler is a small, quiet, battery-, AC- or solar-operated sampling device for the collection of particulate matter (PM) or gases from ambient air. The sampler can also be configured as a speciation sampling platform. It contains the same advanced capabilities as other members of the Partisol Family of Air Samplers, including ActiVol flow control and conditional sampling by wind speed and/or direction.

Product Details

Applications
The device is well-suited for air sampling in indoor, industrial and outdoor environments. Its DC-capable operation provides the flexibility to collect high-quality samples even in areas without electrical power.

Technology
The samplers control cube contains up to 2 batteries to ensure 24 hour or longer operation. Sensors that measure the ambient temperature and pressure form the basis of the systems ActiVol flow control system. The sampler can be configured for use with a number of different sample collection systems, including single- or multi-stage filter packs (at 5 l/min) andChemComb Speciation Sampling Cartridges (at 10 l/min).Regulatory Status

The 5 l/min PM-2.5 and PM-10 sample inlets used with the sampler achieve PM cut point characteristics similar to the efficiency curves of USEPA reference-designated samplers.DetailsA Flexible Manual Sampling Platform...

The Mini-Partisol Air Sampler is a small, battery-, solar- or AC-operated sampling platform for indoor or outdoor particulate matter (PM) sampling applications. It can also be used as a stand-alone speciation sampler using R&PsChemComb Speciation Sampling Cartridges.

The device has many features in common with the other members of R&Ps Partisol Family of Air Samplers, such as ActiVol flow control, a wind vane/anemometer connection, and conditional sampling capabilities. The units control cube is made out of a sturdy metal construction to withstand transport and harsh environments.

System Configuration
The sampler is small in size. The control cube that forms the heart of the unit measures approximately 8 inches (20 cm) on a side. The control cube contains the system electronics and flow control, as well as up to two batteries. Its operation is very quiet, allowing for the use of the same sampling platform in both indoor and outdoor locations.

A bright 2-line vacuum fluorescent display provides good readability in outdoor environments. The units firmware provides a menu-driven user interface.

Front view of control cube, showing vacuum fluorescent display.

Sampling Hardware

Top- or bottom-mounted hardware is installed on the control cube to perform the type of sampling desired by the user.

Filter sampling configuration

Speciation sampling configuration

Filter Sampling

A top-mounted bracket containing a particle inlet and single- or multi-stage 47 mm filter holder is used for PM samplling. The sampler generally operates at 5 l/min in this configuration.

The filter holder can be configured to house a single FRM-style filter 47 mm cassette, or mulple cassettes in series through the addition of additional stages. Sample tube extensions can be added to extend the sampling line through the roof of an air monitoring station to an externally-located sampling inlet.

Single-stage filter holder with FRM-style cassette (left)

Three-stage filter with FRM-style cassettes (below)

To maintain sample integrity, R&P encourages users to transport the entire filter holder between the sampling site and the laboratory. Filter holder installation and removal is simple, and is performed by hand.

Exchange of filter holder

Size selective inlets developed by the Harvard School of Public Health are available for PM-2.5 andPM-10 sampling, and operate at a flow rate of 5 l/min.

Speciation Sampling

A bottom-mounted bracket houses one of R&PsChemComb Model 3500 Speciation Sampling Cartridges, which are available in a number of configurations for gaseous and/or PM sampling. The sampler operates at a 10 l/min flow rate in this configuration.

ChemComb Cartridge denuder section

ChemComb Cartridge filter sectionn

Sample Programming

Users can program the Mini-Partisol Air Sampler in a number of ways. The unit can be set to begin sampling immediately for a specified length of time. Or users can prescribe a starting time, date and sampling duration.

In both cases, sampling can be performed either on a continuous basis during the sampling period (default), or conditionally depending upon the wind direction. The unit can be programmed, for example, to turn on its pumping system if the wind direction is between 10 and 105 degrees. This feature can be useful in source apportionment applications.

Flow Control

The Mini-Partisol Air Sampler contains two DC-powered pumps to accommodate a wide range of flow rate settings from 2 to 10.9 l/min. The unit also has two mass flow sensors to determine the flow through each pump. The sampler actively maintains a constant volumetric flow rate by adjusting the target mass flow rate in response to the measured ambient temperature and pressure.

Data Handling

Users can program the sampler to operate for up to one week at a time. An internal buffer has a capacity of 10 filter data records. Input data containing meteorological and operational information are stored every 30 minutes of operation. An RS232 port provides access to current or stored data. An optional modem allows for the remote retrieval of information. A contact closure opens when the measured flow rate deviates from the flow rate set point by more than 10%.

Solar Power Configurations

for information on solar power configurations available for the Mini-Partisol Model 2100 Air Sampler.

Filter Analyses and Support Services
For commercial and network users of the Partisol Air Sampler, IML Air Science provides quality-assured filter weighing and analysis services using NIST-traceable analytical equipment. In addition to offering pre- and post-collection gravimetric analyses of Partisol filters, IML can also identify chemical constituents including carbon, metals, sulfates, and nitrates.