E-frm Reference Method Particulate Sampler Operation Manual

SITE SELECTION and SETUP2Use the following information to correctly assemble, configure, and deploy the E-FRMsampler. Installation of the sampler should ideally be performed by personnel familiar withenvironmental monitoring equipment. There are no special precautions or handling concernsexcept for the normal level of care required for handling scientific equipment. Refer to theinstructions and diagrams on the following pages.When unpacking a new instrument, verify that the contents are undamaged. If the shippingcartons are damaged, notify the carrier immediately. Verify that the included accessories arecorrect and complete. If anything is missing, contact the technical service department atservice@metone.com or (541) 471-7111. See the Accessories section at the back of thismanual for more details. The normal configuration of the instrument is supplied with thefollowing standard accessories: Main weatherproof instrument enclosure with quick deployment aluminum standRemovable pump box module with built-in power supply and flow monitoring/control.BX-802 EPA Pattern PM10 inlet.Pass-through adapter for PM10 sampling.One 47 mm filter cassette assembly.PTFE sample filters.Leak test valve.Inlet tube.Ambient temperature sensor with solar gill shield.Serial communications cable.Instruction manual.The following optional accessories may or may not also be included, depending on the order: Non-reference cyclones for PM2.5 or PM1 cut-points.BX-808 BGI VSCC PM2.5 cyclone.BX-809 URG-2000-30EGN PM2.5 cyclone.Extra 47 mm filter holders or filters.2.1 Site Selection and Inlet Positioning CriteriaSelection of a proper site for the sampler is critical for accurate measurements. These itemsmust be correctly addressed in order for the collected data to be acceptable for regulatoryrequirements, such as EPA PM10 or PM2.5 data reporting.Specifications for site selection and inlet positioning for FRM samplers can be found in UnitedStates regulation 40 CFR, Part 58, Appendix D and E. There are also a variety of EPAguidance documents and quality assurance documents which describe site criteria in detail.In any case, the Code of Federal Regulations takes precedence. Site selection and inletposition criteria may vary in other countries.Note: The sampler location may consist of an elevated site such as a flat rooftop, the top of awalk-in lab shelter, or an elevated platform. The location may also be at or near ground levelon a concrete pad or a simple wooden platform. In any case, the location must be level andeasily accessible for routine service and filter replacement. Locating the sampler standdirectly on the soil is not usually recommended, due to possible intrusion of dirt, insects, andvegetative growth.E-FRM-9800 REV HPage 7

Inlet Height Criteria: The sampler total inlet height must be located in the “breathing zone”, between 2 and15 meters above ground level for neighborhood scale sites. Middle scale or microscalesites require a total inlet height of between 2 and 7 meters. If the unit is to be installed on ground level, then the inlet height must be at least twometers above the ground. The sampler stand and enclosure are designed to locate theinlet two meters above whatever surface the unit is placed on. If the unit is located on the roof of a building, the inlet height must be no less than twometers above roof surface of the building. The total height must be no more than 15meters above ground level. If the sampler is to be collocated with other particulate instruments, such as BAM unitsor other samplers or monitors, then the air inlets must all be the same height withinone meter vertically. Met One recommends a tighter tolerance of within 30cm (1 foot). If the sampler inlet is the highest metallic point on a building, then a lightning rod mustbe installed to prevent destruction of the sampler during electrical storms.Inlet Spacing and Clearance Criteria: If the sampler is to be collocated with another instrument, such as a BAM-1020 orother sampler or monitor, then the inlets must be spaced between one and four metersapart. Two meter spacing is recommended where possible. If installed near a PM10 high-volume sampler, then the distance between the inlet ofthe sampler and the Hi-Vol should be no less than three meters. The sampler inlet must be unobstructed for two meters in all directions from any objectthat may influence airflow characteristics, such as walls, parapets, or structures on arooftop. If located beside a major obstruction (such as a building), then the distance betweenthe inlet and the building should be equal to twice the height of the building. There must be at least a 180 degree arc of completely unrestricted airflow around thesampler inlet. The predominant wind direction during the highest concentration seasonmust be included in the 180 degree arc. The sampler inlet must be at least 10 meters from the drip line of any trees.Artificial Particulate Sources:To avoid possible errors in the concentration measurements, the inlet must be located as faras possible from any artificial sources of particulate, such as blowers or vents on a rooftop.Even sources of filtered air must not blow across the sampler inlet.Spacing from Roadways:Except for microscale studies or purposeful near-road studies, the sampler should usually notbe located directly next to a major highway or arterial roadway, as vehicle exhaust willdominate the concentration measurement. Criteria for roadway spacing of particulatePage 8E-FRM-9800 REV H

monitors can be complicated. See 40 CFR Part 58 - Appendix E, section 6.3 (July 2009). For general neighborhood scale monitoring, the sampler should be at least 10 metersaway from a road with a daily traffic volume of less than 1,000 vehicles, at least 30meters from a road with a volume of 20,000 vehicles, at least 100 meters from a roadwith a volume of 70,000 vehicles, and at least 250 meters from a road with a volume ofgreater than 110,000 vehicles. The unit should be located as far as possible from unpaved roadways, as these alsocause artificial measurements from temporarily suspended fugitive dust. The unit should usually not be installed in unpaved areas unless year-round vegetativeground cover is present, to avoid the effects of re-entrained fugitive dust.2.2 Electrical ServiceThe standard version of the E-FRM sampler is either 120V or 230V AC powered, dependingon which vacuum pump is ordered. A standard U.S.A. type power cord is supplied with all120V units, and a European Schuko type cord is supplied with all 230V units. Specialcording may be available upon request.The sample site needs to be equipped with AC power and a standard weatherproof outdoorelectrical outlet. The sampler is rated at 2.5 amps max continuous with the pump running.Pump start-up inrush current is higher. An earth-ground point near the unit is recommended.For critical applications where possible sample invalidations due to power failures areunacceptable, the sampler should be equipped with a backup uninterruptable power supply(UPS). The supply must be rated for the electrical load, and must be appropriately configuredfor an outdoor application. Consult a qualified electrical contractor.E-FRM-9800 REV HPage 9

2.3 Instrument Assembly and Deployment InstructionsThe E-FRM sampler is designed for easy setup and deployment. This allows it to be used foreither permanent long-term sampling at a fixed site, or for portable audit sampling.1. Deploy the Upper Filter Enclosure: The sampler should be shipped and stored inthe stowed configuration shown in Figure 2-1.a. Remove the two wing screws (one on each side) that hold the upper enclosurein the stowed position in the stand.b. Locate the handle mounted on the top of the upper enclosure. Note that whenthe upper enclosure is in the stowed position, this handle will be on the bottom.c. Grasp the handle and rotate the enclosure forward into the vertical position asshown in Figure 2-2.d. Fasten the upper enclosure in the deployed position by installing the two wingscrews into the deployed hole positions in the stand.Note: It is not necessary to remove or loosen the two pivot screws that hold the upperenclosure and the stand together.Wing ScrewsPivot ScrewsDeployed Hole PositionFigure 2-1 Stowed OrientationPage 10Figure 2-2 Deployed OrientationE-FRM-9800 REV H

2. Install the Pump Box Module: The pump box is stowed in the bottom of the standand must be mounted to the bottom of the upper enclosure for operations.a. Open the door of the upper enclosure for better visibility. Remove the two wingnuts that retain the pump box module in the base of the stand and the one wingnut in the spacer on top of the pump box.b. Lift the pump box out of the stand and slide it onto the rails on the bottom of theupper enclosure, as shown in Figure 2-3. Slide the pump box all the way backuntil it stops.c. Install the wing screw through the floor of the upper enclosure and into thespacer on top of the pump box. This is a security feature to prevent the pumpbox from vibrating out of position or from being removed without access to theinside of the main enclosure.d. Uncoil the power cord, pump box signal cord, and vacuum tube from the bottomof the pump box.e. Connect the vacuum tube and pump box cord to the back of the upperenclosure as shown in Figure 2-4.TemperatureSensor CordVacuum TubeFigure 2-3 Pump Box Deploys by Slidingin to Rails Shown HerePump BoxCordFigure 2-4 Cord and Tubing ConnectionsE-FRM-9800 REV HPage 11

3. Install the Temperature Sensor and External Inlets:a. Install the ambient temperature sensor to the upper enclosure as shown inFigure 2-5.BX-802 PM10 InletTemperatureSensorInlet TubeFigure 2-5 Fully Deployed E-FRM Monitorb. Connect the temperature sensor cable to the back of the upper enclosure (seeFigure 2-4).c. Loosen the black plastic fitting on the top of the inlet tube receiver.d. Install the vertical inlet tube into the top of the enclosure. The long end of thetube goes down. Make sure the tube snaps into the o-ring socket securely, thentighten the black plastic fitting.e. Install the BX-802 PM10 inlet on top of the inlet tube.Note: The PM10 inlet is used in all configurations of the E-FRM sampler. It servesas a pre-separator for subsequent PM2.5 stages when using either the BX-808 orBX-809 cyclonic separators.Page 12E-FRM-9800 REV H

4. Configure the PM2.5 Cyclone and Filter Holder: The PM2.5 cyclone and filter cassetteare mounted inside the upper enclosure. Skip to the next section if the sampler isbeing used to collect PM10 particulate.a. The sampler is usually supplied with either a VSCC or URG-2000-30EGN PM2.5cyclone which should already be installed inside the upper enclosure as shownin Figure 2-6. If it has been removed, it should be installed now by inserting itinto the socket in the roof of the sampler.b. The upper filter holder mounts into the bottom of the cyclone.c. A white filter cassette is clamped into the bottom of the upper filter holder withthe filter clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is supplied with a detent pininstalled in the left side of the filter release handle which prevents it from fallingopen during shipment. Remove the pin to allow the clamp assembly to beopened by pulling the handle forward. This allows access to the filter cassette.Note: The standard PM2.5 cyclone may be exchanged for a WINS Impactor or PM10pass-through adapter. In the case of either PM2.5 adapter, the upper filter holder mustbe lterReleaseHandleFigure 2-6 PM2.5 ConfigurationE-FRM-9800 REV HPage 13

5. Configure the PM10 Adapter and Filter Holder: The PM10 pass-through adapter andfilter cassette are mounted inside the upper enclosure. If monitoring PM2.5, follow theinstructions in the previous step instead of this one.a. Remove the PM2.5 cyclone or impactor and the upper filter holder if they areinstalled.b. Insert the PM10 pass-through adapter into the socket in the roof of the sampleras shown in Figure 2-7c. A white filter cassette is clamped into the bottom of the adapter with the filterclamp assembly. The clamp assembly is supplied with a detent pin installed inthe left side of the filter release handle which prevents it from falling open duringshipment. Remove the pin to allow the clamp assembly to be opened by pullingthe handle forward. This allows access to the filter cassette.Note: The adapter includes the functionality of the upper filter holder in its design so itis not necessary to install it when using the PM10 pass-through adapter.PM10 pass-throughadapter in place ofcycloneFilter Release HandleFigure 2-7 PM10 Configuration6. Fasten Down the Stand: For long-term deployments, the E-FRM sampler stand mustbe fastened down to the mounting surface in order to prevent wind-toppling, theft, orunauthorized repositioning. This is especially critical if the sampler is located on aplatform, rooftop, or other elevated surface. The holes in the base may be utilized toaccommodate lag bolts or anchor bolts.Page 14E-FRM-9800 REV H

2.4 Configuring The Unit for PM2.5 or Other Particulate Cut-PointsIt is critical for the user to understand and keep track of the exact inlet hardwareconfiguration, in order to ensure that the resulting concentration data is identified forthe correct PM classification! The sampler cannot automatically identify the inlet cutpoint configuration. The inlet configuration type should be selected to match the physicalsetup hardware by the operator through the user interface. This setting will appear in the datafiles for quality assurance purposes. See Section 3All standard configurations of the sampler use a standard louvered PM10 size-selective inlet(Met One BX-802) as the main air inlet for the system. This inlet separates out and trapswater, debris, and particles larger than 10 microns in size, while allowing smaller particlesthrough to the sampler. For PM2.5 sampling, the PM10 inlet serves as a particulate preseparator for the secondary cyclone or impactor stage inside the sampler. For PM10sampling, a pass-through adapter (Met One Instruments part number 81210) is installed inplace of a PM2.5 separator to allow the particulate directly through to the filter.The sampler is configured for PM2.5 sampling by using an internal VSCC (Very-Sharp-CutCyclone, Met One Instruments part number BX-808) or URG-2000-30EGN cyclonic separator(Met One Instruments part number BX-809) to further separate out and trap particles largerthan 2.5 microns in size, while allowing smaller particles through to the sample filter. Theparticle performance of these cyclones closely match that of the classic WINS Impactor, butwith simpler maintenance requirements. All VSCC cyclones are manufactured by BGI, Inc.and all URG-2000-30EGN cyclonic separators are manufactured by URG, Corp. as acondition of the EPA designated status of the cyclones. See www.bgiusa.com andwww.urgcorp.com for details.The classic WINS Impactor, built to 40 CFR Part 50L specifications, is the predecessor to thecyclone BGI and URG cyclones for designated PM2.5 sampling, and is available from MetOne Instruments (part number BX-804) upon request. It fits into the same position as the BX808 and BX-809 inside the sampler.The cyclone position can accommodate an older style SCC (Sharp-Cut-Cyclone, Met OneInstruments part number BX-807) for less common PM2.5 sampling applications where alower cost system is needed and EPA designation is not required for the resulting data. TheSCC cyclone is very similar to the VSCC and the URG-2000-30EGN cyclone, but is notdesignated as a Federal Reference Method for PM2.5.The cyclone position can also accommodate a version of the SCC Sharp-Cut-Cyclone forPM1 sampling (Met One BX-811). This separates out particles larger than 1 micron in size.This configuration is not very common because PM1 sampling is not currently regulated ordesignated by the EPA.E-FRM-9800 REV HPage 15

3 SCHEDULING SAMPLE EVENTS and SAMPLER OPERATIONThis section describes the process for setting up and running scheduled sample periodsusing the Event and Setup menus in the E-FRM sampler user interface.3.1 The Main Menu and Using the Keypad and DisplayWhen the E-FRM sampler is powered up it will display the main top level menu on the LCDdisplay as shown in Figure 3-1. This menu is the starting point for all functions of the sampler.Filter SamplerE-FRMx-01 R0.90.5Met One Instruments, oft KeysF1F2F3F4F5F6Figure 3-1 The E-FRM sampler User Interface and KeypadSoft Keys: Beneath the display are four white “soft-keys”. The function of these buttonschange based on menu options displayed above them on the bottom row of the display.Arrows: The four white arrow keys are used to scroll up, down, left, and right, and to movethe cursor to select an editable field on

Page 4 E-FRM-9800 REV H 1.3 E-FRM: Environmental Federal Reference Method Sampler The Met One Instruments, Inc. Model E-FRM is a programmable single-event filter sampler designed to meet federal specifications as a reference method for the determination of daily PM 2.5 or PM 10 particulate concentrations in ambient air.