Particulates in Ambient Air The Size Conventions

Health effects are related to where the particles get deposited

Inhalable: Particles that can be breathed into the nose or mouth. Thoracic: Particles that penetrate into the respiratory tract below the larynx. Respirable: Particles that reach deep into the alveolar region of the lung

These size conventions were co-developed and adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the Comit European de Normalization (CEN) in the early 1990s..

ECRD Publications

Measurement of Particulate Pollutants in Ambient Air

Initial approach measured the Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) Much of the TSP would not enter the nose or be retained in the upper respiratory tract. This led to the development of PM10 samplers. It is now believed that most of the health impacts are related to Fine Particles that reach deep into the lungs leading to development of Fine Particle or PM2.5 Samplers.

ECRD Publications

Measurement of Particulates Features of the Indian approach

Separation of Respirable fraction through a Cyclone leads to:
a very compact instrument as compared to the bulky Impactor based systems adopted by the West. Recovery of the coarse fraction allowing measurement of both TSP & RSP in the same equipment.

Adoption of Sampling systems instead of sensor based - direct reading sys:

Keeps costs affordable Simpler equipment is easier to maintain Minimal requirement of Calibration & support infrastructure. Physical sample becomes available for analysis of constituents

Use of Indigenous equipment ensures availability of Service Support

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ECRD Publications

Evolution of the RDS

First developed in 1990-91
Two stage system for separation of coarse and fine fractions, developed in collaboration with NEERI. Envirotech introduced the RDS almost 4 years before RSPM was included in the Ambient Air Quality Standards in India. Initially introduced as APM451 and later upgraded to APM460.

Today Envirotech produces three variants of the RDS:

APM460BL APM460NL APM460NLDX

ECRD Publications

The Improved RDS Envirotech APM 460BL

Brushless Blower
Sampling rate does not fluctuate with variation in mains voltage. Low equipment downtime and maintenance costs.

Interference to TVs eliminated and Audible Noise reduced to less than half of previous levels. Castor Wheels added for easier movement of the instrument in the field. Small bulb provided for easier handling at night.

ECRD Publications

Envirotech APM 460NL For Research & Intensive use

Practically NOISE-LESS operation
of the APM 460NL makes it ideal for monitoring air quality in residential areas or near hospitals, libraries etc.

Main features of the APM 460NL

Sampling rate does not fluctuate with variation in mains voltage. Brushless Blower designed for trouble free operation even with intensive use. No interference to TVs. Low equipment downtime and maintenance costs. However the equipment is heavy and frequent re-location should be avoided.
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ECRD Publications

Envirotech APM 460NLDX

Main Features:
Flow rate automatically controlled to compensate for Dust loading on the filter. Auto Shut-off if flow rate drops below 0.85m3/min. Only instrument that conforms to BIS

Low Noise and Brushless Blower

ECRD Publications

Monitoring Particulates in Ambient Air - Procedure & Precautions

Preparation
Inspect the filter for pinholes, particles and imperfections. Assign filter identification numbers. Establish a system of filter batch numbers & look-out for fakes. Equilibrate each filter for at least 24 hrs. in a controlled environment having:
Temperature 15 - 30 degrees C Humidity 20-45%

Weigh each filter & record the initial weight. For HVS / RDS balance with 0.1mg accuracy is required. For low / medium volume samplers (flow rate <0.5m3/min) balance with better sensitivity will be needed.
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ECRD Publications

 Operation

Monitoring Particulates in Ambient Air - Procedure & Precautions

Install pre-weighed filter, set the timer, record Time-totalizer reading and turn ON the sampler flow. Allow it to establish normal running temperature and record flow rate. If sampling rate is outside acceptable limits check for leaks, filter displacement etc. Record sample information - site location, Sample date, Filter ID No. On completion of sampling period record flow rate and time-totalizer reading. Carefully remove the filter - touch only outer edges, and store in an appropriate carrier.
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ECRD Publications

Monitoring Particulates in Ambient Air - Procedure & Precautions

Post Operation
Work out the average flow rate. Record any factors such as meteorological conditions, construction activity, dust storm etc. that might affect your results. Transport the filter to the equilibrating environment as soon as possible. Equilibrate the filter under the same conditions for at least 24 hours. Immediately after equilibration weigh and record the post sampling filter weight along with filter ID No.

ECRD Publications