Tianhong TH-150E Ambient Air Fluoride Sampler

Overview

The Tianhong TH-150E Ambient Air Fluoride Sampler is a precision-engineered, single-channel active air sampling instrument designed specifically for the quantitative collection of particulate-phase fluoride (e.g., calcium fluoride, sodium fluoride) from ambient air using filter-based methodology. It operates on the principle of controlled volumetric aspiration through standardized fluorine-specific filters—typically alkali-impregnated cellulose ester or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes—followed by subsequent analysis via fluoride ion-selective electrode (ISE) detection per HJ 955-2018. The instrument meets stringent Chinese environmental monitoring standards for manual air quality monitoring networks and is engineered for long-term, unattended deployment in fixed-site or mobile monitoring applications. Its core architecture centers on a high-efficiency brushless DC vacuum pump, digitally regulated mass flow control, real-time environmental parameter logging (temperature, atmospheric pressure, system load), and robust firmware logic supporting time-programmed, interval, and makeup sampling protocols.

Key Features

• Brushless DC vacuum pump with >10,000-hour rated service life and stable performance under high backpressure (≥50 L/min at −20 kPa)
• Digital closed-loop flow control: adjustable range 10–100 L/min; resolution 0.1 L/min; accuracy ±2% of setpoint; stability <5% over full operating conditions
• Automatic temperature- and pressure-corrected volume calculation: computes both actual cumulative volume and standard-condition (273.15 K, 101.325 kPa) cumulative volume in real time
• Non-volatile memory with automatic power-loss recovery: retains all configuration parameters, sampling logs, and environmental metadata during unexpected shutdowns
• Flexible scheduling modes: weekly cyclic programming with up to five daily sampling segments; manual start mode; interval sampling (on/off cycling); and user-configurable makeup sampling logic
• Integrated diagnostics: real-time flow deviation alarm, load pressure threshold warning, and automatic pump protection shutdown
• Weathershield enclosure rated for continuous outdoor operation—including rain, dust, and thermal cycling—enabling 24/7 unattended field use
• Optional accessories: certified TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 metallic impactor heads compliant with HJ/T 374-2007 for size-fractionated fluoride collection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-150E is validated for use with fluorine-retentive filter media specified in HJ 955-2018, including sodium carbonate-impregnated cellulose ester filters and alkaline-coated quartz fiber filters. It supports gravimetric and ion-chromatographic downstream analysis workflows. Regulatory alignment includes full conformance with HJ 664-2013 (ambient air monitoring site layout), HJ 194-2017 (manual monitoring procedures), HJ/T 375-2007 (performance requirements for ambient air samplers), and HJ/T 374-2007 (TSP sampler specifications). While not certified to ISO 5011 or EN 12341, its flow control architecture and data integrity mechanisms support GLP-aligned documentation practices required for regulatory reporting in national air quality assessment programs.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware provides local storage of time-stamped records containing: sampling start/stop timestamps, programmed vs. actual flow rates, ambient temperature and barometric pressure (via integrated sensors), system load (kPa), and cumulative volumes (actual and standard condition). Data export is supported via USB interface in CSV format for traceable post-processing in laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Optional thermal printer module enables on-site hardcopy generation of current session or historical sampling reports. All parameter changes and alarm events are logged with timestamps, satisfying basic audit-trail requirements consistent with QA/QC protocols under China’s environmental monitoring accreditation framework.

Applications

• Regulatory compliance monitoring of ambient fluoride concentrations near aluminum smelters, phosphate fertilizer plants, and coal-fired power stations
• Baseline and trend analysis in regional air quality assessment networks requiring 1-hour or 24-hour integrated sampling per HJ 194-2017
• Source apportionment studies where size-resolved fluoride fractions (TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5) are needed for receptor modeling
• Method validation and interlaboratory comparison exercises under national proficiency testing schemes
• Field deployment in remote or unmanned monitoring stations due to its weatherproof design and low-maintenance pump architecture

FAQ

What filter types are compatible with the TH-150E for fluoride sampling?
Standard alkali-impregnated cellulose ester filters (per HJ 955-2018) and quartz fiber filters coated with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide are recommended. PTFE membrane filters may be used with appropriate pre-treatment.
Does the instrument comply with international standards such as ISO or EPA methods?
It conforms fully to Chinese national environmental standards (HJ series). While not formally certified to ISO 5011 or US EPA Method IO-3.3, its flow control performance and data logging structure align with technical requirements for comparable reference-grade samplers.
Can the TH-150E operate continuously for 24 hours without supervision?
Yes—the weather-resistant housing, non-volatile memory, auto-recovery logic, and brushless pump design enable uninterrupted 24/7 operation in outdoor environments.
Is calibration traceable to national metrological standards?
Field calibration is performed using primary-standard dry gas meters or critical orifice calibrators traceable to CNAS-accredited laboratories. The instrument itself does not include built-in calibration gas ports.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Routine inspection every 3 months includes filter holder cleaning, inlet nozzle verification, and pump intake filter replacement. Full functional verification is advised before each quarterly monitoring campaign.