Tianhong TH-16E Portable Ambient Air Particulate Sampler

Overview

The Tianhong TH-16E Portable Ambient Air Particulate Sampler is a field-deployable, gravimetric-grade instrument engineered for regulatory-compliant collection of atmospheric particulate matter—including total suspended particles (TSP), PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0—using interchangeable inertial impactor cutting heads. It operates on the principle of constant-flow isokinetic sampling, maintaining a precise volumetric flow rate of 16.67 L/min (±2%) across variable ambient conditions via real-time thermal compensation and closed-loop mass flow control. Designed in strict alignment with Chinese national standards HJ 93–2013, HJ/T 374–2007, and HJ 618–2011—and referencing U.S. EPA guidance for reference and equivalent methods—the TH-16E serves as a certified manual reference sampler for performance verification, method validation, and inter-laboratory comparison against continuous automated monitors. Its compact footprint (295 × 152 × 251 mm), lightweight construction (8 kg), and ruggedized outdoor enclosure enable reliable deployment in remote sites, mobile laboratories, or fixed air quality stations requiring traceable, filter-based mass concentration data.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled constant-flow system with embedded 32-bit high-speed controller and automatic temperature-compensated flow regulation
• Touchscreen interface supporting intuitive setup, real-time status monitoring, and on-device parameter review
• Triple-filter compatibility: accommodates 47 mm diameter filters of quartz fiber, borosilicate glass fiber, and hydrophobic PTFE—each meeting ASTM D1732 and ISO 10473 requirements for low blank and high particle retention efficiency
• Integrated environmental sensor suite: high-accuracy outdoor-rated temperature and relative humidity sensors with automatic logging of ambient conditions alongside sampling metadata
• Dual communication interfaces: USB 2.0 and RS-232 for secure data export, firmware updates, and remote diagnostics
• Robust power architecture with built-in battery backup: automatic switchover to external lithium battery during AC interruption; timestamped power-loss event logging with duration tracking
• Configurable sampling protocols: programmable time-integrated (1–48 h) or volume-integrated modes with adjustable start/stop triggers and multi-segment scheduling
• Acoustically optimized housing: noise emission ≤60 dB(A) at 1 m, suitable for residential and urban monitoring zones

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-16E supports gravimetric analysis per HJ 618–2011 and ISO 12103-1 (A2 test dust calibration), enabling quantitative determination of particulate mass concentration after laboratory weighing. Its cutting heads are independently validated per HJ 93–2013 specifications: the PM_2.5 impactor achieves a 50% aerodynamic cut-point (Da₅₀) of 2.5 ± 0.2 µm with geometric standard deviation (σ_g) ≤1.2 ± 0.1; the PM₁₀ head delivers Da₅₀ = 10 ± 0.5 µm and σ_g ≤1.5 ± 0.1. All mechanical components comply with IP54 ingress protection rating for dust and water resistance. The instrument’s firmware and data handling routines support audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP frameworks, with optional timestamped, tamper-evident log files compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic record systems when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

Onboard firmware stores up to 1,000 complete sampling records—including start/stop times, cumulative volume, average flow, ambient T/RH, pressure, and error flags—with cyclic overwrite protection. Exported datasets follow ASCII-delimited format (.csv) with ISO 8601 timestamps and SI-unit annotations. Optional PC-based configuration utility (Windows/macOS/Linux) enables batch programming, calibration certificate import, and trend visualization of historical flow stability. Raw logs include checksums for integrity verification, and all parameter changes are logged with operator ID (if enabled) and UTC timestamp—facilitating full traceability for QA/QC audits and regulatory submissions to CNEMC, provincial EPBs, or international accreditation bodies.

Applications

• Regulatory reference and equivalency testing of continuous PM monitors (e.g., beta attenuation, TEOM, laser scattering instruments)
• Source apportionment studies requiring filter-based elemental and organic carbon analysis (e.g., EC/OC, ICP-MS, GC-MS)
• Short-term exposure assessment in occupational health, school campuses, and sensitive receptor zones
• Field validation of low-cost sensor networks using collocated gravimetric benchmarking
• Long-term trend analysis under national air quality monitoring programs (e.g., China’s “Blue Sky Defense War” initiative)
• Method development and intercomparison exercises organized by research institutions and metrology labs

FAQ

What filter types are validated for use with the TH-16E?
Quartz fiber (QFF), borosilicate glass fiber (GFF), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes—each certified for low background mass and high collection efficiency across the 0.1–100 µm aerodynamic diameter range.
Does the TH-16E meet U.S. EPA equivalency criteria for reference samplers?
While not EPA-certified as a Federal Reference Method (FRM) device, its design basis, cut-point performance, and operational parameters align with EPA Guidance for Equivalent Methods (40 CFR Part 53) and are routinely accepted for comparative testing in bilateral technical cooperation projects.
Can the instrument operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—its wide operating temperature range (−40 °C to +50 °C), sealed electronics, and optional external lithium battery pack support continuous 7-day deployments in harsh environments without intervention.
How is flow calibration traceability maintained?
Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable flow calibrator certificate; field recalibration is performed using primary-standard dry gas meters or critical orifice checkers compliant with ISO 10780 and HJ 1007–2018.
Is firmware upgrade supported post-purchase?
Yes—upgrades are distributed via Tianhong’s authorized service portal and applied through USB interface; version history and change logs are provided in accordance with IEC 62304 Class B software lifecycle requirements.