Xonteck 910 Canister Sampling Instrument

Overview

The Xonteck 910 Canister Sampling Instrument is a manually operated, field-deployable air sampling system engineered for the quantitative collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient, source, or indoor air environments. Designed in strict conformance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Compendium Method TO-14A and TO-15, the instrument delivers trace-level VOC preservation by transferring whole-air samples—without fractionation or adsorption loss—into electropolished, electroplated stainless steel Summa® canisters. Its operational principle relies on pressure-driven, constant-flow sampling via a calibrated mass flow controller (MFC), ensuring stoichiometric representativeness of the sampled matrix for subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The 910 is widely deployed in Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS), regulatory compliance monitoring networks, and EPA Region-led ambient air toxics studies where method-defined accuracy, low blank levels, and sample integrity across transport and storage are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Manual, operator-initiated sampling protocol with intuitive front-panel interface for real-time field documentation
• Fully compliant with EPA TO-14A and TO-15 requirements—including canister passivation, leak testing, and integrated system blank validation protocols
• Porter 201-series thermal mass flow controller with selectable full-scale ranges (0–20, 0–50, or 0–100 sccm); accuracy ±1% of full scale, linearity ±1% FS
• Digital flow display (0.56″ LED) and cumulative sampling timer (8-digit LCD, resolution 0.01 hr, max count 999999.99 hr)
• Integrated AD B161 stainless-steel diaphragm pump: max flow 7.6 L/min, max vacuum 23.0 inHg, max pressure 29.2 psig
• Wetted-path materials limited to 316 stainless steel, PTFE (Teflon®), and Viton® elastomers—ensuring chemical inertness and ultra-low VOC background
• Automated pre-sampling system purge cycle to eliminate residual contaminants prior to canister pressurization
• Swagelok® SS medium-flow angle valve for precise pump outlet pressure regulation
• Modular mechanical design facilitating rapid field installation, routine maintenance, and component-level serviceability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Xonteck 910 supports standard 6-L and 1-L Summa®-coated canisters (or equivalent EPA-certified electropolished canisters) and is validated for use with all target analytes listed in TO-14A (C₂–C₁₂ hydrocarbons, halocarbons, oxygenates) and TO-15 (additional polar and reactive VOCs including aldehydes and ketones). All wetted surfaces meet EPA Method TO-15 material compatibility specifications. The instrument’s calibration traceability aligns with NIST-traceable MFC standards. System performance verification—including flow stability, pressure response, and leak integrity (<1×10⁻⁷ atm·cm³/s)—is documented per EPA QA/G-5 and ASTM D5466 practices. Data recording adheres to GLP principles; manual log entries satisfy 40 CFR Part 58 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation expectations for environmental laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The 910 operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded firmware or proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters—including flow rate setpoint, elapsed sampling time, and pump status—are displayed locally via dedicated digital indicators. Field data are recorded manually in chain-of-custody logs compliant with EPA Form 5500-20 and laboratory information management system (LIMS) intake templates. For audit readiness, users may integrate external electronic loggers or barcode-scanned sampling event identifiers synchronized with laboratory accessioning workflows. While the device itself does not generate electronic records, its analog/digital output architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data capture when paired with validated third-party logging hardware and procedural controls.

Applications

• Ambient air monitoring at PAMS and National Core Monitoring Sites
• Urban and industrial fence-line VOC profiling for risk assessment and emissions verification
• Indoor air quality investigations in commercial buildings and schools
• Method validation and interlaboratory comparison studies requiring TO-14/15 reference sampling
• Mobile monitoring campaigns using vehicle-mounted or tripod-deployed configurations
• Calibration gas preparation and dynamic dilution system feed control

FAQ

What canister sizes are compatible with the Xonteck 910?
The instrument is configured for standard 1-L and 6-L electropolished stainless steel canisters meeting EPA TO-15 dimensional and surface finish specifications.
Does the 910 support automated unattended operation?
No—it is a manual-start, operator-supervised system. Timing, flow initiation, and canister connection require direct user intervention.
Is the flow controller NIST-traceably calibrated?
Yes; each Porter 201 MFC is supplied with a manufacturer’s certificate of calibration traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials.
Can the 910 be used for siloxane or sulfur compound sampling?
Yes—provided canisters are specially passivated and sampling conditions (flow rate, humidity, temperature) remain within TO-15-recommended limits for reactive species.
What electrical options are available?
Standard 115 VAC / 60 Hz; optional 220 VAC / 50 Hz configuration is available upon order specification.