Tianhong TH-880F Microcomputer-Based Parallel Flue Gas and Particulate Sampler

Overview

The Tianhong TH-880F Microcomputer-Based Parallel Flue Gas and Particulate Sampler is an engineered solution for regulatory-compliant stack testing in stationary emission sources. Designed in strict accordance with Chinese national and environmental protection industry standards—including GB/T 16157–1996 (Method for Determination of Particulate Matter and Gaseous Pollutants in Exhaust Gas from Stationary Sources), HJ/T 47–1999 (Technical Specifications for Flue Gas Samplers), and HJ/T 48–1999 (Technical Specifications for Particulate Samplers)—the TH-880F implements parallel sampling methodology to ensure statistical validity and measurement reproducibility across multiple isokinetic sampling points. Its core architecture integrates a high-response microprocessor-controlled sampling system capable of real-time velocity tracking via pitot tube or thermal anemometer inputs, enabling dynamic adjustment of pump speed to maintain true isokinetic conditions during variable flue gas flow. This capability is critical for accurate particulate mass concentration determination under fluctuating stack dynamics, particularly in coal-fired boilers, cement kilns, waste incinerators, and industrial process ducts.

Key Features

• Isokinetic dual-channel parallel sampling with automatic nozzle selection and intelligent sampling point calculation based on duct geometry and velocity profile data
• Dual-mode flow control: selectable real-time dynamic flow tracking or precision constant-flow operation (±2% setpoint accuracy)
• Rotatable wide-temperature LCD display (–20 °C to +50 °C operating range) with 180° mechanical articulation for flexible field positioning
• Onboard eMMC storage supporting ≥45,000 complete sampling records, supplemented by removable SD card for redundant, timestamped backup
• Windows-style hierarchical file management (organized by year/month/day) ensuring unambiguous data traceability and eliminating filename collision risks
• Integrated reverse-suction protection mechanism that seals the filter holder upon pump shutdown under high negative pressure, preventing loss of collected particulates
• Industrial-grade ARM Cortex-M7 CPU with ESD-hardened PCB layout and IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliant electromagnetic compatibility design
• Comprehensive fault diagnostics: real-time monitoring of static pressure, differential pressure, pump current, battery voltage, and thermal status with audible/visual alerts
• Power resilience: automatic resume-after-interruption functionality following AC dropout or brownout; optional external DC input (12–24 V) for extended field deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-880F supports standard 47-mm quartz fiber or glass fiber filters (e.g., Pallflex Tissuquartz™ or Whatman GF/F) mounted in stainless-steel filter holders conforming to EPA Method 5 and ISO 9096 geometries. It accommodates both dry and wet-stack sampling configurations, with integrated moisture management options including gravimetric, condensation, and psychrometric (dry/wet bulb) humidity calculation pathways. All firmware logic and calibration routines adhere to the metrological traceability requirements outlined in JJF 1001–2011 (General Terminology and Definitions for Metrology) and support audit-ready documentation for GLP and environmental inspection frameworks. While not certified to EN 13284-1 or ISO 16911, its operational parameters and validation protocols align with internationally recognized principles of isokinetic sampling uncertainty quantification per ISO 5725 series.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, storage, and export are fully managed through embedded firmware without reliance on external PC software. Each record includes timestamp (RTC-backed), GPS coordinates (optional module), operator ID, sampling location description (input via T9 Chinese pinyin), nozzle ID, traverse points, volumetric flow rate, temperature, pressure, and calculated particulate concentration (mg/m³, dry basis, at standard conditions). Files are stored in plain-text CSV format within a hierarchical folder structure mirroring Windows Explorer conventions, enabling direct drag-and-drop transfer to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or spreadsheet analysis tools. USB 2.0 host interface permits direct connection to Windows/Linux hosts for bulk export or printer output—supporting both English and bilingual (Chinese/English) report templates. System parameters—including calibration coefficients, unit preferences, and alarm thresholds—are encrypted and backed up to non-volatile memory; restoration requires single-button confirmation, preserving data integrity during maintenance or firmware updates.

Applications

The TH-880F is routinely deployed in environmental monitoring agencies, third-party testing laboratories, and industrial EHS departments for routine compliance verification and source apportionment studies. Typical use cases include quarterly stack testing for thermal power plants, annual emission inventory reporting for municipal solid waste incinerators, pre- and post-SCR/ESP performance evaluation, and fugitive dust characterization in metallurgical facilities. Its modular sensor expansion capability allows integration of certified electrochemical cells for simultaneous gaseous pollutant quantification (O₂, CO, SO₂, NO, NO₂), facilitating multi-parameter emission factor derivation per IPCC Tier 2 methodologies. The instrument also serves as a field reference platform for method validation studies involving PM₂.₅/PM₁₀ speciation and organic carbon/elemental carbon (OC/EC) fractionation workflows.

FAQ

Does the TH-880F meet U.S. EPA Method 5 or Method 17 requirements?
While designed to GB/T 16157–1996—which shares fundamental isokinetic principles with EPA Method 5—the TH-880F has not undergone formal EPA certification. Users requiring Method 5 compliance must verify equivalence through site-specific validation per 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A.
Can the device store and export raw analog sensor outputs (e.g., mV signals from thermocouples)?
No. The TH-880F performs all signal conditioning, linearization, and unit conversion internally; only processed engineering units (°C, kPa, m/s, mg/m³) are logged and exported.
Is firmware upgrade supported in the field?
Yes. Firmware updates are delivered via SD card and installed through the onboard menu system without requiring proprietary PC utilities or service technician intervention.
What is the maximum allowable flue gas temperature during sampling?
The standard configuration supports inlet gas temperatures up to 200 °C. For higher-temperature applications (>200 °C), users must specify high-temp probe accessories and cooled sampling lines during ordering.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified for particulate mass concentration?
Uncertainty estimation follows ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM) principles, incorporating contributions from flowmeter calibration (±1.5% FS), temperature/pressure transducers (±0.5 °C, ±0.25 kPa), filter weighing (±0.01 mg analytical balance), and isokinetic deviation (±5% velocity match tolerance). Full uncertainty budgets can be generated per client request using exported raw data.