HUANKONG GHD-M Series Environmental Air Particulate Matter (PM) Integrated Sampler

Overview

The HUANKONG GHD-M Series Environmental Air Particulate Matter (PM) Integrated Sampler is a field-deployable, programmable ambient air sampling system engineered for high-reproducibility collection of suspended particulate matter—including TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁—using gravimetric and subsequent chemical analysis protocols. Based on constant-flow volumetric sampling principles, the instrument employs a precision mass flow controller paired with a Thomas diaphragm vacuum pump to maintain stable aspiration across variable backpressures induced by filter loading or environmental conditions. Its modular architecture supports both single- and multi-filter configurations, enabling sequential or parallel sampling across multiple size fractions or analytical endpoints (e.g., elemental analysis, ion chromatography, organic speciation). Designed in strict accordance with Chinese national environmental monitoring standards—including HJ 93–2013 (technical requirements for PM₁₀/PM_2.5 samplers), HJ 618–2011 (gravimetric determination), and HJ 656–2013 (PM_2.5 manual monitoring)—the GHD-M series meets foundational metrological and operational criteria for regulatory-grade ambient air quality monitoring networks.

Key Features

• Compact, lightweight chassis (≤12 kg for GHD-M2; ≤22 kg for GHD-M16) optimized for rooftop, mobile lab, and remote site deployment
• High-stability flow control system with ±1% full-scale accuracy over 0–16.7 L/min range, validated per ISO 5167 and traceable to NIM-certified flow standards
• Universal 47 mm filter holder compatibility—accepts quartz fiber, PTFE, cellulose ester, and nylon membranes without adapter modification
• Interchangeable inlet assemblies: standardized TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ impactors compliant with ISO 7708 and EN 12341 definitions
• 7-inch capacitive touch display with intuitive GUI supporting multilingual interface (English, Chinese), real-time flow/pressure/temperature logging, and parameter configuration
• Integrated RFID reader for automatic filter identification and metadata linkage—each filter’s batch number, pre-weighing date, and calibration certificate ID are logged upon insertion
• Programmable multi-stage sampling: up to 22 filter positions (GHD-M16 variant) with automated carousel indexing, timed exposure sequencing, and configurable dwell intervals
• Onboard refrigerated filter storage compartment (maintained at 4 °C ±2 °C) to minimize volatilization losses of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including PAHs, n-alkanes, and certain organophosphates

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GHD-M series accommodates standard 47 mm diameter filters used in regulatory gravimetric and chemical analyses. It supports both quartz and Teflon filters required for EPA TO-13A, ISO 12103-1, and HJ 618–2011 workflows. All mechanical and electronic components comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) for electromagnetic compatibility in field environments. The system’s data integrity framework aligns with GLP and GMP expectations: audit trails record operator ID, timestamped parameter changes, filter swap events, and error logs; raw measurement data (flow, temperature, pressure, runtime) are stored in CSV format with UTC timestamps and exported via USB 2.0 port. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 certified out-of-box, the firmware architecture supports optional digital signature modules and role-based access control for regulated laboratories requiring electronic record validation.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and instrument control are managed through embedded Linux-based firmware with local non-volatile memory (≥2 GB) retaining ≥12 months of minute-interval operational records. The GHD-M includes a USB host interface for direct data export to removable media—no proprietary software required. Optional PC-based desktop application (Windows/macOS/Linux) enables remote supervision via Ethernet or 4G LTE module (add-on), allowing real-time status monitoring, firmware updates, and scheduled command execution (e.g., forced filter change, calibration initiation). All exported datasets include ISO 8601-compliant timestamps, sensor calibration IDs, and environmental metadata (ambient temperature, relative humidity if external probe connected), facilitating traceable integration into LIMS or EPA AQS-compatible reporting platforms.

Applications

• Ambient air quality monitoring networks (urban, rural, background stations) conducting routine PM_2.5/PM₁₀ compliance measurements per national standards
• Source apportionment studies requiring co-located, size-resolved filter sets for elemental carbon (EC/OC), water-soluble ions (Na⁺, SO₄²⁻), and trace metals (Pb, As, Cd)
• Indoor air quality assessments in occupational health settings where low-flow, extended-duration sampling is required
• Method development and inter-laboratory comparison exercises validating new filter substrates or extraction protocols
• Short-term intensive campaigns (e.g., wildfire smoke, dust storm events) leveraging automated multi-filter capability to capture temporal evolution of aerosol composition

FAQ

Does the GHD-M series support simultaneous sampling of multiple particle size fractions?
Yes—by installing dual- or triple-stage impactor inlets (e.g., PM₁₀/PM_2.5 dichotomous head), the system can collect size-segregated samples onto separate filters during a single run.
Is the refrigerated filter storage compartment powered independently from the main sampler?
No—the 4 °C cooling module shares the primary DC power supply but operates with independent PID temperature regulation and thermal insulation to prevent condensation or cross-contamination.
Can the instrument be integrated into an existing SCADA or telemetry infrastructure?
Yes—via optional RS-485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP interface, the GHD-M supports polling of real-time flow, pressure, temperature, and operational status for centralized monitoring systems.
What is the maximum allowable ambient operating temperature range?
The device is rated for continuous operation between −20 °C and +50 °C, with internal thermal management maintaining pump and electronics within safe operational limits.
Are calibration certificates provided with the flow controller and temperature sensors?
Each unit ships with factory calibration reports traceable to CNAS-accredited laboratories; on-site recalibration services and NIST-traceable verification kits are available upon request.