Tisch TE-6070V High-Volume PM10 and PM2.5 Aerosol Sampler

Overview

The Tisch TE-6070V is a high-volume air sampler engineered for regulatory-grade monitoring of inhalable (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in ambient air. Designed and manufactured in the United States, it operates on the principle of isokinetic high-flow filtration—drawing ambient air through standardized 8″ × 10″ micro-quartz filter media at a nominal rate of 40 cubic feet per minute (1.13 m³/min). Its architecture conforms to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reference Method RFPS-0202-141 and satisfies the performance criteria outlined in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B for PM10 and PM2.5 reference methods. The system integrates real-time environmental compensation (temperature and barometric pressure) to maintain volumetric flow stability within ±1% of the setpoint across variable field conditions—a critical requirement for mass concentration accuracy in long-term compliance monitoring.

Key Features

• Automated flow calibration routine: Users input a single calibration factor; the microprocessor executes full system recalibration without manual computation or external instrumentation.
• Real-time environmental compensation: Integrated temperature and pressure sensors continuously adjust motor speed via closed-loop feedback to sustain target flow (e.g., 40 CFM) with ≥99% stability over time.
• Comprehensive data logging: Internal SD card records time-stamped values every 5 minutes—including instantaneous and rolling averages, minima, and maxima—for temperature (°C), barometric pressure (kPa), and actual volumetric flow (CFM).
• Dual-voltage compatibility: Field-configurable for 110 V/60 Hz (model TE-116311) or 220 V/50 Hz (model TE-116312) operation, supporting global deployment without hardware modification.
• Regulatory-grade control architecture: Microprocessor-based controller supports programmable start/stop cycles, multi-day sampling schedules, and automatic elapsed time tracking (TE-5012).
• Diagnostic status indicators: Visual alerts notify operators of calibration due dates, filter loading thresholds, vacuum loss, or power anomalies—enabling proactive maintenance planning.
• No consumables beyond filters and gaskets: Eliminates reliance on proprietary reagents or disposable electronics, reducing total cost of ownership and logistical complexity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TE-6070V accepts standard EPA-compliant 8″ × 10″ filter cassettes, including Tisch’s TE-QMA micro-quartz media—certified for quantitative gravimetric analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 fractions. It is fully compatible with EPA-recommended sample housings and inlet configurations (e.g., WINS, VSC, or FRM-designated inlets). All operational parameters—including flow accuracy, temporal resolution, and environmental compensation algorithms—meet the validation requirements of 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B. The instrument supports GLP-aligned data integrity through CSV-formatted logs traceable to UTC timestamps and operator-defined site identifiers. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its audit-ready data structure facilitates integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) under GxP frameworks when paired with controlled access protocols and electronic signature workflows.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is handled autonomously by the onboard microcontroller; no external PC or proprietary software is required for basic operation. Logged datasets are stored on removable SD cards in plain-text CSV format—ensuring interoperability with Excel, R, Python pandas, or EPA’s AirData and AQS platforms. Each record includes: timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS), ambient temperature (°C), barometric pressure (kPa), measured flow (CFM), and calculated volumetric flow corrected to standard conditions (25°C, 101.3 kPa). Optional accessories—such as the TE-5009 continuous flow/pressure recorder with TE-106 analog charts—provide redundant analog verification for QA/QC audits. Firmware updates are performed via SD card, maintaining version control and traceability per ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

The TE-6070V serves as a primary reference-grade sampler in national ambient air monitoring networks (NAAQS), state implementation plans (SIPs), and international PM surveillance programs. Typical use cases include: long-term trend analysis of urban and rural PM10/PM2.5 concentrations; source apportionment studies requiring high-mass filter loading for subsequent elemental or organic carbon analysis (e.g., IMPROVE, STN, or EMEP protocols); validation of low-cost sensor networks; and method development for speciated aerosol collection (e.g., when coupled with denuders or sorbent cartridges like XAD-2 or PUF). Its robust mechanical design and field-proven reliability make it suitable for unattended operation in remote locations—including mountaintop observatories, coastal stations, and industrial fence-line monitoring sites—over multi-week campaigns.

FAQ

Does the TE-6070V require annual factory recalibration?
No. The unit supports field calibration using the TE-5040 calibration kit; users perform traceable flow verification against a primary standard (e.g., bubble meter or laminar flow element) and update the calibration factor via the front-panel interface.
Can the TE-6070V be used for PM2.5-only sampling?
Yes—when paired with an EPA-approved PM2.5 size-selective inlet (e.g., WINS or VSC), the same base unit meets FRM requirements for fine particulate monitoring per 40 CFR 50.6.
Is the SD card data export compatible with EPA’s AQS submission format?
Raw CSV logs require post-processing to map fields to AQS schema (e.g., using EPA’s AQI Calculator or custom Python scripts); Tisch provides documented field definitions to support this mapping.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the two-stage blower?
Brush replacement (TE-33378 or TE-33384) is advised every 6,000 operating hours; motor cushions (TE-5005-4) should be inspected annually and replaced if compressed >25%.
How does the system handle power interruptions?
The elapsed time indicator (TE-5012) retains cumulative runtime in non-volatile memory; sampling resumes automatically upon power restoration, preserving scheduled timers and data continuity.