FPI PMS-200 Series PM2.5 and PM10 Particulate Matter Sampler

Overview

The FPI PMS-200 Series is a precision-engineered, gravimetric particulate matter (PM) sampler designed for regulatory-grade ambient air monitoring of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ fractions. It operates on the principle of inertial separation using certified aerodynamic cut-points—2.5 µm and 10 µm—defined per ISO 7708:1995 and EPA Reference Method PS-11. The system draws ambient air through calibrated impactor or virtual cyclone-based size-selective inlets, physically segregating particles by aerodynamic diameter. PM₂.₅ is collected on a pre-weighed quartz or Teflon® filter membrane at a nominal flow rate of 15 L/min, while the coarse fraction (PM₁₀–PM₂.₅) is simultaneously captured on a second filter at 16.67 L/min. This dual-channel architecture enables concurrent, independent gravimetric analysis per EN 12341:2014 and US EPA Method IO-3.1, supporting compliance with national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), EU Directive 2008/50/EC, and China’s Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB 3095–2012). The instrument integrates real-time environmental sensing—including ambient temperature—and maintains flow integrity under variable atmospheric pressure (80–106 kPa), making it suitable for long-term unattended operation across diverse climatic zones.

Key Features

• High-fidelity closed-loop mass flow control system with thermal mass flow sensor feedback, ensuring ≤±2% flow accuracy and ≤2% drift over 24 hours at setpoint.
• Modular inlet configuration supporting three certified PM₂.₅ separation technologies: jet-type impactor, cyclonic separator, and virtual impactor—each compliant with ISO 10791-5 and traceable to NIST-traceable calibration protocols.
• Dual-channel sampling architecture with independent flow paths and dedicated filter holders, enabling simultaneous collection of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀–PM₂.₅ fractions without cross-contamination.
• Intelligent thermostatic regulation system maintaining internal thermal stability within ±1.5 °C across –20 °C to +50 °C ambient conditions, critical for minimizing hygroscopic bias during filter weighing.
• Rugged industrial-grade pump assembly rated for continuous 24-hour operation at maximum backpressure, with an expected service life of 2–3 years under sustained high-resistance loading (e.g., high-humidity or high-dust environments).
• Integrated communication interface supporting RS-232, USB, and optional GPRS module for remote status telemetry, alarm notification via SMS, and time-synchronized data logging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMS-200 series accommodates standard 47-mm and 80-mm circular filter media—including quartz fiber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and cellulose ester membranes—compatible with post-sampling gravimetric analysis per ISO 12103-1 and US EPA Method IO-3.1. All cutting heads are validated against ISO 25358:2021 for aerodynamic diameter cutoff performance and undergo annual field verification per QA/QC protocols outlined in EPA Guidance Document QA/G-5. The system supports GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with FPI’s optional data acquisition software, including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable event logs aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware records timestamped flow rate, temperature, pressure differential, pump runtime, and error flags at 1-minute intervals. Data export is supported in CSV and XML formats via USB or serial connection. Optional FPI AirSight™ Desktop Software provides automated QC flagging (e.g., flow deviation >2%, temperature excursion >±5 °C), report generation per EN 14907 Annex B, and integration with LIMS platforms via ODBC drivers. Remote firmware updates and configuration management are supported over secure TLS-encrypted GPRS channels.

Applications

• Reference-grade manual monitoring of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations by national and municipal environmental protection agencies conducting regulatory compliance assessments.
• Co-location comparison studies between automated beta-attenuation monitors (BAMs), tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs), and optical particle counters (OPCs), serving as the gravimetric benchmark per EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013.
• Aerosol source apportionment and receptor modeling research in academic and governmental laboratories requiring high temporal resolution and metrological traceability.
• Validation and periodic calibration of continuous ambient air monitoring stations deployed under national air quality networks (e.g., China’s CNEMC network, U.S. AQS, or EEA’s AirBase).

FAQ

What regulatory standards does the PMS-200 comply with for PM₂.₅ sampling?
It meets the technical specifications of ISO 12341:2014, US EPA Reference Method PS-11, and China’s HJ 93–2013 for manual PM₂.₅ samplers.
Can the instrument operate autonomously for extended periods without maintenance?
Yes—designed for unattended 24-hour operation; routine filter changes and flow calibration are recommended every 24 hours for gravimetric compliance, though the pump and control electronics support continuous duty cycles up to 3 months with scheduled preventive maintenance.
Is the flow controller traceable to national metrology institutes?
All mass flow sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable primary standards, with calibration certificates provided per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Does the system support Part 11-compliant electronic records?
When used with FPI AirSight™ v3.2+ and configured with role-based access control, it satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for audit trails, electronic signatures, and data integrity.
What filter types are validated for use with the PMS-200?
Quartz fiber (Pallflex™ E70-2075), PTFE (Gelman Supor® 450), and mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membranes—all meeting ISO 10791-5 pore structure and loading capacity criteria.