AMS AMS2 Soil Gas Vapor Sampler

Overview

The AMS AMS2 Soil Gas Vapor Sampler is a field-deployable, manually operated passive sampling device engineered for the collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous analytes from the unsaturated (vadose) zone of shallow soils. It operates on the principle of equilibrium-driven headspace sampling—where soil gas diffuses into a sealed, inert internal liner under ambient pressure conditions, enabling representative vapor-phase concentration measurement without active pumping or vacuum generation. Designed specifically for preliminary site assessment, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and rapid screening of contaminated land, the AMS2 provides a cost-effective, low-intrusion alternative to permanent monitoring wells or multi-depth probe systems. Its mechanical simplicity ensures operational reliability in variable field conditions—including cohesive silts, loams, and saturated surface layers—while maintaining sample integrity through stainless-steel construction and chemically inert liner compatibility with EPA Method TO-15, ASTM D5314, and ISO 18907 analytical workflows.

Key Features

• Stainless steel main probe body (ASTM A276 Type 316) for corrosion resistance and long-term durability in acidic, saline, or oxidizing soil environments
• Removable, smooth-bore polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-lined internal liner tube (part #427.01) to minimize analyte adsorption and facilitate post-sampling desorption efficiency
• Ergonomic handle with integrated torque-limiting design for consistent manual drive penetration up to 3.65 m (12 ft) in soft to medium-density soils
• Modular extension rod system (standard 1.22 m segments) with bayonet-style locking interface for depth scalability and rapid assembly/disassembly
• Universal adapter compatible with standard 1/4-inch Swagelok® or NPT fittings for direct connection to evacuated canisters, Tedlar® bags, or sorbent tubes
• No power requirement, no calibration drift, and zero consumables beyond liners—reducing total cost of ownership and field logistics complexity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AMS2 is validated for use with EPA-approved vapor sampling media including SUMMA®-polished stainless-steel canisters, charcoal sorbent tubes (e.g., SKC Ultra, Anasorb® CSC), and polymer-film bags meeting ASTM D6196 specifications. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are free of plasticizers, lubricants, or epoxy coatings that could leach interfering volatiles. The sampler supports GLP-compliant field documentation protocols when used with chain-of-custody forms referencing ASTM D5088 (Standard Practice for Soil Gas Sampling) and ASTM D6828 (Standard Guide for Passive Soil Gas Sampling). Its design facilitates audit-ready traceability: each liner is serialized, and probe assembly records—including depth, soil type, ambient temperature, and barometric pressure—can be logged directly into electronic field notebooks aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the AMS2 is a hardware-only passive sampling tool requiring no embedded firmware or onboard electronics, it integrates seamlessly into modern environmental data ecosystems. Field-collected samples are typically analyzed using GC-MS, GC-FID, or PID instrumentation; raw chromatographic data may be imported into LIMS platforms such as LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, or cloud-based solutions like EQuIS Professional. AMS provides optional digital field log templates (Excel and PDF) compliant with EPA Region 9 QA/G-5 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 documentation frameworks. These include auto-calculated correction factors for temperature/pressure normalization (per EPA Method TO-15 Section 8.3), blank subtraction logic, and detection limit flagging—ensuring harmonized reporting across multi-laboratory projects.

Applications

• Preliminary assessment of chlorinated solvents (e.g., PCE, TCE), petroleum hydrocarbons (BTEX), and fuel oxygenates (MTBE, ETBE) beneath suspected UST sites
• Verification of vapor intrusion pathways prior to building foundation excavation or remediation system installation
• Time-series monitoring of natural attenuation processes in monitored natural recovery (MNR) programs
• Quality assurance sampling adjacent to permanent multi-level monitoring wells to validate vertical gas distribution profiles
• Regulatory compliance sampling under state Voluntary Cleanup Programs (VCPs) and federal Brownfields initiatives
• Academic and geotechnical research involving soil-gas flux quantification, microbial VOC emissions, or landfill cover performance evaluation

FAQ

What depth range is achievable with the AMS2 in compacted or gravelly soils?
Penetration beyond 2.4 m is not recommended in soils with >15% gravel content or Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-values exceeding 25; pre-augering may be required.
Can the internal liner be reused after thermal desorption?
No—liners are single-use to prevent cross-contamination and ensure method-defined recovery rates per EPA SW-846 Method 5035A.
Is the AMS2 compatible with real-time field analyzers such as portable GCs or photoionization detectors (PIDs)?
Yes, when coupled with a calibrated flow-through adapter and zero-air purge, the probe enables semi-quantitative real-time screening at depths ≤1.5 m.
Does AMS provide certified training or SOP documentation for regulatory submittals?
Yes—authorized distributors offer ASTM-aligned SOP packages, including QA/QC checklists, equipment verification logs, and example regulatory appendices for state agency review.
How should spent liners be disposed of after sampling?
Liners containing regulated VOCs must be managed as hazardous waste per RCRA Subtitle C guidelines; AMS supplies UN-rated shipping containers compliant with 49 CFR 173.12.