Tianhong TH-16E Ambient Air Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) Sampler

Overview

The Tianhong TH-16E Ambient Air Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) Sampler is a field-deployable, constant-flow gravimetric sampling system engineered for regulatory-grade monitoring of airborne particulate mass concentration in ambient air. It operates on the principle of isokinetic, size-selective filtration—utilizing certified PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ impactor inlets aligned with U.S. EPA Reference Method design criteria and fully compliant with Chinese national standards HJ 93–2013 (technical requirements), HJ/T 374–2007 (TSP samplers), and HJ 618–2011 (gravimetric determination). The instrument maintains a precise volumetric flow rate of 16.67 L/min under dynamically compensated conditions—adjusting in real time for ambient temperature and barometric pressure fluctuations to ensure accurate standard-cubic-meter (STP) volume calculation per ISO 12103-1 and ASTM D1856 conventions. Its architecture supports both routine regulatory compliance monitoring and method validation—serving as a primary reference tool for co-location studies with continuous automatic analyzers.

Key Features

• True constant-flow control: Microprocessor-regulated mass flow controller maintains 16.67 ± 0.5% L/min across operating range (−30 °C to +50 °C, 60–106 kPa), with active thermal and pressure compensation.
• All-weather outdoor enclosure: IP55-rated housing with corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy chassis; operational at relative humidity up to 95% non-condensing.
• Thermally managed filtration: High-efficiency low-noise blower system coupled with passive heat dissipation ensures filter substrate temperature remains within +5 °C of ambient—critical for minimizing volatilization losses in semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
• Modular filter handling: Motorized filter cassette carriage enables one-touch membrane insertion/retraction; integrated leak-check sequence verifies seal integrity prior to sampling initiation.
• Intuitive human interface: 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with localized Chinese firmware; supports multi-step programmable protocols including start/stop timing, interval sampling, and duty-cycle scheduling.
• Robust data integrity architecture: Non-volatile memory retains >100,000 timestamped records (flow, T/P, error logs); power-fail recovery preserves all active session metadata and resumes sampling without manual intervention.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-16E accommodates standard 47-mm or 90-mm circular filters—including quartz fiber (for OC/EC analysis), glass fiber (for gravimetric mass), and hydrophobic PTFE (for ion chromatography or metals digestion). All filter holders conform to ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when used with certified balance systems. The sampler meets the physical and performance specifications outlined in HJ 93–2013 for manual reference samplers, including inlet aspiration efficiency (>95% at 100% wind speed), cut-point sharpness (σ_g ≤ 1.2 for PM₂.₅), and flow stability (CV < 2% over 24 h). It is routinely deployed in national air quality monitoring networks for QA/QC audits, method equivalency testing, and certification of continuous monitors per CNEMC guidelines.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and configuration are managed via embedded firmware compliant with GLP principles: full audit trail logging (user actions, parameter changes, calibration events), electronic signature support, and configurable data export formats (CSV, TXT). USB-host interface enables direct transfer to laboratory PCs for integration with LIMS platforms. Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU output allows seamless connection to SCADA or central environmental data acquisition systems. Firmware updates are performed via secure signed package delivery—ensuring version control and regulatory alignment with evolving HJ-series revisions.

Applications

• Regulatory compliance monitoring for national and provincial ambient air quality assessment programs
• Co-location validation of beta-attenuation (BAM), tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM), and laser scattering continuous PM monitors
• Source apportionment studies requiring high-fidelity filter-based chemical speciation (e.g., ICP-MS, IC, GC-MS)
• Long-term trend analysis under GB 3095–2012 and WHO Air Quality Guidelines
• Field calibration verification and inter-laboratory comparison exercises

FAQ

Does the TH-16E meet U.S. EPA equivalency requirements for reference samplers?

Yes—it adheres to the dimensional, aerodynamic, and performance criteria specified in 40 CFR Part 53 for equivalent methods, particularly in flow control accuracy, inlet geometry, and cut-point fidelity.
Can the instrument operate unattended for extended periods?

Yes—designed for continuous 365-day operation with integrated power management, environmental hardening, and remote status reporting via optional GPRS module.
Is the firmware validated for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

While not pre-certified, the audit trail, electronic signature, and data integrity features are architecturally aligned with Part 11 controls; site-specific validation documentation can be supported per client SOP.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for field deployment?

Bi-monthly inspection of inlet nozzle, filter holder seals, and flow sensor calibration; annual full metrological verification against NIST-traceable flow standards is advised.
Are calibration certificates provided with each unit?

Each TH-16E ships with factory calibration report (traceable to CNAS-accredited lab) covering flow, temperature, and pressure sensors—valid for 12 months from date of shipment.