Tianhong TH-16Ea Automated Filter-Changing Ambient Particulate Matter Sampler

Overview

The Tianhong TH-16Ea is an automated, constant-flow ambient particulate matter (PM) sampler engineered for long-term, unattended field deployment in regulatory monitoring networks, research-grade environmental studies, and industrial compliance applications. It operates on the principle of isokinetic gravimetric sampling—drawing ambient air through a certified size-selective inlet (e.g., PM₁₀ or PM_2.5 cyclone or impactor) at a rigorously maintained volumetric flow rate of 16.67 L/min, as specified in ISO 7708:1995 and aligned with U.S. EPA Reference Method IO-3.3. This flow rate enables direct compatibility with standard 47-mm quartz or PTFE membrane filters and ensures traceable mass concentration calculations (µg/m³) when paired with laboratory microbalance analysis. The system’s core architecture integrates mechanical precision, environmental resilience, and digital traceability—supporting continuous outdoor operation across diverse climatic zones from −30 °C to +50 °C.

Key Features

• Automated 16-position filter carousel: Enables uninterrupted multi-day sampling campaigns without manual intervention; each filter position is mechanically indexed via high-torque stepper motor and linear slide rail assembly, eliminating jamming or misalignment under thermal cycling or vibration.
• True constant-flow control: Digital mass flow controller (MFC) with closed-loop feedback maintains 16.67 L/min ±2% over pressure differentials up to 25 kPa—critical for maintaining cut-point integrity of PM-selective inlets.
• NFC-enabled filter tracking: Each aluminum filter holder contains an ISO/IEC 14443-A compliant passive RFID tag. Upon filter insertion and post-sampling removal, the instrument writes timestamp, duration, flow average, temperature, pressure, and serial ID directly to the tag—enabling full chain-of-custody documentation without manual log entry.
• Industrial-grade HMI: 7-inch capacitive touch display with sunlight-readable TFT panel supports intuitive workflow navigation—including one-touch leak check (per EN 12341 Annex B), programmable start/stop schedules, and real-time diagnostics (pump status, filter position, battery voltage).
• Robust field enclosure: Dual-hinged, gasket-sealed cabinet (IP55 ingress protection) features corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel, integrated desiccant chamber, and modular internal layout for rapid component access—designed for maintenance intervals exceeding 6 months in roadside or construction-site deployments.
• Power resilience: Built-in supercapacitor-backed real-time clock and non-volatile parameter storage ensure zero data loss during grid interruption; auto-resume functionality restores pre-failure sampling state upon power recovery.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-16Ea is fully compatible with standardized 47-mm diameter filters (quartz fiber, Teflon®, cellulose ester) used in regulatory gravimetric analysis. When coupled with EN 12341-compliant PM₁₀ or PM_2.5 inlets—or equivalent GB/T 37186–2018 certified cut-points—it satisfies requirements for national ambient air quality monitoring networks in China and harmonized European reference methods. Its flow accuracy, temperature/pressure compensation algorithm, and documented uncertainty budget support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories. All firmware logs include immutable timestamps and are structured to meet GLP audit trail requirements—including operator ID (via NFC login), parameter changes, and error events.

Software & Data Management

Data export occurs natively via USB 2.0 mass storage mode: no proprietary drivers required. Sample metadata (start time, end time, average flow, ambient T/P, filter ID) exports as UTF-8 CSV files readable in Excel, R, or Python pandas. Internal memory retains ≥100,000 records with automatic rollover and cyclic overwrite policy. Optional GPRS module provides TLS 1.2-secured MQTT or HTTP(S) transmission to cloud platforms or SCADA systems, supporting remote configuration, alarm notifications (e.g., low flow, door open, filter end-of-cycle), and firmware OTA updates. All communications adhere to IEC 62443-3-3 security profiles for industrial IoT.

Applications

• Fixed-site ambient air quality monitoring (AQMS) networks operated by municipal EPBs or provincial ecological environment bureaus.
• Construction dust source attribution studies requiring spatially distributed, time-resolved PM mass loading data.
• University and research institute field campaigns evaluating aerosol hygroscopicity, chemical speciation, or deposition fluxes.
• Pre-compliance verification for industrial stack emissions where ambient background subtraction is required.
• Long-term trend analysis under China’s “Blue Sky Defense War” policy framework and EU Air Quality Directive reporting obligations.

FAQ

What inlet configurations are supported for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ sampling?
The TH-16Ea accepts any standardized 47-mm inlet meeting EN 12341 or GB/T 37186–2018 dimensional and aerodynamic specifications. Tianhong offers optional certified PM_2.5 sharp-cut cyclones and PM₁₀ WINS impactors with NIST-traceable calibration certificates.
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records?
While not validated for pharmaceutical GxP environments, its audit trail structure—including immutable timestamps, user action logging, and NFC-based filter identity binding—meets foundational ALCOA+ principles for environmental data integrity. Full Part 11 implementation requires site-specific validation protocol.
Can the instrument operate on solar power?
Yes. With optional DC-DC converter module (12 V input), it integrates seamlessly with off-grid solar-battery systems commonly deployed in remote monitoring stations.
How is flow calibration performed and verified?
Factory calibration uses primary-standard dry calibrators traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology). Field verification follows ISO 5725-2 protocols using a calibrated bubble meter or critical orifice; built-in leak-check routine validates system integrity before each sampling sequence.
Is firmware update capability available remotely?
Yes—via GPRS-connected devices using signed binary packages delivered over HTTPS with SHA-256 hash verification and rollback-safe dual-bank flash architecture.