Tianhong TH-YC8D Low-Concentration Particulate Sampling Probe

Overview

The Tianhong TH-YC8D Low-Concentration Particulate Sampling Probe is an engineered solution for isokinetic sampling of particulate matter (PM) from industrial flue gas streams under low-concentration and high-humidity conditions. Designed in accordance with the fundamental principles of EPA Method 5I (for low-level PM), ISO 9096:2023 (determination of mass concentration of dust in stationary source emissions), and China’s HJ 836–2017 standard for low-concentration particulate matter measurement in exhaust gas, the TH-YC8D replaces conventional filter-tube-based sampling by integrating a pre-weighed, disposable membrane filter assembly directly into the probe head. This eliminates gravimetric errors associated with filter handling, transport, and post-sampling desiccation—critical challenges when measuring concentrations below 50 mg/m³. The probe operates on the principle of isokinetic sampling, ensuring representative particle capture across varying stack velocities while maintaining thermal equilibrium between the sampled gas and the probe surface to minimize condensation-induced bias.

Key Features

• Integrated pre-weighed filter head: Entire sampling assembly (including stainless-steel nozzle, support grid, and PTFE or quartz fiber membrane) is fabricated, conditioned, and weighed in a certified laboratory environment prior to field deployment—enabling direct gravimetric analysis without transfer loss.
• Ultra-low mass design: Total probe head mass < 20 g, compatible with analytical balances calibrated to 0.01 mg resolution (Class I, ASTM E898), meeting GLP traceability requirements for micro-weighing procedures.
• Modular nozzle system: Interchangeable nozzles (nominal diameters: 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm) allow precise isokinetic velocity matching across flow ranges from 2 to 30 m/s, supporting compliance with ISO 16911-1:2013 Annex A.
• High-humidity resilience: Probe body constructed from 316L stainless steel with integrated heated section (optional external heating jacket or built-in trace heater) to prevent water vapor condensation upstream of the filter—reducing hygroscopic artifact and filter clogging.
• Sealed, contamination-controlled packaging: Each probe head is individually sealed in inert, static-dissipative pouches with desiccant and batch-specific calibration certificates, ensuring integrity during storage and transit.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-YC8D is validated for use with standard quartz fiber filters (e.g., Pallflex TX40HI20WW, Whatman QM-A) and hydrophobic PTFE membranes (e.g., Gelman Supor® 450). It supports sampling of PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, and total suspended particulates (TSP) in flue gases with moisture content up to 25% v/v and temperatures up to 200 °C (with optional ceramic insulation). All materials comply with US EPA Method 5I material compatibility guidelines and are non-reactive toward acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing stack constituents. The probe meets structural and dimensional requirements specified in HJ 836–2017 Clause 6.2.1 and ISO 9096:2023 Section 7.3 for probe geometry and thermal stability.

Software & Data Management

While the TH-YC8D is a hardware-only sampling tool, it is fully interoperable with industry-standard data acquisition systems including TSI SidePak™ AM510, Thermo Scientific pDR series, and custom-configured PLC-based isokinetic controllers. Raw gravimetric data generated using the probe must be recorded in audit-trail-enabled electronic lab notebooks (ELN) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. Tianhong provides a standardized Excel-based calculation template (validated per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7) for deriving final mass concentration (mg/m³), isokinetic deviation (%), and uncertainty budgeting—including balance repeatability, environmental humidity correction, and nozzle calibration drift.

Applications

• Regulatory monitoring of coal-fired, biomass, and waste-to-energy boiler emissions under China’s “Ultra-Low Emission” policy framework.
• Performance verification of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), fabric filters (FFs), and wet scrubbers operating at sub-30 mg/m³ outlet concentrations.
• Stack testing for cement kilns, glass furnaces, and non-ferrous metal smelters where high moisture and alkali-laden flue gas challenge conventional filter-tube methods.
• Method validation studies supporting ISO 12141 and ASTM D6331–22 interlaboratory comparisons for low-concentration PM measurement.
• Research-grade particulate characterization in pilot-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) exhaust streams.

FAQ

Is the TH-YC8D probe compatible with existing isokinetic sampling consoles?
Yes—the probe features a standardized 1.5-inch NPT male thread interface and conforms to ISO 16911-1:2013 mechanical coupling specifications, enabling seamless integration with most commercially available sampling consoles (e.g., Mesa Labs Enviro-Mini, Testo 350, and custom-built systems).
Does Tianhong provide certified pre-weighing services?
Tianhong offers optional ISO/IEC 17025-accredited pre-weighing through its Wuhan-based reference laboratory (CNAS L9288), including uncertainty reporting per GUM (JCGM 100:2008) and certificate traceability to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China).
Can the probe be reused after cleaning?
No—the TH-YC8D is designed as a single-use, disposable sampling head to eliminate cross-contamination risk and ensure metrological integrity; reuse invalidates gravimetric validity and violates HJ 836–2017 Section 8.1.2.
What filter media are recommended for high-acidity flue gas?
Quartz fiber filters preconditioned with 5% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder are recommended for SOₓ-rich environments; PTFE membranes are preferred for chloride-laden or highly oxidizing streams per EPA Method 5I Appendix B.
How is isokinetic sampling verified during field use?
Isokinetic ratio is calculated in real time using paired pitot tube and thermocouple inputs from the console; TH-YC8D’s nozzle selection chart (supplied with each unit) correlates nozzle diameter to target stack velocity, ensuring ≤10% isokinetic deviation per ISO 16911-1:2013 Clause 9.4.