Tisch TE-10557 / TE-300-310 High-Volume Air Sampler for TSP, PM10, and PM2.5

Overview

The Tisch TE-10557 (Volume Flow Control) and TE-300-310 (Mass Flow Control) High-Volume Air Samplers are precision-engineered instruments designed for regulatory-grade ambient particulate matter monitoring in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reference Methods. These samplers operate on the principle of isokinetic high-flow aspiration through size-selective inlets—TSP (Total Suspended Particulates), PM₁₀, and PM_2.5—to collect mass-concentration data required for compliance reporting, epidemiological studies, and long-term air quality trend analysis. The system adheres strictly to EPA 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, and Reference Method RFPS-0202-141, ensuring traceable, auditable, and metrologically defensible measurements. Built upon Tisch’s legacy since 1954—the year the company introduced the first commercially deployed TSP sampler—the platform integrates robust mechanical architecture with digital control intelligence to maintain volumetric or mass-based flow stability under dynamic field conditions.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled flow regulation with automatic real-time compensation for ambient temperature and barometric pressure deviations—ensuring adherence to EPA-specified standard conditions (25 °C, 101.3 kPa)
• Dual flow control options: TE-10557 Volume Flow Controller (VFC) for constant-volume operation, or TE-300-310 Mass Flow Controller (MFC) for true mass-normalized sampling
• Integrated continuous data logging: records flow rate, temperature, and atmospheric pressure at 5-minute intervals; stores timestamped CSV files directly onto removable SD card
• Self-diagnostic status indicators with configurable alarms—including low-flow warning, calibration due notification, and filter loading alerts
• Two-stage vacuum blower motor (0.6 HP) engineered for sustained 40 CFM (1.13 m³/min) operation across full environmental range (–20 °C to +50 °C)
• Field-serviceable design with brush kits (TE-33378/TE-33384), calibrated gaskets (TE-1008-5), and standardized 8″ × 10″ filter media holders (TE-6003 & TE-3000)
• No consumables beyond filters and gaskets; calibration kit (TE-5040) required only annually or per site-specific QA/QC protocol

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The sampler accommodates multiple EPA-approved filter substrates—including Micro-Quartz (TE-QMA), Teflon membrane, and glass fiber—mounted in standardized 8″ × 10″ cassettes (TE-3000). It supports all three major particulate fractions via interchangeable EPA-certified inlets: TSP (no cutoff), PM₁₀ (BGI VSCC or WINS impactor), and PM_2.5 (U.S. EPA-designated sharp-cut cyclone). All configurations meet the performance criteria outlined in EPA Reference Method RFPS-0202-141 for collection efficiency, flow stability (< ±2% over 24 h), and inlet isokinetic fidelity. The system is fully compatible with GLP-compliant laboratory workflows and satisfies audit requirements under 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, including documentation of flow calibration history, environmental parameter logs, and maintenance records.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required. Raw sensor data—including instantaneous and averaged flow (CFM), temperature (°C), and pressure (kPa)—are written natively to FAT32-formatted SD cards in comma-separated values (CSV) format. Each file includes UTC timestamps, instrument serial number, and operational mode metadata. Field technicians may import logs directly into Excel, R, Python (pandas), or LIMS platforms without conversion. The embedded microcontroller supports firmware updates via SD card and retains configuration settings during power loss. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO/IEC 17025, the system provides full audit trail capability when paired with validated SD card handling procedures and time-stamped calibration certificates (per TE-5040 kit).

Applications

• Regulatory ambient air monitoring networks (e.g., State and Local Air Monitoring Stations—SLAMS)
• Source apportionment studies requiring co-located TSP/PM₁₀/PM_2.5 mass balance
• Long-term health effects research where gravimetric filter analysis is coupled with elemental or organic carbon speciation
• QA/QC validation of low-volume beta attenuation monitors (BAM) and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOM)
• International monitoring programs aligned with WHO Air Quality Guidelines and EU Directive 2008/50/EC
• Indoor air quality assessments in occupational hygiene contexts (e.g., construction, mining, manufacturing)

FAQ

Does this sampler meet U.S. EPA equivalency requirements for regulatory reporting?
Yes. When configured with EPA-approved inlets and certified filter media, the TE-10557 and TE-300-310 satisfy the performance specifications of 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, and are listed in EPA’s Reference and Equivalent Methods database.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Per EPA guidance, primary flow calibration using a NIST-traceable calibrator (e.g., dry gas meter or critical orifice) is required before initial deployment and annually thereafter—or after any maintenance affecting flow path integrity.
Can the system operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes. With external power conditioning and environmental enclosure, units routinely support 30-day continuous operation. The elapsed time indicator (TE-5012) and SD card logging provide full duty-cycle verification.
Is the TE-300-310 MFC option necessary for PM_2.5 monitoring?
While VFC systems remain acceptable for many applications, the MFC configuration (TE-300-310) delivers superior mass-normalized accuracy under variable pressure/temperature conditions—particularly critical for high-altitude or coastal deployments.
Are replacement parts and service documentation available globally?
All components—including motors (TE-116311/TE-116312), controllers (TE-5007, TE-302), and sensors (TE-5009)—are stocked by Tisch Environmental and distributed through authorized partners in >40 countries, with full technical manuals and spare part schematics provided upon request.