Tisch TE-5170 High-Volume Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) Sampler
| Brand | Tisch |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | TE-5170 |
| Flow Rate | 39–60 CFM (1.1–1.7 m³/min) |
| Compliance | EPA 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B |
| Calibration | Automatic microprocessor-controlled flow calibration |
| Data Logging | Internal SD card (CSV format), 5-minute interval logging of temperature, pressure, and actual flow rate |
| Flow Stability | ±1% of setpoint (maintained via real-time temperature & barometric pressure compensation) |
| Sample Compatibility | Standard EPA-approved 8×10 inch TSP filter holders |
| Power Supply | 120 VAC, 60 Hz |
| Enclosure | NEMA 4X-rated weatherproof cabinet |
Overview
The Tisch TE-5170 is a high-volume, microprocessor-controlled total suspended particulate (TSP) sampler engineered for regulatory-grade ambient air monitoring in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method IO-1 (formerly EPA Reference Method for TSP) and 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B. It operates on the principle of constant-flow, gravimetric collection—drawing ambient air through a standardized 20.3 × 25.4 cm (8 × 10 inch) filter medium at user-selectable volumetric flow rates between 39 and 60 cubic feet per minute (CFM), equivalent to 1.1–1.7 m³/min. The instrument dynamically compensates for real-time ambient temperature and barometric pressure variations to maintain flow stability within ±1% of the setpoint—ensuring metrological traceability and data integrity required for regulatory reporting and long-term trend analysis. Designed and manufactured in the United States since Tisch’s foundational work in 1954, the TE-5170 represents over seven decades of iterative refinement in high-volume aerosol sampling architecture.
Key Features
- Automatic microprocessor-based flow calibration: Eliminates manual calculations; users input only the calibration factor—the system executes full flow verification and adjustment autonomously.
- Real-time environmental compensation: Integrated temperature and barometric pressure sensors continuously adjust motor speed to sustain target flow under variable field conditions—achieving ≥99% flow stability across operational ranges.
- Comprehensive data acquisition: Logs temperature (°C), barometric pressure (kPa or inHg), and instantaneous/average/minimum/maximum flow rate (CFM or m³/min) every 5 minutes to internal SD card in comma-separated value (CSV) format.
- NEMA 4X weatherproof enclosure: Rated for continuous outdoor deployment in harsh environments—including rain, dust, and temperature extremes typical of unattended monitoring stations.
- EPA-compliant hardware interface: Accepts standard 8×10 inch TSP filter cassettes and supports interchangeable inlet configurations aligned with EPA-recommended sampling protocols.
- Programmable timer with multi-interval scheduling: Enables custom start/stop times, daily or weekly sampling cycles, and duty-cycle modulation for networked or resource-constrained deployments.
- Status-driven visual indicators: LED alerts notify operators of calibration due dates, flow deviation thresholds, power anomalies, or SD card write failures—supporting preventive maintenance and GLP-aligned operational oversight.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TE-5170 is validated for use with glass fiber, quartz, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters meeting ASTM D1357 and EPA Method IO-1 specifications. Its inlet geometry and flow profile conform to the aerodynamic cutoff criteria defined in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B for total suspended particulates—ensuring collection efficiency ≥99% for particles ≤100 µm aerodynamic diameter under nominal operating conditions. The system meets design and performance requirements for inclusion in State Implementation Plans (SIPs), National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) monitoring networks, and EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) workflows. It supports audit-ready documentation when paired with time-stamped CSV logs and external meteorological station synchronization.
Software & Data Management
No proprietary software installation is required. All collected data are stored natively on removable SD cards in open-format CSV files—compatible with Microsoft Excel, R, Python pandas, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Each record includes UTC timestamp, sensor readings, and derived metrics (e.g., volumetric flow corrected to standard temperature and pressure, STP). For regulated environments, the TE-5170 supports integration into 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data workflows when deployed with validated electronic logbook solutions and role-based access controls. Audit trails—including calibration history, operator ID inputs, and firmware revision logs—are retained in non-volatile memory.
Applications
- Regulatory compliance monitoring for TSP under NAAQS and state-level air quality statutes
- Source apportionment studies targeting heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic) and crustal elements in urban, industrial, and near-roadway environments
- Long-term trend analysis in national monitoring networks (e.g., IMPROVE, CASTNET)
- Method validation and interlaboratory comparison exercises per ISO 12103-1 and ASTM D7244
- Baseline characterization prior to construction or remediation activities requiring EPA or state agency approval
- Research-grade aerosol mass concentration profiling in atmospheric chemistry and exposure science investigations
FAQ
Does the TE-5170 require routine consumables beyond filters and backup batteries?
No. The system contains no replaceable flow sensors, lubricated bearings, or service-dependent electronics. Filter media and optional uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries constitute the sole periodic consumables.
Can the TE-5170 be operated unattended for extended durations?
Yes. With its NEMA 4X enclosure, internal clock/calendar, and SD card logging, it supports fully autonomous operation for up to 30 days without intervention—subject to local power reliability and filter capacity.
Is firmware update capability available in the field?
Yes. Firmware updates are delivered via SD card using Tisch-provided binary files and follow a secure checksum-verified loading protocol compliant with IEC 62443-3-3.
How is flow accuracy verified during routine QA/QC?
The unit supports primary calibration using NIST-traceable bubble meters or critical orifice calibrators. Post-calibration verification is automated via the built-in microprocessor and logged alongside environmental parameters.
Does the TE-5170 support remote monitoring or telemetry integration?
While the base model lacks native cellular or Ethernet interfaces, it is compatible with third-party IoT gateways via its RS-232 serial port (Modbus RTU protocol), enabling integration into SCADA or cloud-based environmental data platforms.
