Tisch TE-6070V-2.5-HVS High-Volume PM2.5 Air Sampler

Overview

The Tisch TE-6070V-2.5-HVS is a high-volume air sampler engineered for regulatory-grade PM2.5 mass concentration monitoring in ambient air quality networks. Designed and manufactured in the United States, this instrument implements gravimetric sampling principles per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reference Method RFPS-0202-141 and complies fully with 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B—the federal reference method for PM2.5. It draws ambient air at a precisely controlled volumetric flow rate of 40 cubic feet per minute (1.13 m³/min), passing it through an 8″ × 10″ micro-quartz fiber filter (TE-QMA) to collect respirable particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter. The system integrates real-time environmental compensation—automatically adjusting for temperature and barometric pressure fluctuations—to maintain flow stability within ±1% of the user-defined setpoint across diverse field conditions. Its robust dual-stage vacuum blower (0.6 HP), coupled with either mass flow control (MFC, TE-300-310) or volumetric flow control (VFC, TE-10557PM10), ensures metrological integrity required for compliance reporting and long-term trend analysis.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based control unit enabling automatic flow calibration without manual computation—operators input only the calibration factor; the system executes full closed-loop adjustment.
• Continuous 5-minute logging of actual flow rate, ambient temperature, and barometric pressure—stored internally and exportable as CSV files via removable SD card.
• Integrated elapsed time indicator (TE-5012) and 7-day mechanical timer (TE-5007) for flexible scheduling of start/stop cycles and multi-interval sampling protocols.
• Real-time status monitoring with visual alarm indicators—including prompts for recalibration, filter change, or pressure deviation thresholds.
• No consumables beyond the certified quartz filter; minimal maintenance requirements reduce total cost of ownership and operational downtime.
• Compatible with EPA-recommended sample housings and standard 8″ × 10″ filter cassettes—ensuring interoperability with existing laboratory workflows and NIST-traceable gravimetric analysis procedures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TE-6070V-2.5-HVS is validated for use with micro-quartz fiber filters meeting EPA specification requirements for low blank variability and high collection efficiency across the PM2.5 size fraction. Its inlet design and internal flow dynamics conform to the isokinetic sampling criteria defined in EPA RFPS-0202-141, ensuring representative particle capture under variable wind speeds and turbulence conditions. The instrument satisfies all physical and performance criteria outlined in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B—including flow accuracy, stability, and environmental compensation—and is routinely deployed by state and tribal air monitoring agencies participating in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) monitoring program. It supports GLP-compliant data integrity through timestamped, tamper-resistant logs and meets foundational traceability requirements for audit readiness.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is handled autonomously by the embedded microcontroller, eliminating dependency on external PCs during field operation. All sensor readings—including instantaneous and rolling 5-minute averages, minima, and maxima for flow, temperature, and pressure—are stored locally on a standard SD card in plain-text CSV format. Files are structured for direct import into spreadsheet applications or LIMS platforms without proprietary conversion tools. While no dedicated desktop software is bundled, the logged data aligns with EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) submission templates and supports automated ingestion into common environmental data management systems. Optional accessories—including the TE-5009 continuous flow/pressure recorder with TE-106 chart compatibility—provide analog backup and real-time visual verification for field technicians conducting routine QA checks.

Applications

• Ambient air quality monitoring networks operated by government agencies, universities, and third-party environmental laboratories.
• Long-term epidemiological studies requiring statistically robust PM2.5 exposure datasets aligned with regulatory measurement definitions.
• Source apportionment investigations where high-volume, filter-based samples undergo subsequent elemental analysis (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF) or organic speciation (e.g., GC-MS).
• Method validation and inter-laboratory comparison exercises under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited quality systems.
• Baseline characterization for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and permitting activities subject to EPA or equivalent national regulatory frameworks.

FAQ

Does the TE-6070V-2.5-HVS require annual factory recalibration?
No—its microprocessor-based flow control enables user-performed field calibration using NIST-traceable primary standards. However, biannual verification against a certified calibrator is recommended per EPA guidance for reference method samplers.
Can the instrument operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—designed for continuous outdoor deployment, it features weather-resistant housing, thermal management for the blower motor, and battery-backed clock/timer functionality. Power interruption recovery preserves scheduled sampling logic.
Is the SD card data format compatible with EPA AQS submission requirements?
Yes—CSV output includes UTC timestamps, calibrated flow values, and environmental metadata in columnar structure matching AQS Field Data File (FDF) conventions for automated parsing.
What filter media options are certified for PM2.5 use with this model?
Only 8″ × 10″ micro-quartz fiber filters meeting EPA Specification QMA (e.g., Pallflex Tissuquartz™ E70-2075) are approved for reference method compliance; cellulose ester or PTFE membranes are not acceptable per 40 CFR Part 50.
How does the system compensate for altitude-related pressure changes?
The integrated barometric sensor feeds real-time pressure data to the flow controller, which dynamically adjusts blower speed and valve position to maintain constant volumetric flow—ensuring equivalence to standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions as required by regulatory reporting protocols.