Tisch TE-Wilbur Portable PM10 & PM2.5 Particulate Matter Sampler

Overview

The Tisch TE-Wilbur Portable PM10 & PM2.5 Particulate Matter Sampler is a field-deployable, EPA-compliant ambient air monitoring system engineered for gravimetric measurement of total suspended particulates (TSP), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Based on the principle of isokinetic filtration and mass-based quantification, the TE-Wilbur operates at a precisely regulated volumetric flow rate—typically 16.67 L/min—within a broader adjustable range of 0–25 SLPM. Its design adheres strictly to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory frameworks, including 40 CFR Part 53 and its Appendix L performance specifications for Federal Reference Methods (FRM) and Federal Equivalent Methods (FEM). The instrument integrates real-time environmental parameter sensing (temperature, pressure, and filter temperature), closed-loop pump speed control via mass flow measurement, and programmable sampling intervals aligned with EPA-defined schedules (e.g., 1/3-, 1/6-, or 24-hour cycles). As a Class I FEM-certified platform for PM_2.5 and FRM-certified for both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, the TE-Wilbur serves as a primary reference-grade tool in regulatory compliance monitoring, ambient air quality networks, and industrial stack or fence-line assessment programs.

Key Features

• 5.7-inch full-color touchscreen interface with intuitive, menu-driven operation supporting multiple languages—including optional Chinese localization—enabling rapid deployment by field technicians with minimal training.
• Integrated environmental sensor suite: dual PT100 RTD sensors (ambient and filter temperature, ±0.15 °C accuracy), and a calibrated barometric pressure transducer (450–1238 mmHg, ±10 mmHg).
• High-stability brushless DC pump controlled by a precision mass flow meter and adaptive PID algorithm to maintain target flow within ±0.75 L/min across variable ambient conditions.
• Tisch-designed one-hand filter change mechanism—mechanically self-sealing, requiring no recalibration or gasket adjustment—reducing operator error and downtime during routine media replacement.
• Industrial-grade PLC-based controller with embedded step-by-step calibration routines, onboard data logging, and firmware updates via USB flash drive.
• Robust enclosure rated for continuous outdoor operation between −25 °C and +50 °C; includes internal uninterruptible power supply (UPS) option for transient grid outages.
• Compliance-ready architecture: supports audit trails, time-stamped event logs, and configuration locking—aligned with GLP/GMP documentation expectations and 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles when integrated into validated laboratory workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TE-Wilbur accommodates standard 47-mm or 8-inch quartz fiber or PTFE membrane filters, compatible with EPA Method IO-3.2 (PM_2.5) and IO-3.3 (PM₁₀). It accepts interchangeable cyclone or impactor-based size-selective inlets—including BGI SCC-1.062, WINS PM_2.5, and Tisch’s proprietary TE-PM2.5C and TE-PM10-D cut points—to enable simultaneous or sequential sampling of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, or TSP fractions. All configurations operate under strict adherence to 40 CFR Part 53 Appendix L requirements for flow stability, temperature compensation, and pressure correction algorithms. Certification status includes:

• PM₁₀: FRM, Certification No. RFPS-0714-216
• PM_2.5 (with BGI/WINS inlet): FRM, Certification No. RFPS-1014-219
• PM_2.5 (with TE-PM2.5C inlet): FEM Class II, Certification No. EQPM-xxx
• Co-located PM₁₀/PM_2.5 dual-channel configuration: FRM (RFPS-1014-220) and FEM (EQPM-xxx)

Manufactured in the USA under ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, each unit ships with NIST-traceable calibration documentation and a full compliance dossier.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and system configuration are supported through three interoperable interfaces: native MODBUS RTU/TCP protocol for integration into SCADA or central data acquisition platforms; USB 2.0 host port for direct file export (CSV, TXT, or binary log formats); and 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet for remote firmware updates and real-time telemetry. The onboard controller stores ≥30 days of high-resolution operational logs—including flow rate, temperature, pressure, pump voltage, and alarm events—with automatic timestamping and UTC synchronization. Exported datasets include metadata headers compliant with AQS (Air Quality System) submission standards. Optional Tisch DataLink software provides visualization dashboards, QA/QC flagging tools, and automated report generation aligned with EPA Form 2000 series requirements.

Applications

• Ambient air quality monitoring networks operated by state/local agencies and national programs (e.g., U.S. EPA AirNow, EEA Eionet)
• Regulatory compliance verification for industrial facilities subject to NSR, PSD, or Title V permitting conditions
• Source apportionment studies requiring co-located, synchronized PM₁₀/PM_2.5 gravimetric datasets
• Short-term health impact assessments in proximity to construction sites, roadways, or biomass combustion zones
• Calibration and validation of optical particle counters (OPCs) and beta attenuation monitors (BAMs)
• Remote or off-grid deployments leveraging its low power draw (40 W), wide thermal tolerance, and optional battery backup

FAQ

Is the TE-Wilbur certified for use in U.S. federal monitoring networks?
Yes. It holds EPA FRM certification for PM₁₀ (RFPS-0714-216) and PM_2.5 (RFPS-1014-219), and FEM Class II certification for PM_2.5 (EQPM-xxx), fully satisfying 40 CFR Part 53 requirements.
Can it perform simultaneous PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 sampling?
Yes—using dual-inlet configurations with TE-PM10-D and TE-PM2.5C or BGI/WINS cut points, validated under FRM RFPS-1014-220 and FEM EQPM-xxx.
What filter types and sizes are supported?
Standard 47-mm and 8-inch diameter filters, including quartz fiber (for OC/EC analysis), PTFE (for ion chromatography), and nylon (for metal speciation), all compliant with EPA IO-3.x methods.
Does the system support remote diagnostics and firmware updates?
Yes—via Ethernet (MODBUS TCP or HTTP API) or USB; firmware updates preserve user-configured sampling protocols and calibration constants.
How is flow rate accuracy maintained across varying elevation and temperature?
Through real-time correction using integrated PT100 RTD sensors and barometric pressure feedback, applied dynamically within the PID control loop per 40 CFR Part 53 Appendix L §5.2.3.