PQ200 Ambient Fine Particulate Sampler

• First EPA PM_2.5 sampler designated (Designation No. RFPS-0498-116)
• First sampler approved by EPA for use as a portable audit sampler (Designation No. RFPS-0498-116)
• First sampler approved by EPA as Equivalent using the VSCC (Designation No. EQPM-0202-142)
• Modified design approved for PM10 sampling (Designation No. RFPS-1298-125)
• Only designated reference sampler capable of a 24 hour run on internal batteries
• Manufactured in ISO 9001 registered facility
• Ordered by EPA under contract for reference samplers
• Only designated reference sampler with solar power augmentation
• Convertible to designated PM10 reference sampler
  

Applications

• PM_2.5 sampling to U.S. EPA specifications
• Useful for daily, intermediate, or audit sampling
• Meets or exceeds specifications for Federal Reference Method (FRM) per 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L
• Easily reconfigurable for PM10 or TSP
  

Features

• Single channel design for maximum reliability and portability
• Friendly operator interface and easy data collection and downloading
• Includes built-in 12-volt DC battery power system charger (U.L. approved)
• Advanced flow control system
• Download software included

Downloads

• Download the latest version of the instruction manual. Click here and then click on manual # 2.
• PQ200 Windows Download Software Version 2.3 (April, 2004) (unzip file into a temporary directory and run "setup.exe")
• PQ200 Firmware Version 3.92 (March 2002)
• Download the EPA Field Standard Operating Procedures

BGI Incorporated produces the PQ200 Ambient PM_2.5 Federal Reference Method (FRM) and FRM "Portable Audit" Sampling Systems. The PQ200 is designed to meet exacting criteria for collecting 24-hour samples of ambient "Fine Particulate," according to the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), published July 18, 1997.

BGI has developed the Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCC) which replaces the WINS impactor and allows 30 days between cleaning intervals. Further details may be viewed on an individual page. Existing PQ200 samplers may be converted.

PM_2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter) is collected on 47 mm PTFE membrane media at a volumetric sample rate of 16.67 Lpm after being size discriminated through two U.S. EPA designed inertial separators. Ambient temperature and barometric pressure measurements are made at actual sample conditions. A microprocessor and sophisticated volumetric flow control system are integrated to maintain precise sampling parameters while sampling data are continuously logged into the processor memory. Five minute actual ambient temperature and pressure conditions with volumetric sample flow rate, filter temperature, and pressure are recorded. Measured values and identification of flags indicating any anomalies are recovered by the operator by downloading a sample summary to a laptop or handheld computer. EPA's audit program makes exclusive use of the PQ200A version of the sampler. This item is available to all authorities and individuals who wish to sample or audit under EPA stringent guidelines.

Solar Panel

The BGI Solar Panel accessory for the PQ200 will extend its operational time range from 24 hours to an indefinite period, depending upon the amount of ambient sunlight available in the region of use. As a practical matter the panel with the reconnected ballast battery will provide a minimum of 10-14 days of operation with only minimum ambient light. When interval sampling on three or six day cycles is contemplated operations far from a source of power are achievable.

Test Cassette

EPA mandates two types of leak tests for all designated, PM_2.5 samplers. The first test is readily accomplished with the shutoff adaptor furnished with each designated instrument. The second test, for internal bypass leakage requires an impermeable membrane to be placed in the cassette. The official version is published in the Federal Register: 40 CFR Part 50, 18 July 97 Appendix L 7.4.6.2 (a)(2).

Because the membranes are easily misplaced BGI provides a standard cassette complete with 0.005 in thick TFE Membrane, a standard filter and labeled transport tin. (Part Number CF2). Available for separate purchase are our new impermeable membranes, produced from very thin, pliable pure gum rubber; available in packets of six (Part Number RD006) or premounted in a standard FRM cassette with 5 replacement membranes (Part Number KT006).

Dust Excluder

BGI was the first FRM manufacturer to recognize the need to minimize the amount of air flowing through the filter holder compartment of an FRM sampler. To minimize deposition on the external surfaces of a cassette, we have developed an accessory dust excluder to completely protect the cassette. This accessory has been approved by the U.S. EPA. Instructions for installation appear in the PQ200 instruction manual (versions 1.6 and later).

Cassette Transport Carrier

Since the inception of the PM_2.5 there has been a discerned need for a top quality cassette transport carrier. BGI has met that need with the Model F214. The body of the carrier is manufactured from nickel-plated aluminum. The cassette is centered in a recess but has a generous clearance annulus for ease of removal. The cassette is rigidly held in an all-metal container. There are no problems with material flaking, nor insecure covers. Sturdily manufactured to a high standard for a lifetime of reliable service.

Helpful Hint: One of the best and least expensive ways to transport cassette carriers to the field is in small "soft" lunch boxes.

Universal PQ/TSP Sampling Inlet The publication of an extensive multi year European aerosol study* of inlet performance confirms the utility of the US EPA louvered inlet. This is essentially the top half of the McFarland Texas A&M Federal Reference Method (FRM) inlet without the impactor and water excluder sections. The Inlet (P/N PQTSP) should be utilized with a minimum of a 12” long inlet sample tube (P/N A1719L19) to avoid bluff body effects.

* L Kenny, et al. “Aspiration and sampling efficiencies of the TSP and Louvered particulate matter inlets”, J. Environ. Monit, 2005, 7 481-487.

Speciation Sampling

Cassette Opener

This simple device is utilized for the opening of the FRM cassettes. The cassette, manufactured to EPA design specifications, is a very tight press fit. The "sliding ramp" design permits the cassette to be gently opened. (Part Number CO1)

Calibration

The finest samplers deserve the finest calibrators. The BGI deltaCal and tetraCal^® (formally triCal) are NIST traceable and the only electronic devices usable down to -30° C.

PQ200 Specifications

EPA Design-Specified Hardware

• EPA Omni-directional Ambient Particle Inlet
• Inlet Sample Transport Tube
• EPA PM_2.5"Well Impactor Ninety Six"
• 47 mm Filter Holder Assembly

EPA Performance-Specified and
PQ200 Feature Hardware

• Ambient Temperature Sensor
• Ambient Barometric Pressure Sensor
• Volumetric Flow Control and Measurement System
• Microprocessor
• RS232 Communication