PM_2.5 Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCC^TM)

VSCCA In line Very Sharp Cut Cyclone

VSCCB BGI PQ200 & PQ200A
Very Sharp Cut Cyclone

(click image below to enlarge)

WINS/VSCC graph

Applications

• New Cyclone design with significant improvements over the BGI Sharp Cut Cyclone (SCC)
• U.S. EPA Federal Reference Method Designated
  (RFPS-0498-116)
• PM2.5 Separator for ALL Commercial FRM Samplers
• Model VSCCA for RAAS^TM, PARTISOL^TM& MASS^TM
• Model VSCCB for BGI PQ200 & PQ200A FRM Samplers
• PM_2.5 Continuous Particulate Monitor Inlet
• Indoor Air Quality Sampling Inlet
• Speciation and Air Toxics Sampling
• Laboratory Aerosol Research Separator

Features

• 30 Days of 24 hour Sampling before Cleaning as an EPA FRM
• Dry Sampling (no oil or impactor substrate to maintain)
• Sharper penetration and cutpoint performance over the Sharp Cut Cyclone design
• 90 Days of Continuous Operation before Cleaning
• Inert Clear Anodize Finish on Aluminum Alloy
• Direct Replacement for WINS without Tools
• Simple Field Cleaning Procedure
• Only U.S. EPA PM_2.5 Dry Reference Method Device
  

The EPA FRM second stage size selector for PM_2.5 sampling is based on the WINS (Well Impactor Ninety Six)^1,2. This impactor Fine Particle separator has been laboratory and field tested for its intended purpose³. Experience over a period of several years have proven its design for single channel and sequential samplers. Nevertheless, a need was perceived for a replacement device, which would permit: Longer intervals between cleanings, a dry collection scheme and ease of cleaning. Such a device would have strong applications to continuous samplers, which are ideally attended on a monthly basis. It would eliminate speciation concerns about the aerosols and gases passing over a liquid surface, however inert. It would be field cleanable with lint free wipes and deionized water, thereby saving the cost of spare impactor wells and laboratory cleaning.

Because of this perceived need, a device was developed by BGI and Dr. Lee Kenny of the Health and Safety laboratory, Sheffield, UK. This device, called a Very Sharp Cut Cyclone is the culmination of a long series of cyclone research projects^4,5,6,7. Because of its remarkable match to the WINS penetration curve it was subjected to testing for EPA equivalency Designation. These tests were successful and the VSCC, when used with the BGI PQ200 has been Designated an EPA Equivalent Sampler EQPM-0202-1428. On October 17, 2006 this designation was upgraded from Equivalent to Reference status.

This was the first and only PM_2.5 Equivalency granted. As an integral and important part of this grant, BGI is permitted/required to manufacture models to fit all designated PM_2.5 FRM samplers. The VSCC is an exact "plug in" replacement for the WINS. Models are provided for all FRM samplers utilizing the EPA WINS. The "A" model will fit all continuous PM_2.5 samplers that are made to utilize a WINS cartridge.

It is important to note that while the Equivalency and Reference Designation, as granted to BGI, includes leave for owners of other brands of FRM samplers to utilize the appropriate model of VSCC (see below), it does not give leave for the use of "back engineered" copies, for designated sampling. Consequently, all units are marked with a sequential serial number, the designation number, model number, BGI's name and Verified Manufacture mark.

The designation of the VSCC as an EPA Equivalent PM_2.5 second stage sampler, applicable to all FRM samplers, was a very strong team effort. Robert Gussman (BGI) conceived the original design that was executed by Kevin DeVoe (BGI). Dr. Lee Kenny (HSE) tested and refined the design, in effect "sculpting" the penetration to match the WINS curve and achieve even greater sharpness. Tom Merrifield (BGI) single handedly performed arduous field testing, running 10 samplers for over two weeks. David Mark (HSE) and Andrew Thorpe (HSE) performed the EPA 40CFR 53.65 loading trials, which resulted in certification for a 90 day cleaning interval. Whilst EPA office of OAR, who sat in judgment of this effort, maintained a strict impartiality, that very correct position, provided much needed guidance.

References

1. Federal Register 40 CFR part 50, July 18, 1997. Figs. L-20 through L-24.
2. Peters, T.M. et al., Design and calibration of the EPA PM2.5 Well Impactor Ninety-Six (WINS), J. Aerosol Science and Technology, Vol. 34: 389-397.
3. Peters, T.M. et al., Field performance of PM2.5 Federal Reference Method Samplers, J. Aerosol Science and Technology, Vol. 34: 433-443.
4. Kenny L.C. et al (2000) Development of a Sharp Cut cyclone for Ambient Aerosol Monitoring Applications, J. Aerosol Science and Technology, Vol.32: 338-358.
5. Kenny L.C. et al (2000) A Direct Approach to the Design of Cyclones for Aerosol-Monitoring Applications, J. Aerosol Science, Vol. 31: 1407-1420.
6. Kenny L.C. et al (2001) Evaluation of VSCC Cyclones, Health & Safety Laboratory Report # IR/L/EXM/01/01 (Click here)
7. Thorpe A. et al (2001) Effects of Dust Loading on the Performance of the VSCC Cyclone, Health & Safety Laboratory Report # IR/L/EXCON/O1/09 (Click here)
8. Federal Register/Volume 67, Number 63/Tuesday, April 2, 2002/Notices/Page 15566 (Click here)