ASTM D4096-91(2003)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D4096–91(Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Total Suspended Particulate Matter in the
Atmosphere (High–Volume Sampler Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4096; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method provides for sampling a large volume 2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 3
of atmosphere, 1600 to 2400 m [55 000 to 85 000 ft ], by D 1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
means of a high flow-rate vacuum pump at a rate of 1.13 to Atmospheres
3 3 2
1.70 m /min [40 to 60 ft /min] (1, 2, 3 and 4). D 3631 Test Methods for Measuring Surface Atmospheric
1.2 This flow rate allows suspended particles having diam- Pressure
eters of less than 100 µm (stokes equivalent diameter) to be E1 Specification forASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
collected. However, the collection efficiencies for particles 2.2 Other Documents:
larger than 20 µm decreases with increasing particle size and it EPA-600/9-76-005 Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
varies widely with the angle of the wind with respect to the Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol I, Principles (De-
roof ridge of the sampler shelter and with increasing speed (5). cember 1984 Rev.)
When glass fiber filters are used, particles within the size range EPA-600/4-77-027a Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
of 100 to 0.1 µm diameters or less are ordinarily collected. Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol II, Ambient Air
1.3 The upper limit of mass loading will be determined by Specific Methods
plugging of the filter medium with sample material, which
3. Terminology
causes a significant decrease in flow rate (see 6.4). For very
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
dusty atmospheres, shorter sampling periods will be necessary.
The minimum amount of particulate matter detectable by this test method, refer to Terminology D 1356.
3.2 Descriptions of Terms:
method is 3 mg (95 % confidence level). When the sampler is
3 3
3.2.1 absolute filter—a filter or filter medium of ultra-high
operatedatanaverageflowrateof1.70m /min[60ft /min]for
24 h, this is equivalent to 1 to 2 µg/m (3). collection efficiency for very small particles (submicrometre
size)sothatessentiallyallparticlesofinterestorofconcernare
1.4 The sample that is collected may be subjected to further
analyses by a variety of methods for specific constituents. collected. Commonly, the efficiency is in the region of 99.95 %
or higher for a standard aerosol of 0.3-µm diameter (see
1.5 Values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the
standard. Inch-pound units are shown for information only. Practice D 2986).
3.2.2 Hi-Vol (The High-Volume Air Sampler)—a device for
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the sampling large volumes of an atmosphere, collection of the
contained particulate matter by filtration, and consisting of a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- high-capacity air mover, a filter to collect suspended particles,
and means for measuring, or controlling, or both, the flow rate.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 primary flow-rate standard—a device or means of
measuring flow rate based on direct primary observations, such
as time and physical dimensions.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.03 on Ambient contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Atmospheres and Source Emissions. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 10, 2003. Published June 2003. Originally the ASTM website.
e1 4
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as D 4096 – 91 (1997) . Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Moni-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of toringSystemsLaboratory,QualityAssuranceDivision,ResearchTrianglePark,NC
this practice. 27711. Attn: Distribution Record System.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D4096–91 (2003)
3.2.4 secondary flow-rate standard—Aflow-rate-measuring This means that sampler location may be of paramount
device, such as an orifice meter, that has been calibrated importance, and may impose far greater variability of results
against a primary standard. than any lack of precision in the method of measurement. In
3.2.5 spirometer—a displacement gasometer consisting of particular, localized dust sources may exert a major influence
an inverted bell resting upon or sealed by liquid (or other over a very limited area immediately adjacent to such sources.
means) and capable of showing the amount of gas added to or Examples include unpaved streets, vehicle traffic on roadways
withdrawnfromthebellbythedisplacement(riseorfall)ofthe with a surface film of dust, building demolition and construc-
bell. tion activity, or nearby industrial plants with dust emissions. In
3.2.6 working flow-rate standard—a flow rate measuring some cases, dust levels measured close to such sources may be
device, such as an orifice meter, that has been calibrated several times the community wide levels exclusive of such
against a secondary flow-rate standard. The working flow-rate localized effects (see Practice D 1357).
standard is used to calibrate a flow measuring or flow rate
indicating instrument.
6. Interferences
3.2.7 constant flow high-volume sampler—a high volume
6.1 Large extraneous objects, such as insects, may be swept
sampler that is equipped with a constant flow control device.
into the filter and become weighed unnoticed.
6.2 Liquid aerosols, such as oil mists and fog droplets, are
4. Summary of Test Method
retained by the filter. If the amount of liquid so collected is
4.1 This test method describes typical equipment, opera-
sizable, the filter can become wet and its function and mass
tional procedures, and a means of calibration of the equipment
impaired.
using an orifice flowrate meter. (See also Annex A1.)
6.3 Any gaseous or vaporous constituent of the atmosphere
4.2 Air is drawn into a covered housing and through a filter
under test that is reactive with or sorptive upon the filter or its
by means of a high-flow-rate air mover, so that particulate
collected matter will be retained and weighed as particulate
material collects on the filter surface.
matter.
4.3 The amount of particulate matter accumulated on the
6.4 As the filter becomes loaded with collected matter, the
filter over a specified period of time is measured by weighing
sampling rate is reduced. If a significant drop in flow rate
a preweighed filter after exposure.The flow rate of air sampled
occurs, the average of the initial and final flow rate calculated
is measured over the test period. The result is expressed in
in 10.1 will not give an accurate estimate of total flow during
termsofparticulatemasscollected(orloading)perunitvolume
the sampling period. The magnitude of such errors will depend
of air sampled, usually as micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m ).
on the amount of reduction of airflow rate and on the variation
The volume of air sampled is recorded by measurement of the
of the mass concentration of dust with time during the 24-h
device flow rate(s).
sampling period. As an approximate guideline, any sample
4.4 The volume of air sampled is determined by means of a
should be suspect if the final flow rate is less than one half the
flow-rate indicator. The instrument flow-rate indicator is cali-
initial rate. A continuous record of flow rate will indicate the
brated against a reference orifice meter. The latter is a working
occurrence of this problem, or a constant-flow high-volume
standardwhich,inturn,hasbeencalibratedagainstasecondary
sampler may be used to eliminate the problem.
flow meter certified by the U.S. National Institute of Standards
6.5 The possibility of power failure or voltage change
and Technology.
during the test period would lead to an error, depending on the
4.5 Airborne particulate matter retained on the filter may be
extentandtimedurationofsuchfailure.Acontinuousrecordof
examined or analyzed by a variety of methods. Specific
flow rate is desirable.
procedures are not included in this method but are the subject
6.6 Thepassiveloadingofthefilterthatcanoccurifitisleft
of separate standard methods.
in place for any time prior to or following a sampling period
can introduce significant error. For unattended operation, a
5. Significance and Use
sampler equipped with shutters shall be used.
5.1 The Hi-Vol sampler is commonly used for the collection
6.7 If two or more samplers are used at a given location,
of the airborne particulate component of the atmosphere. Some
they should be placed at least2m[6ft] apart so that one
physical and chemical parameters of the collected particulate
sampler will not affect the results of an adjacent sampler.
matter are dependent upon the physical characteristics of the
6.8 Wind tunnel studies have shown significant possible
collection system and the choice of filter media. A variety of
sampling errors as a function of sampler orientation in atmo-
options available for the Hi-Vol sampler give it broad versa-
spheres containing high relative concentrations of large par-
tility and allow the user to develop information about the size
ticles (5).
and quantity of airborne particulate material and, using subse-
6.9 Metal dusts from motors, especially copper, may sig-
quent chemical analytical techniques, information about the
nificantly contaminate samples under some conditions.
chemical properties of the particulate matter.
6.10 Under some conditions, atmospheric SO and NO
2 x
5.2 This test method presents techniques that when uni-
may interfere with the total mass determination (6).
formly applied, provide measurements suitable for intersite
comparisons.
7. Apparatus
5.3 This test method measures the atmosphere presented to
the sampler with good precision, but the actual dust levels in 7.1 The essential features of a typical high-volume sampler
the atmosphere can vary widely from one location to another. are shown in the diagram of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It is a compact
D4096–91 (2003)
7.9 Differential Manometer, capable of measuring to 4 kPa
[40 mm Hg].
8. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Filter Medium:
8.1.1 In general, the choice of a filter medium will depend
on the purpose of the test. For any given standard test method
the appropriate medium will be specified. However, it is
important to be aware of certain filter characteristics that can
affect selection and use.
8.1.2 Glass-Fiber Filter Medium—This type is most widely
used for determination of mass loading. Weight stability with
respect to moisture is an attractive feature. High-efficiency or
absolute types are preferred and will collect all airborne
particles of practically every size and description. The follow-
ing characteristics are typical:
Fiber content All-glass-usually mixed sizes
Binder Below 5 % (zero for binderless types)
Thickness Approximately 0.5 mm
Pinholes None
DOP smoke test (Practice 0.05 % penetration, 981 Pa [100 mm of water]
D 2986) at 8.53 m/min [28 ft/min]
NOTE 1—The clearance area between the main housing and the roof at
2 2
its closest point should be 580.5 6 129.0 cm [90 6 20 in. ]. The main
Particulate matter collected on glass-fiber medium can be
housing should be rectangular, with dimensions of about 290 by 360 mm
analyzed for many constituents. If chemical analysis is con-
[11 ⁄2 by 14 in.].
templated binderless filters should be used. It must be borne in
FIG. 1 Assembled Sampler and Shelter
mind, however, that glass is a commercial product generally
containing test-contaminating materials. The high ratio of
unit consisting of a protective housing, an electric motor-
surface area to glass volume permits extraction of such
driven, high-speed, high-volume air mover, a filter holder
contaminants, especially if strong reagents are employed.
capable of supporting a 203 by 254-mm [8 by 10-in.] filter at
8.1.3 Silica Fiber Filters—Where it may be required or
the forward or entrance end, and at the exit end, means for
desirable to use a mineral fiber filter, which may later be
either indicating or controlling the air flow rate, or both, over
extracted by strong reagents, silica fiber filters can be used.
3 3
the range of 1.13 to 1.70 m /min [40 to 60 ft /min]. Designs
Such fibers are usually made by leaching glass fibers with
also exist in which a flow controller is located between the
strong mineral acids followed by washing with deionized
filter and the blower. For unattended operation, a sampler
water. The fibers are rather weak but can be formed into filter
equipped with shutters to protect the filter is required.
sheets using little or no binder. These filters are commercially
7.2 A calibrator kit is required. This contains a working
available (7).
flow-ratestandardofappropriaterangeintheformofanorifice
8.1.4 Cellulose Papers—For some purposes it is desirable
with its own calibration curve. The kit includes also a set of
to collect airborne particles on cellulose fiber filters. Low-ash
five flow-control plates. These kits are available from most
papers are especially useful where the filter is to be destroyed
supply houses that deal in apparatus for air sampling and
by ignition or chemical digestion. However, these papers have
analysis.
higher flow resistance (lower sampling rate) and have been
7.3 A large desiccator or air conditioned room is required
reported to have much poorer collection efficiency than the
for filter conditioning, storage, and weighing. Filters must be
glassfibermedia(8).Furthermore,celluloseisverysensitiveto
stored and conditioned at a temperature of 15 to 27°C and a
moisture conditions and even with very careful conditioning
relative humidity between 0 and 50 %.
before and after sampling it is difficult to make an accurate
7.4 An analytical balance capable of reading to 0.1 mg, and
weighingofthecollectedparticles.Itisusuallynecessarytodo
havingacapacityofatleast5gisnecessary.Itisverydesirable
the weighing with the filter enclosed in a lightweight metal can
to have a weighing chamber of adequate size with a support
with a tight lid.
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