ASTM D4096-91(1997)e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
e1
Designation: D 4096 – 91 (Reapproved 1997)
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.
e NOTE— Editorial corrections were made in December 1997.
1. Scope D 1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
Atmospheres
1.1 This test method provides for sampling a large volume
3 3
D 3631 Test Methods for Measuring Surface Atmospheric
of atmosphere, 1600 to 2400 m (55 000 to 85 000 ft ), by
Pressure
means of a high flow-rate vacuum pump at a rate of 1.13 to
3 3
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
1.70 m /min (40 to 60 ft /min) (1, 2, 3 and 4).
2.2 Other Documents:
1.2 This flow rate allows suspended particles having diam-
EPA-600/9-76-005 Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
eters of less than 100 μm (stokes equivalent diameter) to be
Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol I, Principles (De-
collected. However, the collection efficiencies for particles
cember 1984 Rev.)
larger than 20 μm decreases with increasing particle size and it
EPA-600/4-77-027a Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
varies widely with the angle of the wind with respect to the
Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol II, Ambient Air
roof ridge of the sampler shelter and with increasing speed (5).
Specific Methods
When glass fiber filters are used, particles within the size range
of 100 to 0.1 μm diameters or less are ordinarily collected.
3. Terminology
1.3 The upper limit of mass loading will be determined by
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
plugging of the filter medium with sample material, which
test method, refer to Terminology D 1356.
causes a significant decrease in flow rate (see 6.4). For very
3.2 Descriptions of Terms:
dusty atmospheres, shorter sampling periods will be necessary.
3.2.1 absolute filter—a filter or filter medium of ultra-high
The minimum amount of particulate matter detectable by this
collection efficiency for very small particles (submicrometre
method is 3 mg (95 % confidence level). When the sampler is
3 3
size) so that essentially all particles of interest or of concern are
operated at an average flow rate of 1.70 m /min (60 ft /min) for
collected. Commonly, the efficiency is in the region of 99.95 %
24 h, this is equivalent to 1 to 2 μg/m (3).
or higher for a standard aerosol of 0.3-μm diameter (see
1.4 The sample that is collected may be subjected to further
Practice D 2986).
analyses by a variety of methods for specific constituents.
3.2.2 Hi-Vol (The High-Volume Air Sampler)—a device for
1.5 Values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the
sampling large volumes of an atmosphere, collection of the
standard. Inch-pound units are shown for information only.
contained particulate matter by filtration, and consisting of a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
high-capacity air mover, a filter to collect suspended particles,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and means for measuring, or controlling, or both, the flow rate.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 primary flow-rate standard—a device or means of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
measuring flow rate based on direct primary observations, such
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
as time and physical dimensions.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.4 secondary flow-rate standard—A flow-rate-measuring
device, such as an orifice meter, that has been calibrated
2.1 ASTM Standards:
against a primary standard.
3.2.5 spirometer—a displacement gasometer consisting of
an inverted bell resting upon or sealed by liquid (or other
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-22 on
Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D22.03 on Ambient Atmospheres and Source Emissions.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.03.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 1991. Published February 1992. Originally
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
published as D 4096 – 82. Last previous edition D 4096 – 89.
Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Moni-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
toring Systems Laboratory, Quality Assurance Division, Research Triangle Park, 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.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4096
means) and capable of showing the amount of gas added to or Examples include unpaved streets, vehicle traffic on roadways
withdrawn from the bell by the displacement (rise or fall) of the 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
6. Interferences
indicating instrument.
6.1 Large extraneous objects, such as insects, may be swept
3.2.7 constant flow high-volume sampler—a high volume
into the filter and become weighed unnoticed.
sampler that is equipped with a constant flow control device.
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
terms of particulate mass collected (or loading) per unit volume 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
standard which, in turn, has been calibrated against a secondary 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 extent and time duration of such failure. A continuous record of
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 The passive loading of the filter that can occur if it is left
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
7. Apparatus
comparisons.
5.3 This test method measures the atmosphere presented to 7.1 The essential features of a typical high-volume sampler
the sampler with good precision, but the actual dust levels in are shown in the diagram of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It is a compact
the atmosphere can vary widely from one location to another. unit consisting of a protective housing, an electric motor-
This means that sampler location may be of paramount driven, high-speed, high-volume air mover, a filter holder
importance, and may impose far greater variability of results capable of supporting a 203 by 254-mm (8 by 10-in.) filter at
than any lack of precision in the method of measurement. In the forward or entrance end, and at the exit end, means for
particular, localized dust sources may exert a major influence either indicating or controlling the air flow rate, or both, over
3 3
over a very limited area immediately adjacent to such sources. the range of 1.13 to 1.70 m /min (40 to 60 ft /min). Designs
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4096
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)
Particulate matter collected on glass-fiber medium can be
analyzed for many constituents. If chemical analysis is con-
templated binderless filters should be used. It must be borne in
mind, however, that glass is a commercial product generally
containing test-contaminating materials. The high ratio of
surface area to glass volume permits extraction of such
NOTE 1—The clearance area between the main housing and the roof at
contaminants, especially if strong reagents are employed.
2 2
its closest point should be 580.5 6 129.0 cm (90 6 20 in. ). The main
8.1.3 Silica Fiber Filters—Where it may be required or
housing should be rectangular, with dimensions of about 290 by 360 mm
desirable to use a mineral fiber filter, which may later be
(11 ⁄2 by 14 in.).
extracted by strong reagents, silica fiber filters can be used.
FIG. 1 Assembled Sampler and Shelter
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-rate standard of appropriate range in the form of an orifice
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
glass fiber media (8). Furthermore, cellulose is very sensitive to
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
weighing of the collected particles. It is usually necessary to do
having a capacity of at least5gis necessary. It is very desirable
the weighing with the filt
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