De La Salle University - Manila

LIDAR

Facilities - Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Research Group

LOW-VOLUME AIR SAMPLER

The Airmetrics MiniVol™ Portable Air Sampler (Figure 1) is an ambient air sampler for particulate matter and non-reactive gases. The patented low flow technology used in the MiniVol™ was developed jointly by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority in a n effort to address the need for portable air pollution sampling technology.

Figure 1. The Airmetrics Minivol™ Portable Air sampler.

While not a reference method sampler, the MiniVol™ gives results that closely approximate reference method air quality data. Both accurate and precise, the battery operated, lightweight MiniVol™ is ideal for sampling at remote sites or areas without power. In addition, the low cost of the sampler allows a network of MiniVols™ to be deployed at a fraction of the cost for a similar reference station network.

The MiniVol™ features a 7-day programmable timer, a constant flow control system, an elapsed time totalizer, rechargeable battery packs, and all-weather PVC construction. The MiniVol™ can be configure d to sample for jus t particulate matter, just gases, or both simultaneously.

The MiniVol™ Portable Air Sampler is basically a pump controlled by a programmable timer which can be set to make up to six "runs" within 24 hours or throughout a week. When used outdoors it may be hung from a bracket mounted on a variety of structures—utility poles, trees, fence posts, etc.

Particulate Matter (PM) Sampling Mode

In the particulate matter (PM) sampling mode, air is drawn through a particle size separator and then through a filter medium. Particle size separation is achieved by impaction. Critical to the collection of the correct particle size is the correct flow rate through the impactor. For the MiniVol™, the actual volumetric flow rate must be 5 liters per minute (5 lpm) at ambient conditions. To assure a constant 5 lpm flow rate through the size separator at differing air temperatures and atmospheric pressure s, the sampler must be adjusted for each sampling project.

For details please visit: http://www.airmetrics.com/products/minivol/index.html