LimsPulse
Environmental monitoring

Particulate Matter (PM10 / PM2.5) Sampler

Draws a known volume of ambient air through a size-selective inlet and a filter so that the mass of PM10 or PM2.5 particles collected can be weighed and expressed as µg/m³.

  • Environmental monitoring agencies and pollution control boards
  • Environmental consultancies
  • Mining, cement, power and steel
  • Research institutions
  • Construction and infrastructure projects
Photo of a Particulate Matter (PM10 / PM2.5) Sampler
Photo: Srini297, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Filter preparation

  1. 1Inspect filters for pinholes and tears and number them.
  2. 2Condition filters in the weighing room for at least 24 hours.
  3. 3Weigh each filter on a calibrated balance (microbalance for 47 mm filters) and record the initial mass.
  4. 4Store weighed filters in labelled cassettes or petri slides.
  • Handle filters only with flat-tipped tweezers; never touch with fingers.
STAGE 2

Field set-up

  1. 1Site the sampler away from obstructions, typically with the inlet about 2–5 m above ground and well clear of trees and walls, as per the siting guidance in use.
  2. 2Clean the inlet and impactor, and re-grease or replace the impaction surface as per manual.
  3. 3Load the filter, close the holder and run a leak check.
  4. 4Check the flow rate against a transfer standard if the schedule requires.
STAGE 3

Sampling

  1. 1Start the 24-hour run and record start time, flow and weather conditions.
  2. 2At the end, record the total volume, elapsed time and any flow alarms.
  3. 3Remove the filter, place it in its cassette and transport it cool and protected to the lab.
  • Reject runs with large flow excursions or power cuts beyond the allowed limit.
STAGE 4

Post-sampling weighing

  1. 1Condition the exposed filter for at least 24 hours under the same conditions as before.
  2. 2Weigh and record the final mass.
  3. 3Calculate concentration in µg/m³ and complete field and lab blank records.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every PM sampler in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how