STANDARDS Australia has released standard AS 3580.9.8-2001 for the determination of suspended particulate matter -- PM10 Continuous Direct Mass Method -- using a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) analyser.
The standard sets out the operational requirements for the TEOM 1400a monitor which incorporates a true micro weighing technology developed and patented by Rupprecht & Patashnick.
The monitor is already approved by the US EPA, German TUV, and many other regulatory authorities around the world as an equivalent method.
The TEOM is an inertial balance which measures the mass collected on an exchangeable filter cartridge by monitoring the corresponding frequency changes of a tapered element.
The sample flow passes through the filter, where particulate matter collects, and then continues through the hollow tapered element on its way to an electronic flow control system and vacuum pump.
The TEOM mass transducer does not require recalibration because it is specially designed and constructed from non fatiguing materials, calibration may be verified, however, using an optional mass calibration verification kit that contains a filter of known mass.
Selecting the appropriate size selective inlet enables the TEOM to be configured to measure PM-10, PM-2.5, PM1 or TSP concentrations. (Only PM10 is covered by AS3580.9.8).
The TEOM has unsurpassed mass and time resolution with a measurement precision of ±5.0 ug/m3 for 10 minute averaged data and ±1.5 ug/m3 for 1 hour averages.
The TEOM has internal data logging capabilities of up to 40 weeks for one variable stored every hour. The use of advanced RS-232 communication allows users to retrieve real-time and stored information and change instrument parameters, both remotely and at the sampling location.
The TEOM 1400A real time particulate monitor is distributed by Ecotech Pty Ltd.