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Evaluation of the loading characteristics of the EPA WINS PM2.5 separator: PM2.5 Federal Reference Method Sampler
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Evaluation of the loading characteristics of the EPA WINS PM2.5 separator: PM2.5 Federal Reference Method Sampler

Robert W Vanderpool, Thomas M Peters, Sanjay Natarajan, David B Gemmill and Russell W Wiener
Aerosol science and technology, Vol.34(5), pp.444-456
2001
DOI: 10.1080/02786820117739
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820117739View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The loading characteristics of the USEPA Well Impactor Ninety Six (WINS) PM2.5 separator was ah important design consideration during the separator's development. In recognition that ali inertial separators eventually overload, the loading surface of the WINS was designed to be easily accessible, replaceable, and cleanable. Prior to promulgation of the method, the loading capacity of the WINS separator was evaluated by measuring its performance after repeated loading with laboratory-generated, high concentration, coarse-mode aerosol. For this purpose, a low flow rate loading wind tunnel was designed and constructed to artificially create coarse mode aerosols composed of Arizona Test Dust. This controlled test atmosphere was sampled by the PM2.5 reference method sampling train, as specified in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L, at total aerosol mass concentrations averaging 332 μg/m3 for three 24 h periods. The particle size fractionation characteristics of the WINS was evaluated in the laboratory after each 24 h sampling event. These performance curves were integrated with three idealized ambient distributions to yield estimates of bias in measured mass concentration with respect to a clean WINS. Test results served as the basis for establishing the required cleaning frequency of the sampler during field use. Following the method's promulgation, characterization of the WINS performance under conditions of actual feild use at five U.S. cries showed that a maximum mass concentration bias of -2.1% was estimated for 13 wells after the 5 day sampling period. Overall study results supported the current regulation (USEPA 1998) that WINS wells be replaced after every 5 days of 24 h operation.
Meteorology Earth, ocean, space Exact sciences and technology External geophysics Geophysics. Techniques, methods, instrumentation and models Particles and aerosols

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