US20100242635A1 - Apparatus And Method For Sampling Of Airborne Asbestos And Other Particles Released From A Surface - Google Patents
Apparatus And Method For Sampling Of Airborne Asbestos And Other Particles Released From A Surface Download PDFInfo
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- US20100242635A1 US20100242635A1 US12/797,218 US79721810A US2010242635A1 US 20100242635 A1 US20100242635 A1 US 20100242635A1 US 79721810 A US79721810 A US 79721810A US 2010242635 A1 US2010242635 A1 US 2010242635A1
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- test chamber
- test
- agitator
- air
- test surface
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
- G01N1/2202—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling
- G01N1/2205—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling with filters
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N2001/028—Sampling from a surface, swabbing, vaporising
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to environmental test devices, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for sampling of airborne particles released from a surface.
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been mined and incorporated into more than 3,000 commercial products, including building materials and non-building related products. Asbestos and other mineral fibers may be present as introduced contamination in soils, or as settled dust on various horizontal surfaces in buildings. Exposure to asbestos fibers from natural sources or from activities using asbestos-containing materials can produce debilitating health effects in humans. Asbestos aerosolization, or releasability, is the potential for fibrous asbestos structures that are present in a material or on a solid surface to become airborne when the source is disturbed by human activities or natural forces. The magnitude of the airborne concentration that can be generated from the release of asbestos is a function of the concentration of asbestos at the source, certain properties of the source matrix, the nature of the activity causing the source to be disturbed, and local environmental conditions.
- an apparatus for sampling asbestos or other particles released from a surface includes a housing having at least one sidewall defining a test chamber.
- the test chamber includes an opening that is adapted to confront a surface to be tested, so that a portion of the surface is exposed to the test chamber.
- the apparatus further includes a movable agitator disposed within the test chamber. The agitator contacts the test surface and thereby agitates the test surface as it moves within the test chamber.
- the apparatus also includes an inlet and an outlet, both communicating with the test chamber to define an air flow path through the test chamber.
- asbestos or other particles released from the test surface by movement of the agitator become entrained in the air flow and are moved toward the outlet.
- One or more sample cassettes are provided near the outlet to obtain samples of the released asbestos or other particles for subsequent analysis.
- the apparatus thus permits in-situ collection of a sample of asbestos or other particles released from a test surface without the need for additional processing which might otherwise affect the physical characteristics of the sample matrix, e.g., soil.
- other sampling apparatus e.g., optical particle counters
- the apparatus may further include a fan communicating with the inlet to provide a flow of air through the test chamber, between the inlet and the outlet.
- the speed of the fan may be adjustable to vary the flow rate of air through the test chamber.
- the agitator may include one or more tines adapted to contact the test surface.
- the agitator may also be coupled to an actuator that is adapted to repeatedly move the agitator along a predetermined path within the test chamber to thereby facilitate the release of material from the test surface.
- the actuator may include a threaded rod and a motor coupled to the threaded rod, whereby rotation of the threaded rod in opposite angular directions by the motor causes the agitator to move in opposite linear directions.
- a method of sampling airborne asbestos or other particles released from a test surface includes exposing at least a portion of the test surface to a test chamber, agitating the portion of the test surface within the test chamber to release material of the test surface, providing a flow of air across the test surface, and collecting a sample of the air from the test chamber.
- separate sample cassettes are used to collect samples of the air substantially simultaneously. One of the cassettes may then be examined while the test surface is still exposed to the test chamber, to evaluate the quality of the collected sample. If the collected sample is determined to be insufficient, the previously collected samples may be discarded and a new test may be run, using different test parameters if needed.
- the flow of air across the test surface is provided while the test surface is agitated. In another embodiment, the test surface is agitated while samples are collected.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for in-situ sampling of airborne materials released from a test surface, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flow diffuser used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an agitator used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the air sampling end of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 1-3 depict an exemplary apparatus 10 for in-situ sampling of airborne material released from a surface, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- the apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 having first and second oppositely disposed sidewalls 14 , 16 , first and second oppositely disposed end walls 18 , 20 adjacent the first and second sidewalls 14 , 16 , and a top wall 22 extending between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls 14 , 16 and the first and second end walls 18 , 20 to form an enclosure.
- the housing 12 includes an open end 24 generally opposite the top wall 22 .
- test chamber 26 proximate the open end 24 , and the open end 24 is adapted to confront a test surface 28 to expose the test surface 28 to the test chamber 26 .
- the peripheral edges of the housing 12 around the opening 24 may be provided with foam gasket material (not shown), or any other material suitable for substantially isolating the portion of the test surface 28 exposed to the test chamber 26 from the surrounding environment.
- the test chamber 26 is approximately 6 inches high and approximately 6 inches wide, and has a length of approximately 24 inches.
- the first and second sidewalls 14 , 16 include windows 30 positioned adjacent the test chamber 26 to facilitate viewing the interior of the test chamber 26 while the apparatus 10 is in use.
- the housing 12 further includes an interior compartment 40 disposed between the test chamber 26 and the top wall 22 for enclosing various mechanical and/or electrical components of the sampling apparatus 10 , as will be described in more detail below.
- the boundary of the test chamber 26 and the compartment 40 is defined by an intermediate wall 42 disposed generally parallel to the top wall 22 and positioned between the opening 24 and the top wall 22 .
- the housing 12 of the exemplary embodiment is formed from 0.08 inch-thick anodized aluminum sheet that has been cut, bent, and welded or other wise fastened together to form the various features described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the housing may be formed from various other materials and by various other methods to obtain an enclosure as described generally herein.
- the apparatus 10 further includes an agitator 50 disposed within the test chamber 26 .
- the agitator 50 is movable within the test chamber 26 and contacts the test surface 28 during movement thereof to thereby disturb the test surface 28 and release material into the air within the test chamber 26 .
- the agitator 50 includes an agitator block 52 and a plurality of elongate tines 54 extending downwardly from the agitator block 52 to engage the test surface 28 .
- the agitator 50 includes ten tines 54 that are spaced from one another and arranged in two generally parallel rows. It will be appreciated, however, that the agitator 50 may include various other configurations of tines 54 , or various other structure suitable for contacting the test surface 28 to facilitate releasing material into the air within the test chamber 26 .
- the agitator block 50 is coupled to an elongate yoke 56 having apertures 58 a , 58 b provided at opposite terminal ends 60 a , 60 b .
- the agitator 50 is supported by a pair of vertical rods 62 , 64 extending through the apertures 60 a , 60 b in the yoke 56 and having upper ends operatively coupled to the threaded rod 66 of an actuator assembly 68 disposed in the compartment 40 above the test chamber 26 .
- the vertical rods 62 , 64 extend through a generally elongate slot 70 provided in the intermediate wall 42 between the test chamber 26 and the compartment 40 .
- the threaded rod 66 extends generally parallel to the test chamber 26 and the vertical rods 62 , 64 are coupled to the threaded rod 66 by bushings 72 , 74 that are threadably engaged with the threaded rod 66 such that when the threaded rod 66 is rotated, the bushings 72 , 74 are caused to move along the length of the threaded rod 66 thereby imparting movement to the agitator 50 within the test chamber 26 .
- the vertical rods 62 , 64 are also threaded and the vertical position of the yoke 56 and agitator block 52 within the test chamber 26 may be adjusted by selectively adjusting the position of sleeves 76 a , 76 b and nuts 78 provided on the respective vertical rods 62 , 64 and supporting the yoke 56 thereon.
- the actuator assembly 68 further includes a motor 80 , such as gear motor part number 4FM-17 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill., disposed in the compartment 40 and operatively coupled to the threaded rod 66 .
- the ends 66 a , 66 b of the threaded rod 66 are rotatably supported in bearing blocks 82 , 84 , such as part number 5912K22 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co. of Elmhurst, Ill.
- An output shaft 86 of the motor 80 is coupled to one end of the threaded rod 66 by a drive chain 88 , whereby the threaded rod 66 may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by the motor 80 to cause the agitator 50 to move within the test chamber 26 between first and second ends 90 , 92 of the test chamber 26 .
- the direction of the agitator 50 is determined by the rotational direction of the threaded rod 66 .
- the apparatus 10 further includes a speed control 100 , such as part number 4Z826 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc., communicating with the motor 80 and a current switch 102 operative to change the direction of current provided to the motor 80 . Changing the direction of the current, in turn, changes the rotational direction of the motor output shaft 86 and the rotational direction of the threaded rod 66 .
- the apparatus 10 further includes sensors 104 , 106 disposed proximate the respective first and second ends 90 , 92 of the test chamber 26 to facilitate changing the direction of motion of the agitator 50 within the test chamber 26 .
- the sensors 104 , 106 comprise limit switches, such as part number 6 ⁇ 289 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc., in electrical communication with the current switch 102 and the control 100 .
- limit switches such as part number 6 ⁇ 289 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc.
- the respective sensor 104 , 106 sends a signal to the current switch 102 and the control 100 which in turn respond to change the rotational direction of the motor 80 and the threaded rod 66 , thereby causing the agitator 50 to move in the opposite direction.
- the agitator 50 will continue moving in the opposite direction, toward the other end of the test chamber until a threaded rod 90 , 92 contacts the other sensor 104 , 106 , and the direction is again reversed.
- the agitator will continue moving back and forth between the first and second ends 90 , 92 of the test chamber 26 during the collection of a test sample.
- agitator 50 has been shown and described herein as including tines 54 that are moved in a substantially linear motion, it will be appreciated that the agitator may alternatively comprise various other structure suitable for agitating the surface and/or may utilize various other types of motion, such as rotational motion, non-periodic or random motion, compaction-type motion, or any other type of motion that facilitates the release of material from a test surface 28 .
- the test chamber 26 includes an air inlet 110 at the first end 90 of the test chamber 26 for providing a flow of air through the test chamber 26 .
- the air flows over the test surface 28 and exits through an outlet 112 at the second end 92 of the test chamber 26 .
- air is drawn through an air inlet 114 and into an inlet conduit 116 by a fan 118 provided near the first end 90 of the test chamber 26 .
- the air passes through a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter 120 , such as part number 506510 available from Labconco Corporation of Kansas City, Mo., to prevent asbestos or other airborne particles outside the apparatus 10 from entering the test chamber 26 .
- HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air
- the air is directed through an arcuate elbow 122 and a diffuser 124 having tapered sidewalls 126 to the inlet 110 of the test chamber 26 .
- the speed of the fan 118 may be adjustable, such as by a selectively adjustable power supply 119 , to vary the flow rate of air through the test chamber 26 .
- the inlet conduit 116 and elbow 122 may be formed from 6-inch diameter PVC pipe, such as reducing coupling part number 4511K86 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co. and 90-degree elbow part number 1WKV4 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc.
- the fan 118 may be an in-line centrifugal duct fan, part number 19135K65, available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co.
- FIG. 4 depicts the diffuser 124 used in this exemplary embodiment.
- the diffuser 124 has a generally rectangular first end 130 with mounting flanges 132 for coupling to the first end 90 of the test chamber 26 , and a generally circular second end 134 for coupling to the elbow 122 .
- the diffuser 124 includes flow-straightening vanes 128 aligned with a longitudinal direction of the test chamber 26 to create a laminar flow of air through the test chamber 26 from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112 .
- the flow straightening vanes 128 are spaced approximately 1.5 inches apart and include a plurality of generally horizontal vanes 128 a and a plurality of generally vertical vanes 128 b.
- the outlet 112 at the second end 92 of the test chamber 26 includes a generally rectangular opening formed in the second end wall 20 to permit air flowing through the test chamber 26 to exit the second end 92 of the test chamber 26 .
- One or more sample cassettes 140 are provided adjacent the outlet 112 for collecting samples of the air passing through the outlet 112 of the test chamber 26 .
- three sample cassettes 140 are used to simultaneously collect samples of the air flowing through the outlet 112 .
- the cassettes 140 are supported on a mounting bar 142 extending across the outlet 112 and are held in position by respective clamps 144 attached to the mounting bar 142 , by fasteners 146 .
- the sample cassettes 140 are 25 mm-diameter, mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filters having 0.8 ⁇ m pore size adapted to collect particulate material in the air flowing through the test chamber 26 .
- MCE mixed cellulose ester
- An exemplary sample cassette 140 is part number 225-321 available from SKC, Inc. of Eighty-Four, Pa.
- the sample cassettes 140 are positioned a distance above the test surface 28 that facilitates collecting airborne material released from the test surface 28 .
- the sample cassettes 140 may be positioned with their centerlines approximately 1.5 inches above the test surface 28 .
- two sample cassettes 140 are positioned with their centerlines approximately 1.5 inches from the respective sidewalls 14 , 16
- a third sample cassette is positioned with its centerline approximately 3 inches from either sidewall 14 , 16 .
- the leading edges 148 of the sample cassettes 140 are positioned approximately 2 inches from the outlet 112 . It will be appreciated, however, that various other types and sizes of sample cassettes 140 may alternatively be used and/or the sample cassettes 140 may be positioned and arranged in various other configurations to facilitate collecting samples of the released material from within the test chamber 26 .
- Each sample cassette 140 is coupled to a respective vacuum pump 150 a , 150 b , 150 c by a vacuum conduit 152 .
- the vacuum pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c draw air flowing through the test chamber outlet 112 into the respective sample cassettes 140 .
- the pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c are 1/10 HP rotary vane oil-less vacuum pumps, model number 1532-101, available from Gast Manufacturing, Inc. of Benton Harbor, Mich.
- the pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c may be placed on top of the housing 12 to help keep the apparatus 10 stable during test, or may be positioned in various other locations.
- Each pump 150 a , 150 b , 150 c includes a gauge 154 a , 154 b , 154 c , such as in-line flow control meter part number MMF-24-TMV available from Dwyer Instruments, Inc. of Michigan City, Ind., or any other suitable device for indicating the vacuum pressure developed by each pump 150 a , 150 b , 150 c so that the air flow drawn into the respective sample cassettes 140 may be carefully and uniformly controlled.
- MMF-24-TMV available from Dwyer Instruments, Inc. of Michigan City, Ind.
- the apparatus 10 is positioned directly on a test surface 28 at a desired test site.
- each of the pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c should be calibrated with a representative sample cassette 140 .
- the total sample air volume to be collected will be determined by site conditions and properties of the test matrix. Accordingly, prior to collection of actual samples, trial samples should be collected to determine the maximum air volume that will yield an acceptable filter loading of the sample cassettes 140 , as determined by on-site optical examination of the trial sample cassettes 140 .
- samples may be collected at a target air flow rate of approximately 14 liters-per-minute for a period of approximately 5 to 30 minutes, to achieve a target air volume of approximately 70 to 420 liters.
- the apparatus 10 Before the apparatus 10 is placed at the location to be tested, the apparatus 10 should be decontaminated to reduce or eliminate the possibility of cross contamination from previous test sites. After decontaminating the apparatus 10 , an equipment blank sample should be collected to demonstrate the cleanliness of the instrument and to ensure that no cross-contamination occurs between samples.
- the sample site should also be selected to be devoid of vegetation and large rocks. For example, any rock greater than 1 ⁇ 2 inch in diameter should be removed from the test area.
- the position of the agitator yoke 56 on the vertical rods 62 , 64 should be adjusted by rotating the respective nuts 78 on the vertical rods 62 , 64 to move the sleeves 76 a , 76 b to positions that allow the tines 54 of the agitator 50 to freely contact the test surface 28 .
- the apparatus 10 may then be positioned over the test surface 28 with the open end 24 confronting the test surface 28 to expose a portion of the test surface 28 to the test chamber 26 .
- Anchors such as tent stakes (not shown), may be used to secure the apparatus 10 to the test surface 28 .
- the vacuum pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c may also be placed atop the housing 12 to weigh down the apparatus 10 at the test surface 28 and prevent movement of the apparatus 10 during the test.
- the sample cassettes 140 may be positioned within their respective clamps 144 and the vacuum conduits 152 may be coupled to the respective sample cassettes 140 , such as at outlet tips 141 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the opposite ends of the vacuum conduits 152 are coupled to the respective vacuum pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c .
- the vacuum pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c are started to begin drawing air through the sample cassettes 140 and power is provided to the fan 118 to draw air from the environment through the air inlet 114 of the inlet conduit 116 .
- the speed of the fan 118 may be adjusted to achieve a flow velocity of approximately 264 to 440 feet per minute within the test chamber 26 .
- the velocity of the air flow within the test chamber 26 may be verified using a hot wire anemometer or any other device suitable for measuring air velocity. Power is then provided to the actuator motor 80 to cause the agitator 50 to move within the test chamber 26 as described above.
- the vacuum pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c draw air from the test chamber 26 into the sample cassettes 140 .
- power to the actuator motor 180 is terminated to stop the movement of the agitator 50 .
- Power is then terminated to the fan 118 to stop the flow of air through the test chamber 26 , and the pumps 150 a , 150 b , 150 c are then stopped to terminate the collection of air samples by the sample cassettes 140 .
- one of the collected sample cassettes 140 may be examined onsite using a phase contrast microscope to determine the quality of the collected sample while the apparatus 10 is still in position on the previously sampled test surface 28 . If it is determined that the quality of the collected sample is inadequate, such as if the sample cassette 140 is overloaded, for example, the previously collected samples may be discarded and the test may be conducted using an adjusted flow rate until acceptable samples are obtained.
- the apparatus 10 may further include a wind direction indicator 160 to aid in properly orienting the apparatus 10 with the predominant wind.
- the wind indicator 160 includes a stand 162 for mounting the device to the housing 12 or other convenient surface.
- the apparatus 10 may be oriented such that the outlet 112 of the test chamber 26 is in the same direction as the predominant wind at the test site.
- the apparatus 10 may further include a wind break 164 or other structure which may be placed adjacent the outlet 112 of the test chamber 26 , to prevent ambient wind from disturbing the collection of test samples.
- handles 170 a , 170 b may be provided on housing 12 , such as adjacent end walls 18 , 20 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
Abstract
A sampling apparatus includes a housing defining a test chamber with an opening for contacting a test surface to expose at least a portion the test surface to the test chamber. A movable agitator within the test chamber contacts the test surface and agitates the test surface to release material from the test surface. The apparatus further includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the test chamber and defining an air flow path through the chamber. At least one sample cassette may be supported near the outlet to collect a sample from the air flow, including material released from the surface into the test chamber.
Description
- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/966,069, filed Dec. 28, 2007 (pending), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- This invention was made with government support under EPA contract No. 68-C-00-186 awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The government has certain rights in the invention.
- The present invention relates generally to environmental test devices, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for sampling of airborne particles released from a surface.
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been mined and incorporated into more than 3,000 commercial products, including building materials and non-building related products. Asbestos and other mineral fibers may be present as introduced contamination in soils, or as settled dust on various horizontal surfaces in buildings. Exposure to asbestos fibers from natural sources or from activities using asbestos-containing materials can produce debilitating health effects in humans. Asbestos aerosolization, or releasability, is the potential for fibrous asbestos structures that are present in a material or on a solid surface to become airborne when the source is disturbed by human activities or natural forces. The magnitude of the airborne concentration that can be generated from the release of asbestos is a function of the concentration of asbestos at the source, certain properties of the source matrix, the nature of the activity causing the source to be disturbed, and local environmental conditions.
- Conventional testing methods for repeatable and representative measurement of asbestos or other particle aerosolization from materials (e.g., soil) are not suitable for field use. These conventional methods require removal and transport of the source matrix (e.g., soil), thereby potentially altering the physical characteristics of the matrix and subsequent aerosolization.
- It is desirable to be able to determine repeatable and representative asbestos or other particle aerosolization concentrations from soil in-situ. Risk management decisions would be greatly enhanced by knowing the level of airborne asbestos or other particles that are expected when asbestos-containing sources are disturbed by specific human activities or natural forces under defined environmental conditions.
- The present invention provides a sampling apparatus and methods for sampling asbestos or other particles released from a material or a surface that overcome drawbacks of prior apparatus and methods for sampling particles released from a material or a surface, such as those described above. In one embodiment, an apparatus for sampling asbestos or other particles released from a surface includes a housing having at least one sidewall defining a test chamber. The test chamber includes an opening that is adapted to confront a surface to be tested, so that a portion of the surface is exposed to the test chamber. The apparatus further includes a movable agitator disposed within the test chamber. The agitator contacts the test surface and thereby agitates the test surface as it moves within the test chamber.
- The apparatus also includes an inlet and an outlet, both communicating with the test chamber to define an air flow path through the test chamber. As air flows through the test chamber, asbestos or other particles released from the test surface by movement of the agitator become entrained in the air flow and are moved toward the outlet. One or more sample cassettes are provided near the outlet to obtain samples of the released asbestos or other particles for subsequent analysis. The apparatus thus permits in-situ collection of a sample of asbestos or other particles released from a test surface without the need for additional processing which might otherwise affect the physical characteristics of the sample matrix, e.g., soil. In another aspect, other sampling apparatus (e.g., optical particle counters) may be used to collect and analyze particles.
- In one aspect, the apparatus may further include a fan communicating with the inlet to provide a flow of air through the test chamber, between the inlet and the outlet. The speed of the fan may be adjustable to vary the flow rate of air through the test chamber.
- In another aspect, the agitator may include one or more tines adapted to contact the test surface. The agitator may also be coupled to an actuator that is adapted to repeatedly move the agitator along a predetermined path within the test chamber to thereby facilitate the release of material from the test surface. In one embodiment, the actuator may include a threaded rod and a motor coupled to the threaded rod, whereby rotation of the threaded rod in opposite angular directions by the motor causes the agitator to move in opposite linear directions.
- In another aspect, a method of sampling airborne asbestos or other particles released from a test surface includes exposing at least a portion of the test surface to a test chamber, agitating the portion of the test surface within the test chamber to release material of the test surface, providing a flow of air across the test surface, and collecting a sample of the air from the test chamber. In one embodiment, separate sample cassettes are used to collect samples of the air substantially simultaneously. One of the cassettes may then be examined while the test surface is still exposed to the test chamber, to evaluate the quality of the collected sample. If the collected sample is determined to be insufficient, the previously collected samples may be discarded and a new test may be run, using different test parameters if needed.
- In one embodiment, the flow of air across the test surface is provided while the test surface is agitated. In another embodiment, the test surface is agitated while samples are collected.
- By virtue of the foregoing, there are thus provided a sampling apparatus and methods for sampling asbestos or other particles released from a surface that overcome drawbacks of prior apparatus and methods for sampling asbestos or other particles released from a surface. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for in-situ sampling of airborne materials released from a test surface, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar toFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flow diffuser used in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an agitator used in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the air sampling end of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 1-3 depict anexemplary apparatus 10 for in-situ sampling of airborne material released from a surface, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Theapparatus 10 includes ahousing 12 having first and second oppositely disposedsidewalls end walls second sidewalls top wall 22 extending between upper ends of the first andsecond sidewalls second end walls housing 12 includes anopen end 24 generally opposite thetop wall 22. Thesidewalls end walls 18, thereby define atest chamber 26 proximate theopen end 24, and theopen end 24 is adapted to confront atest surface 28 to expose thetest surface 28 to thetest chamber 26. The peripheral edges of thehousing 12 around theopening 24 may be provided with foam gasket material (not shown), or any other material suitable for substantially isolating the portion of thetest surface 28 exposed to thetest chamber 26 from the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, thetest chamber 26 is approximately 6 inches high and approximately 6 inches wide, and has a length of approximately 24 inches. - In the embodiment shown, the first and
second sidewalls windows 30 positioned adjacent thetest chamber 26 to facilitate viewing the interior of thetest chamber 26 while theapparatus 10 is in use. With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 3 , thehousing 12 further includes aninterior compartment 40 disposed between thetest chamber 26 and thetop wall 22 for enclosing various mechanical and/or electrical components of thesampling apparatus 10, as will be described in more detail below. The boundary of thetest chamber 26 and thecompartment 40 is defined by anintermediate wall 42 disposed generally parallel to thetop wall 22 and positioned between the opening 24 and thetop wall 22. Thehousing 12 of the exemplary embodiment is formed from 0.08 inch-thick anodized aluminum sheet that has been cut, bent, and welded or other wise fastened together to form the various features described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the housing may be formed from various other materials and by various other methods to obtain an enclosure as described generally herein. - The
apparatus 10 further includes anagitator 50 disposed within thetest chamber 26. Theagitator 50 is movable within thetest chamber 26 and contacts thetest surface 28 during movement thereof to thereby disturb thetest surface 28 and release material into the air within thetest chamber 26. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 5 , theagitator 50 includes anagitator block 52 and a plurality ofelongate tines 54 extending downwardly from theagitator block 52 to engage thetest surface 28. In this embodiment, theagitator 50 includes tentines 54 that are spaced from one another and arranged in two generally parallel rows. It will be appreciated, however, that theagitator 50 may include various other configurations oftines 54, or various other structure suitable for contacting thetest surface 28 to facilitate releasing material into the air within thetest chamber 26. - The
agitator block 50 is coupled to anelongate yoke 56 havingapertures agitator 50 is supported by a pair ofvertical rods apertures 60 a, 60 b in theyoke 56 and having upper ends operatively coupled to the threadedrod 66 of anactuator assembly 68 disposed in thecompartment 40 above thetest chamber 26. Thevertical rods elongate slot 70 provided in theintermediate wall 42 between thetest chamber 26 and thecompartment 40. The threadedrod 66 extends generally parallel to thetest chamber 26 and thevertical rods rod 66 bybushings rod 66 such that when the threadedrod 66 is rotated, thebushings rod 66 thereby imparting movement to theagitator 50 within thetest chamber 26. Thevertical rods yoke 56 andagitator block 52 within thetest chamber 26 may be adjusted by selectively adjusting the position ofsleeves vertical rods yoke 56 thereon. - The
actuator assembly 68 further includes amotor 80, such as gear motor part number 4FM-17 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill., disposed in thecompartment 40 and operatively coupled to the threadedrod 66. The ends 66 a, 66 b of the threadedrod 66 are rotatably supported in bearing blocks 82, 84, such as part number 5912K22 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co. of Elmhurst, Ill. Anoutput shaft 86 of themotor 80 is coupled to one end of the threadedrod 66 by adrive chain 88, whereby the threadedrod 66 may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by themotor 80 to cause theagitator 50 to move within thetest chamber 26 between first and second ends 90, 92 of thetest chamber 26. The direction of theagitator 50 is determined by the rotational direction of the threadedrod 66. Theapparatus 10 further includes aspeed control 100, such as part number 4Z826 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc., communicating with themotor 80 and acurrent switch 102 operative to change the direction of current provided to themotor 80. Changing the direction of the current, in turn, changes the rotational direction of themotor output shaft 86 and the rotational direction of the threadedrod 66. - The
apparatus 10 further includessensors test chamber 26 to facilitate changing the direction of motion of theagitator 50 within thetest chamber 26. In the embodiment shown, thesensors current switch 102 and thecontrol 100. As theagitator 50 is driven by the threadedrod 66 toward one of the first and second ends 90, 92 of thetest chamber 26, one of thevertical rods sensors respective sensor current switch 102 and thecontrol 100 which in turn respond to change the rotational direction of themotor 80 and the threadedrod 66, thereby causing theagitator 50 to move in the opposite direction. Theagitator 50 will continue moving in the opposite direction, toward the other end of the test chamber until a threadedrod other sensor test chamber 26 during the collection of a test sample. - While the
agitator 50 has been shown and described herein as includingtines 54 that are moved in a substantially linear motion, it will be appreciated that the agitator may alternatively comprise various other structure suitable for agitating the surface and/or may utilize various other types of motion, such as rotational motion, non-periodic or random motion, compaction-type motion, or any other type of motion that facilitates the release of material from atest surface 28. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , thetest chamber 26 includes anair inlet 110 at thefirst end 90 of thetest chamber 26 for providing a flow of air through thetest chamber 26. The air flows over thetest surface 28 and exits through anoutlet 112 at thesecond end 92 of thetest chamber 26. In the embodiment shown, air is drawn through anair inlet 114 and into aninlet conduit 116 by afan 118 provided near thefirst end 90 of thetest chamber 26. The air passes through a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)filter 120, such as part number 506510 available from Labconco Corporation of Kansas City, Mo., to prevent asbestos or other airborne particles outside theapparatus 10 from entering thetest chamber 26. The air is directed through anarcuate elbow 122 and adiffuser 124 having taperedsidewalls 126 to theinlet 110 of thetest chamber 26. The speed of thefan 118 may be adjustable, such as by a selectivelyadjustable power supply 119, to vary the flow rate of air through thetest chamber 26. In the embodiment shown, theinlet conduit 116 andelbow 122 may be formed from 6-inch diameter PVC pipe, such as reducing coupling part number 4511K86 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co. and 90-degree elbow part number 1WKV4 available from W.W. Grainger, Inc. Thefan 118 may be an in-line centrifugal duct fan, part number 19135K65, available from McMaster-Carr Supply Co. -
FIG. 4 depicts thediffuser 124 used in this exemplary embodiment. Thediffuser 124 has a generally rectangularfirst end 130 with mountingflanges 132 for coupling to thefirst end 90 of thetest chamber 26, and a generally circularsecond end 134 for coupling to theelbow 122. Thediffuser 124 includes flow-straighteningvanes 128 aligned with a longitudinal direction of thetest chamber 26 to create a laminar flow of air through thetest chamber 26 from theinlet 110 to theoutlet 112. As seen inFIG. 4 , theflow straightening vanes 128 are spaced approximately 1.5 inches apart and include a plurality of generallyhorizontal vanes 128 a and a plurality of generallyvertical vanes 128 b. - With particular reference to
FIGS. 1 , 3, and 6, theoutlet 112 at thesecond end 92 of thetest chamber 26 includes a generally rectangular opening formed in thesecond end wall 20 to permit air flowing through thetest chamber 26 to exit thesecond end 92 of thetest chamber 26. One ormore sample cassettes 140 are provided adjacent theoutlet 112 for collecting samples of the air passing through theoutlet 112 of thetest chamber 26. In the embodiment shown, threesample cassettes 140 are used to simultaneously collect samples of the air flowing through theoutlet 112. Thecassettes 140 are supported on a mountingbar 142 extending across theoutlet 112 and are held in position byrespective clamps 144 attached to the mountingbar 142, byfasteners 146. In the embodiment shown, thesample cassettes 140 are 25 mm-diameter, mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filters having 0.8 μm pore size adapted to collect particulate material in the air flowing through thetest chamber 26. Anexemplary sample cassette 140 is part number 225-321 available from SKC, Inc. of Eighty-Four, Pa. - The
sample cassettes 140 are positioned a distance above thetest surface 28 that facilitates collecting airborne material released from thetest surface 28. In one embodiment, thesample cassettes 140 may be positioned with their centerlines approximately 1.5 inches above thetest surface 28. In this embodiment, twosample cassettes 140 are positioned with their centerlines approximately 1.5 inches from therespective sidewalls sidewall edges 148 of thesample cassettes 140 are positioned approximately 2 inches from theoutlet 112. It will be appreciated, however, that various other types and sizes ofsample cassettes 140 may alternatively be used and/or thesample cassettes 140 may be positioned and arranged in various other configurations to facilitate collecting samples of the released material from within thetest chamber 26. - Each
sample cassette 140 is coupled to arespective vacuum pump vacuum conduit 152. The vacuum pumps 150 a, 150 b, 150 c draw air flowing through thetest chamber outlet 112 into therespective sample cassettes 140. In the embodiment shown, thepumps pumps housing 12 to help keep theapparatus 10 stable during test, or may be positioned in various other locations. Each pump 150 a, 150 b, 150 c includes agauge 154 a, 154 b, 154 c, such as in-line flow control meter part number MMF-24-TMV available from Dwyer Instruments, Inc. of Michigan City, Ind., or any other suitable device for indicating the vacuum pressure developed by eachpump respective sample cassettes 140 may be carefully and uniformly controlled. - In use, the
apparatus 10 is positioned directly on atest surface 28 at a desired test site. Before sampling at the desired test location, each of thepumps representative sample cassette 140. The total sample air volume to be collected will be determined by site conditions and properties of the test matrix. Accordingly, prior to collection of actual samples, trial samples should be collected to determine the maximum air volume that will yield an acceptable filter loading of thesample cassettes 140, as determined by on-site optical examination of thetrial sample cassettes 140. In one embodiment, samples may be collected at a target air flow rate of approximately 14 liters-per-minute for a period of approximately 5 to 30 minutes, to achieve a target air volume of approximately 70 to 420 liters. Before theapparatus 10 is placed at the location to be tested, theapparatus 10 should be decontaminated to reduce or eliminate the possibility of cross contamination from previous test sites. After decontaminating theapparatus 10, an equipment blank sample should be collected to demonstrate the cleanliness of the instrument and to ensure that no cross-contamination occurs between samples. The sample site should also be selected to be devoid of vegetation and large rocks. For example, any rock greater than ½ inch in diameter should be removed from the test area. - Prior to conducting a test, the position of the
agitator yoke 56 on thevertical rods respective nuts 78 on thevertical rods sleeves tines 54 of theagitator 50 to freely contact thetest surface 28. Theapparatus 10 may then be positioned over thetest surface 28 with theopen end 24 confronting thetest surface 28 to expose a portion of thetest surface 28 to thetest chamber 26. Anchors, such as tent stakes (not shown), may be used to secure theapparatus 10 to thetest surface 28. The vacuum pumps 150 a, 150 b, 150 c may also be placed atop thehousing 12 to weigh down theapparatus 10 at thetest surface 28 and prevent movement of theapparatus 10 during the test. - With the
apparatus 10 in place, thesample cassettes 140 may be positioned within theirrespective clamps 144 and thevacuum conduits 152 may be coupled to therespective sample cassettes 140, such as at outlet tips 141 (FIG. 6 ). The opposite ends of thevacuum conduits 152 are coupled to therespective vacuum pumps sample cassettes 140 and power is provided to thefan 118 to draw air from the environment through theair inlet 114 of theinlet conduit 116. In one embodiment, the speed of thefan 118 may be adjusted to achieve a flow velocity of approximately 264 to 440 feet per minute within thetest chamber 26. The velocity of the air flow within thetest chamber 26 may be verified using a hot wire anemometer or any other device suitable for measuring air velocity. Power is then provided to theactuator motor 80 to cause theagitator 50 to move within thetest chamber 26 as described above. - As the
agitator 50 moves over thetest surface 28 to release asbestos or other material into the air flowing through thetest chamber 26, thevacuum pumps test chamber 26 into thesample cassettes 140. At the conclusion of a test, power to the actuator motor 180 is terminated to stop the movement of theagitator 50. Power is then terminated to thefan 118 to stop the flow of air through thetest chamber 26, and thepumps sample cassettes 140. - In one embodiment, one of the collected
sample cassettes 140 may be examined onsite using a phase contrast microscope to determine the quality of the collected sample while theapparatus 10 is still in position on the previously sampledtest surface 28. If it is determined that the quality of the collected sample is inadequate, such as if thesample cassette 140 is overloaded, for example, the previously collected samples may be discarded and the test may be conducted using an adjusted flow rate until acceptable samples are obtained. - To facilitate obtaining acceptable samples, the
apparatus 10 may further include awind direction indicator 160 to aid in properly orienting theapparatus 10 with the predominant wind. In the embodiment shown, thewind indicator 160 includes astand 162 for mounting the device to thehousing 12 or other convenient surface. Theapparatus 10 may be oriented such that theoutlet 112 of thetest chamber 26 is in the same direction as the predominant wind at the test site. Theapparatus 10 may further include awind break 164 or other structure which may be placed adjacent theoutlet 112 of thetest chamber 26, to prevent ambient wind from disturbing the collection of test samples. To facilitate transporting theapparatus 10 and to facilitate positioning theapparatus 10 at a desired test site, handles 170 a, 170 b may be provided onhousing 12, such asadjacent end walls FIGS. 1 and 2 . - While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, and while the embodiment has been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.
Claims (13)
1. A sampling apparatus, comprising:
a housing including at least one sidewall defining a test chamber, said test chamber including an opening adapted to confront a test surface and expose at least a portion of the test surface to said test chamber;
an agitator disposed within said test chamber, said agitator being selectively movable within said test chamber and adapted to contact the test surface during movement thereof;
an inlet communicating with said test chamber;
an outlet communicating with said test chamber;
said inlet and said outlet defining an air flow path through said test chamber;
a support member associated with said outlet and adapted to support at least one sample cassette in the air flow path through said test chamber; and
an actuator operatively coupled to said agitator, said actuator adapted to move said agitator along a predefined path within said test chamber;
said actuator comprising a threaded rod and a motor operatively coupled to said threaded rod, said motor operable to rotate said threaded rod in opposite angular directions to thereby move said agitator in opposite linear directions within said test chamber;
wherein said agitator is operatively coupled to said threaded rod to permit movement in a direction normal to the test surface as said agitator moves over the test surface.
2. The sampling apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one sample cassette coupled to said support member;
said at least one sample cassette positioned proximate said outlet.
3. A sampling apparatus, comprising:
a housing including at least one sidewall defining a test chamber, said test chamber including an opening adapted to confront a test surface and expose at least a portion of the test surface to said test chamber;
an agitator disposed within said test chamber, said agitator being selectively movable within said test chamber and adapted to contact the test surface during movement thereof;
an inlet communicating with said test chamber;
an outlet communicating with said test chamber;
said inlet and said outlet defining an air flow path through said test chamber;
a support member associated with said outlet and adapted to support at least one sample cassette in the air flow path through said test chamber; and
a fan communicating with said inlet and providing a flow of air through said test chamber, between said inlet and said outlet, such that a positive pressure is developed throughout said test chamber between said inlet and said outlet.
4. A method of sampling airborne material released from a test surface, the method comprising:
exposing at least a portion of the test surface to a test chamber;
agitating the portion of the test surface within the test chamber to release material of the test surface;
providing a flow of air across the test surface; and
collecting a sample of the air from the test chamber.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein agitating the test surface comprises repeatably moving at least one tine across the test surface along a predetermined path.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein collecting a sample of the air from the test chamber comprises substantially simultaneously collecting samples of the air using separate sample cassettes.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
examining one of the sample cassettes while the portion of the test surface is exposed to the test chamber; and
evaluating the quality of the collected sample from the examined sample cassette.
8. The method of claim 4 , wherein providing a flow of air across the agitated test surface comprises providing a laminar flow of air across the test surface.
9. The method of claim 4 , wherein providing the flow of air across the test surface occurs while agitating the portion of the test surface.
10. The method of claim 4 , wherein collecting the sample of the air from the test chamber occurs while agitating the portion of the test surface.
11. An apparatus for sampling airborne material released from a test surface, the apparatus comprising:
a test chamber including a first end, a second end disposed opposite said first end, and an opening adapted to confront a test surface and expose at least a portion of the test surface to said test chamber;
a threaded rod extending adjacent said test chamber between said first and second ends;
an agitator disposed within said test chamber, said agitator including a yoke operatively coupled to said threaded rod such that said agitator is selectively movable within said test chamber between said first and second ends by rotation of said threaded rod, said agitator including a plurality of tines adapted to contact the test surface during movement of said agitator within said test chamber;
a motor operatively coupled to said threaded rod, said motor operable to rotate said threaded rod in opposite angular directions to thereby move said agitator in opposite linear directions within said test chamber;
a control in communication with said motor and controlling said motor to selectively rotate said threaded rod in opposite angular directions;
an inlet at said first end of said test chamber;
an inlet conduit operatively coupled with said inlet for communication with said test chamber;
a fan operatively coupled with said inlet conduit and providing a flow of air to said test chamber through said inlet;
an outlet at said second end of said test chamber; and
a bracket associated with said outlet and adapted to support at least one sample cassette for sampling air flowing though said test chamber from said inlet to said outlet.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising at least one sample cassette supported on said bracket.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a pump operatively coupled to said sample cassette and adapted to draw air from said test chamber into said sample cassette.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/797,218 US20100242635A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2010-06-09 | Apparatus And Method For Sampling Of Airborne Asbestos And Other Particles Released From A Surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/966,069 US7758813B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Apparatus and method for sampling of airborne asbestos and other particles released from a surface |
US12/797,218 US20100242635A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2010-06-09 | Apparatus And Method For Sampling Of Airborne Asbestos And Other Particles Released From A Surface |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/966,069 Continuation US7758813B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Apparatus and method for sampling of airborne asbestos and other particles released from a surface |
Publications (1)
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US20100242635A1 true US20100242635A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
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US11/966,069 Expired - Fee Related US7758813B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Apparatus and method for sampling of airborne asbestos and other particles released from a surface |
US12/797,218 Abandoned US20100242635A1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2010-06-09 | Apparatus And Method For Sampling Of Airborne Asbestos And Other Particles Released From A Surface |
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US11/966,069 Expired - Fee Related US7758813B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Apparatus and method for sampling of airborne asbestos and other particles released from a surface |
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US (2) | US7758813B2 (en) |
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US7662217B2 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-02-16 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Soil separator and sampler and method of sampling |
WO2011103642A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2011-09-01 | Health Safety Environment Australia Pty Ltd | Air fibre testing apparatus |
FR2991452B1 (en) * | 2012-05-30 | 2015-01-16 | Ac Sp Etude & Rech En Hygiene Ind | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR COLLECTION FOR ATMOSPHERIC ASBESTOS MEASUREMENT |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20090169435A1 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
US7758813B2 (en) | 2010-07-20 |
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