Dust Samplers

What are Dust samplers?

Dust samplers are scientific instruments used measure the concentration of particulates/dust and heavy metals in ambient air. The dust sampler is fitted with pre-weighed filters through which ambient air is pulled using a blower motor. Sampling with filters is usually performed continuously for 24 hours in order to obtain daily averages.

Once a filter have been used it is transported to an analytical laboratory for reweighing and chemical analysis. Filters should always be transported in air tight enclosures to ensure the filter is not contaminated or particulates lost from the filter. Upon arrival at the laboratory filters are conditioned at a prescribed temperature and pressure for up to 24 hours prior to reweighing occuring.

Why use Dust samplers?

Dust samplers are the standard in measuring PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 dust. The U.S. EPA use the High Volume Dust sampler as their reference method for TSP and PM₁₀ by which all other dust sampling and monitoring equipment are compared. The dust sampler is valuable in that it collects the dust on a filter, which can be analyzed for specific types of dust, heavy metals, radioactive dust or simply weight of dust.

What Benefits should I look for in a Dust sampler?

The key important features that a dust sampler should have are:

• Automatic volumetric flow control - ensures dust sampler always measures the same volume of air
• Brushless motor ensuring minimal maintenance 
• Durable chasis, able to withstand the harsh environments
• Meteorological sensors can be attached such as Wind speed/direction, temperature, humidity and pyranometer
• Size Selective Inlets that are uniform in their shape (either a pyramid or a circle)
• Data is easily downloadable and accessible - internal modem is ideal

• Instant alarms can notify operator when problems occur or if filter is full