TO-15 Sampling Instructions

TO-15
Sampling Instructions

Before sampling, record your project name and sample IDs on the Chain of Custody. After sampling has begun, record the initial pressure, date/time, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and weather conditions.

Ideally, sample until pressure gauge reads approximately –7” Hg (some vacuum should remain). Plan to return before the sampling time has elapsed. For IAQ or odor investigations, final pressures of –1” Hg to 0” Hg are acceptable.

Instructions for 1.4 and 6L Canister Sampling

If you have a knob on your can, please read the left set of instructions; if you don’t have a knob, please read the instructions at right, below. If you prefer, please view EMSL TV “Canister Sampling for Indoor and Ambient Air Quality Testing.” If you are doing a grab sample, read below or please view EMSL TV “Odor Evaluation.”

1/2” Nupro Valve (green or blue knob)

Remove 1/4” nut from the canister using a 9/16” wrench
Attach regulator to 6L can using your fingers. Be careful not to cross-thread the nut. It should thread and turn very easily. Tighten until snug with a 9/16” wrench only after finger threading.
Open valve on 6L can by turning the valve counterclockwise until valve is completely open.
Sampling will now begin. Record the Initial pressure on the Chain of Custody; it should read approximately – 30”Hg. If not, close valve and check threading of 1/4” fitting and see if it is tight on the can.
After the sampling time has elapsed, stop sampling by closing the valve on the canister by turning the knob clockwise.
Remove regulator from can using a 9/16” wrench. Place 1/4” brass cap back on 6L can(s) and tighten with a 9/16” wrench until snug. Be careful not to cross-thread the nut.

1/4” QT Fitting (no knob, long stem)

Before attaching the can to the regulator, loosen the brass cap attached to the brass chain on the end of the regulator, if present, and let it dangle. Attach the regulator to the canister. To do this, align the QT valve stem (male), which is on the canister, with the QT valve body (female), which is on the regulator. Pull back the sleeve on the female QT fitting and insert the stem into the body. Then, release the sleeve and ensure the sleeve returns to its original position. Gently tug on the regulator to make sure the two parts are attached securely. Sampling begins as soon as these 2 fittings are connected.
Check the initial pressure and record it on the Chain of Custody; if the initial pressure does not read about -30”Hg, disconnect and then reconnect the QT valve.
After the sampling time has elapsed, record the final pressure and date/time sampling was completed on the Chain of Custody.
To stop sampling, uncouple the QT valve by pulling back the sleeve on the QT valve body, and then remove the stem from the body.

Grab Sampling

If you have received a canister with a blue or green knob, remove the dust cap and open the valve when you are ready to sample. You will hear air entering the can initially; continue to leave the valve open for another 2-3 minutes to make sure the canister is full, then close valve and attach dust cap. If you have received a canister with a QT fitting (long stem), you will also have received a female fitting. When you are ready to sample, attach the female fitting to the male stem on the canister by pulling up the spring-loaded female fitting. While you still have the fitting in the “up” position, place it on the stem of the can and release the spring. Pull up on the fitting to make sure it is connected; if not, try again. You will hear air entering the can initially; leave the female connector on for another 3+ minutes to make sure the can is full before you remove the female fitting. Remember to send back the female fitting; replacement cost is $75.00.

Ship can(s) and regulator(s) with dust caps attached (where applicable) to: EMSL Laboratory, 2 Day Service (Fed-Ex, etc.). You have been provided a Custody Seal for each box if you received equipment from Cinnaminson, NJ. These are to be placed over a box seam to indicate whether the box was tampered with during transit.

Robert Davis
EMSL Analytical 200 Route 130 N
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077; phone (800) 220-3675 ext. 2805

Additional Notes:

Standard TAT is 10 business days (holidays not included). Please see COC for possible TATs.
TAT starts when samples are delivered to the analyzing lab, not when they are received at a branch location.
Samples received after 5pm are considered received the following day for TAT purposes.
All unreturned equipment will be billed at replacement costs. See Schedule A of your loaner agreement, which also lists canister recertification fees in the event you return unused cans. Repairable damage will be billed at replacement part cost.