MONITORING OF RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER

Aim
To measure the ambient concentrations of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter with the help
of Respirable Dust Sampler.
Instruments
Respirable Dust Sampler
Whatman Filter Paper
Principle
Ambient air laden with suspended particulates enters the system through the inlet pipe in the
sampler. As the air passes through the system, non-respirable dust is separated from the air
stream by centrifugal forces acting on the solid particles. These separated particulates fall
through the conical hopper and gets collected in the sampling bottle placed at its bottom. The fine
dust forming the respirable fraction of the Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) passes through the
cyclone and is carried by the air stream to the filter paper clamped between the top cover and filter
adaptor assembly. The respirable dust (RSP) is retained by the filter and the carrier air exhausted
from the system through the blower.
Preparation of the filter:
A schematic representation of Respirable Dust Sampler is shown in figure. The respirable dust
concentration was determined by a gravimetric analysis, requiring an accurate estimation of the
change in weight of the filter paper on account of the dust deposited on it. As such, handling of the
filter paper was minimized and care was taken that the paper does not get sheared or
damaged during handling. Almost all the filter papers in use for High Volume Samplers are
made of binder free glass fibers and are expected to be non-hygroscopic.
The filter papers were stored without folding the paper in a clean flat box. The filter papers were
inspected against a bright lamp or light for pinholes or micro-cracks. Identification numbers were
put on a corner of the underside of each filter. The filters were put in a desiccator for 16 hours to
remove traces of moisture. The filters were weighed immediately after they are taken out of the
dessicator.
Procedure
For particulates
1. Perform leak check of the instrument before starting the sample.
2. Filter paper need to be inspected for pin holes.
3. Filter conditioning need to be done at 20-25C temperature and less than 50% Relative
Humidity.
4. Never fold filter completely.
5. Do not touch filters by dirty hands. Always use disposable hand gloves.
6. Under take regular cleaning of key components of the machine.
7. Ensure stable power supply to the machine. Do not leave loose contact of supply wire to
the machine.

8. Always fill up distilled water in manometer assembly.

9. Do not switch on and off machine using Timer Switch.
10. Clean impinge and rotameter regularly and also clean manifold once in two months.
11. Do not take flow reading immediately after switching on the machine. Give 5 minute for
flow stabilization and for heat up the blower components.
12. Always attach a new weighed cyclone cup with every filter change.
13. Do not switch on machine without filter paper
14. If machine is not expected to be operated within 48 hrs drain out the manometer water
and store machine with water in the manometer tank.
15. Do not run machine during rain in open atmosphere.
Observation Table
a. Initial Manometer Reading (m3/min)
3

b. Final Manometer Reading (m /min)

c. Initial Filter Paper Weight (g)

d. Final Filter Paper Weight (g)

e. Initial Cyclone Cup Weight (g)

f. Final Cyclone Cup Weight (g)

Calculation

1. RSPM =

X 106

g/m3

V = m3 (time in minutes x flow rate)

2. TSPM ={

X 106}+ RSPM g/m3

Fig 1: Schematic representation of Respirable Dust Sampler (Instruction Manual,

Central Pollution Control Board)