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Sample Analysis
Our scientists can analyze quartz-fiber and glass-fiber filter samples from an extensive array of sources and for a wide variety of applications using Sunset Laboratory instruments.
Product Downloads
Download PDF – Sunset Lab Analysis MethodWe use careful system control and continuous monitoring of the optical absorbance of the sample during analysis. This prevents any undesired oxidation of original elemental carbon and corrects for the inevitable generation of carbon char produced by the pyrolitic conversion of organics into elemental carbon.
Quartz Filters
Our quartz filters are pre-fired and then packaged in Petri dishes or cassettes, and are ready for sample collection. We offer 25mm, 37mm, or 47mm filters in Petri dishes. We also offer 37mm filters in three-piece plastic cassette samplers.
For any size of filter in the petri dishes, the cost is $6.00 per filter and there is a minimum quantity of 10 filters per order. For the 37mm filters in the plastic three-piece cassettes, we accept minimal orders of 5 and charge $10.00 each. Filter orders can usually be sent out the day after the order is placed. For ordering or information please contact us.
Denuders
Our Parallel-plate Carbon Filter Denuders remove semi-volatile organic carbon vapors. Without Denuders, absorption artifacts will be present on a following quartz filter.
Lab OC-EC Aerosol Analyzer
The Lab OC-EC Aerosol Analyzer is the industry standard for environmental and workplace monitoring. This instrument uses a proven thermal-optical method to analyze for OC-EC aerosols collected on quartz filters.
Product Downloads
Download PDF – Lab AnalyzerIt is the basis for NIOSH Method 5040 and is fully compliant with the IMPROVE protocol. It features a new and improved microcontroller and data acquisition system for enhanced accuracy and precision. There is no comparable instrument on the market today.
In the Lab OC-EC Aerosol Analyzer, samples are thermally desorbed from the filter medium under an inert helium atmosphere followed by an oxidizing atmosphere using carefully controlled heating ramps. A flame ionization detector (FID) is used to monitor the analysis. Our proven low dead volume carrier gas control system and proprietary quartz oven design provide high sensitivity with ultra low carbon background and no oxygen contamination.
Features
- OC-EC measurements for integrated filters and bulk samples
- Analysis profiles easily selectable to match NIOSH, IMPROVE A, EUSAAR2, STN or custom applications
- Excellent sensitivity with low instrument background
- FID detection with linearity over 4 orders of magnitude
- Built-in FID igniter
- New and improved microcontroller and data acquisition system for enhanced accuracy and precision
- Standard transmittance-based pyrolysis correction, resulting in better signal-to-noise and throughput
- Concurrent transmittance/reflectance option with superior temperature controlled laser system
- New extended-life heating coils, with PID control algorithm for stable oven temperatures during analysis
- Quality service and technical support by highly qualified personnel
Model-4 Semi-Continuous OC-EC Field Analyzer
The Model-4 Semi-Continuous OC-EC Field Analyzer features the latest advances in electronic and optical technology, and is rack mountable!
Product Downloads
Download PDF – Model 4 FeaturesThis rugged and compact instrument offers sensitive and reliable field operation with an optimized oven and detector design. Its access panel allows for easy filter service and calibration. New safety mechanisms and inline pressure regulators offer superior flow control.
This analyzer is perfect for:
- Ambient air quality and environmental exposure measurements
- Indoor air exposure assessment monitoring
- Long-term environmental research such as studying the effects of regulatory changes
- NIOSH exposure assessments in the workplace
This instrument is the only commercially available field deployable OC-EC analyzer with true laser-based pyrolysis correction and compatibility with accepted NIOSH 5040 and IMPROVE methods. It has a computer controlled flow system for enhanced sensitivity and fast analysis times. It also has a reduced need for support gases. The Model-4 Semi-Continuous OC-EC Field Analyzer has been extensively tested at several EPA super-sites and demonstrated excellent sensitivity, compared with other co-located integrated filter sampling systems.
Features
- New smaller, lighter rack mountable design
- Easy access panel for filter service and calibration
- Analytical results comparable to NIOSH 5040
- Analysis profiles easily selectable to match NIOSH, IMPROVE, STN or custom applications
- Optimized photo detector and optical system
- Minimum quantifiable levels of 0.5 μg C/m3 each of OC and EC
- Improved NDIR detector with better temperature control and sensitivity
- 16-Bit data acquisition system with embedded CPU control
- Computerized flow controllers for all gasses
- New inline pressure regulators for superior flow control
- Precision tuned optical alignment for enhanced laser stability
- Improved temperature control with superior cooling fan configuration to allow more online sampling time
- New extended-life heating coils, with PID control algorithm for stable oven temperatures during analysis