PCM Inlet Flow and Leak Checks

 

 

Purpose:  To ensure that the PCM system is leak tight and no external air (ie. unfiltered air) is entering the flow stream.   This should be done on a day that the sampler is not running preferably after the sample change-out has been completed. This can also be done in conjunction with Dichot and NH3 Inlet Flow/Leak checks.

 

Required Equipment:  Bios with High cell

                                                    White Teflon inlet adaptor (male and female)

                                                    Pen and Site log

 

Reference:  SOPMAN

 

Inlet Leak Check

 

  1. Down the PCM channels via the Set Flags button on the site analyzer screen.
  2. Equip the Bios with the High Cell and the inlet (male threaded) flow adapter.
  3. Obtain the “Pump Off” value for the leak check.  Record this value in your PCM, Dichot or NH3 log.
  4. To turn the PCM on, use Trigger Cals under the Tools menu of SiteManager.  Scroll to “PCM Day1” and push the start calibration button.   Note: This triggers the PCM only.  To trigger the Dichot and NH3 you will need to scroll to “Dichot/NH3 ON”.
  5. Record the flow rates from the DAS for the PCM1, PCM3, Dichot or NH3.
  6. Take the BIOS up to the roof.
  7. Remove the PM10 Cyclone inlet/gooseneck and set aside.
  8.  Connect the Bios tubing from the “Outlet” side of the Hi-Flow cell to the inlet using the inlet (male threaded) flow adapter. Be careful that the tubing does not crimp thus restricting the flow.
  9. Turn the BIOS on and wait until the Main Menu appears. Hit the “Enter” key. Hold down both the “Select” and “Enter” buttons on the front of the BIOS at the same time for 2-3 seconds then release to begin recording the flow.
  10. Record (in the site log) three “SAve” values at 10 cycles from the BIOS.
  11. Cap the inlets using red caps.
  12. Wait for the flow to fall to/near zero.
  13. Record the “Inlet Capped” value in the site log.
  14. While pumps are still running, carefully remove the caps from the inlets.
  15. Replace the PM10 Cyclone inlet/gooseneck.
  16. Push Stop Calibration on the Trigger Cals menu and the pumps should turn off.  Close the Trigger Cals menu box.
  17. With the information that you have obtained, enter the data in the electronic form.

 

 

PCM3 Filter Manual Leak Check

 

  1.  Load the filter in the filter pack as described above.
  2. Using the Delrin coupling and a plug cap the top of the filter pack.
  3. Connect the hand held vacuum pump to the bottom of the filter pack as shown in the figure below.

                                         

 

  1. Compress the handle on the pump until the vacuum gauge reads 25 inHg.  This is the initial vacuum.
  2. Do not release the pump vacuum for at least 2 minutes.
  3. At the end of the 2 minute period note the final vacuum on the gage.
  4. Subtract the final vacuum from the initial vacuum.  This is the leak rate for a specific filter (Ex.:  25-23 = 2 inHg in 2 minutes).  Periodically leak check the vacuum pump holding it at 25 inHg for 2 minutes.