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Passive Samplers for Organic Vapors

SKC Passive (Diffusive) Sampler

A cross-sectional view of the SKC 575 Series Passive Sampler. A diffusion barrier maintains sample uptake by molecular diffusion independent of wind velocity. The sorbent is chosen to best collect the chemical hazards of interest.

575 Series Passive Sampler Sampling Instructions (PDF)

575 Series Passive Sampler Analysis Instructions (PDF)

List of Laboratories for Analyzing 575 Passive Samplers


SKC Passive Samplers

SKC passive samplers are small "badges" that collect organic vapors without the use of a pump. Individual chemicals simply diffuse from the atmosphere into the sampler at a fixed rate. SKC has scientifically validated the sampling rate of the 575 Series passive samplers along with other critical sampling parameters to provide you with documented proof of reliability.

  • Highly accurate and reliable
    • Proven performers in the laboratory and in the field

  • Save time and money
    • Collect most compounds with one sampler for up to a full 8-hour workshift
    • Eliminate the need for multiple trips to the worksite
    • One sampler + one analysis = money saved

  • Variety of samplers available
    • Only SKC offers a choice of sorbents to better target specific contaminants
    • Proper sorbent selection means no reverse diffusion

  • Superior collection efficiency
    • SKC sorbents have a larger surfaced area for higher capacities
    • Samplers contain a minimum of 300 mg of sorbent —much more than other brands

  • Sampling flexibility
    • Validated for short-term and 8-hour sampling
    • Available with or without prepaid analysis

  • Proven results
    • Extensively tested and results documented for data that will stand up in court
    • Research reports available online

  • So easy to use!
    • No pump or training required

  • Meet requirements of ASTM D6246-98 and ANSI/ISEA 104-1998 standards for diffusive samplers

  • Specified in OSHA passive methods

 

Full Shift Sampling with Only ONE Badge

SKC 575 Series Passive Samplers are validated for a full 8 hours, that's TWICE the limit value! This assures the integrity of the sampler, so you only need ONE badge to get a true 8-hour TWA!

Using a SKC Passive Sampeler is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Remove sampler from pouch. using an SKC Passive (Diffusive) Sampler
2. Record start time, remove cap, and attach to a worker or at a location. using an SKC Passive (Diffusive) Sampler
3. After sampling, cap sampler and record stop time. Send the sampler to an accredited laboratory for analysis. using an SKC Passive (Diffusive) Sampler

575 Series Passive Samplers Validated to NIOSH Protocol 1

For compliance sampling, it is recommended that only passive samplers with full or bi-level validation be used. Passive samplers with lower levels of validation may be used only if verified by validated sorbent sample tube methods.

Validation

Passive sampling is quite different from active sampling with sorbent tubes. With this fact in mind, NIOSH established validation protocols for evaluating the performance of passive samplers. 1   Protocol validation was developed so that manufacturers could produce passive samplers that reliably assess airborne levels.


Validation Levels

Full
Passive monitor has passed all NIOSH protocol validation requirements listed under partial validation, plus a factorial study that includes interfering compounds. This is the most rigorous test possible and includes all parameters that can affect sampling accuracy (formerly referred to as Level 5).

Bi-Level
A key member of an homologous series has passed Full and all other members have passed Partial. The validity of this has been shown by Guild et. al. 2  (formerly referred to as Level 5B).

Partial
Passive monitor has passed NIOSH protocol requirements for: sampling rate, desorption efficiency, humidity effects, reverse diffusion, and storage stability test for reactive compounds whose stability is suspect (formerly referred to as Level 4).

Calculated
Uptake rates calculated from the equation D x (A/L) where D is the diffusion coefficient calculated from the Hierschfelder Equation and A/L is a geometric constant of the sampler verified through comparison of uptake rates from full validations


About OSHA testing
After extensive testing on the sampling rate variations among diffusive samplers, OSHA has released the following methods that specify diffusive (passive) samplers including SKC Cat. No. 575-002:
  • Toluene — Method 111 (1998)
  • Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene — Method 1001 (1999)
  • Xylenes and Ethylbenzene — Method 1002 (1999)
  • 2-Butanone (MEK) and Hexone (MIBK) — Method 1004 (2000)
  • Benzene — Method 1005 (2002)
  • Butyl acetates — Method 1009 (2007)
OSHA continues its work on passive method development based on the premise that diffusive samplers are a viable alternative to tube/pump sampling.

Passive Sampler Ordering Information
              

Complete instructions are included with each sampler package

Description Sorbent
(Amount)
Qty. Cat. No.
Passive Sampler for Organic Vapor Charcoal
(350 mg)
5 575-001
25 575-001A
100 575-001B
500 575-001C
Passive Sampler for Organic Vapor Anasorb® 747
(500 mg)
5 575-002
25 575-002A
100 575-002B
500 575-002C
Passive Sampler for Organic Vapor Anasorb® 727
(300 mg)
5 575-003
Passive Sampler for Ethylene Oxide Treated Anasorb 747
(500 mg)
5 575-005
25 575-005A
100 575-005C

See the Passive Sampling Guide for sampling rates


Passive Sampling Guide

575 Series Passive Sampler Analysis Instructions (PDF)

Passive Sampler Research Reports

Passive Samplers Meet CEN 838 Diffusive Sampler Evaluation Protocols

Contact me about the 575 Series Passive Samplers

List of Laboratories for Analyzing 575 Passive Samplers

AIHCE 2002 Presentations


For a listing of laboratories in the U.S. and Canada that analyze Passive Samplers, see the 575 Series Passive Samplers Analytical Laboratories Reference List

Custom Passive Samplers Available

For specific applications, SKC will manufacture samplers to meet your specific requirements. Download the Custom Passive Sampler Order Form in PDF format. Complete the form and fax it to your SKC representative or contact your SKC representative or call the SKC Sales Department at 724-941-9701 for more information.

Custom Passive Sampler Order Form (PDF Format)
References
1.
Cassinelli, M.E., Hull, R.D., Crable, J.V. and Teass, A.W., "Diffusive Sampling: An Alternative to Workplace Air Monitoring," A. Berlin, R.H. Brown and K.J. Saunders (Royal Society of Chemistry, London) (eds.), NIOSH Protocol for the Evaluation of Passive Monitors, 1987, pp 190-202.

2.
Guild, L.V., Myrmel, K.H., Myers, G. and Dietrich, D.F., "Bi-Level Passive Monitor Validation: A Reliable Way of Assuring Sampling Accuracy for a Larger Number of Related Chemical Hazards" Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg., Vol 7, No. 5, May 1992, pp. 310-317. Reprints available from SKC! Email your mailing address to SKC Inc at skcmktg@skcinc.com.

This page was last modified April 23, 2008
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