SKC 520-02A User Manual

CAPLUGS

EC-14

NAS-813-14

Operating Instructions

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA

Passive Sampler for Inorganic Mercury

Catalog No. 520 Series

Introduction

The 520 Series Passive Sampler for Inorganic Mercury is a lightweight, reusable
personal sampler designed to be worn in the breathing zone of individuals who
are potentially exposed to inorganic mercury vapor.

The sampler is comprised of a reusable housing and a replaceable sorbent cap­sule. The sample enters the sampler by positive controlled diff usion. The sorbent
is analyzed by fl ameless atomic absorption. The sampler housing can be cleaned
and reused with a new sorbent capsule. Validation of the SKC 520 Series Passive
Sampler for Inorganic Mercury is based on OSHA ID-140.

Collar clip

Protective cap

Reusable

housing

Diff usive barrier

Mesh screens

Sorbent capsule

Retainer ring

520-02, mesh side

Foam disc

faces diff usive barrier

Back cap

Figure 1. Complete Assembly of Passive Sampler for Inorganic Mercury

Specifi cations*

Sorbent: Anasorb® C300 (SKC proprietary sorbent; equivalent to

Background: 0.02 μg/200 mg section
Limit of Detection: 0.01 μg
Limit of Quantitation: 0.04 μg
Capacity: > 30 μg mercury per capsule
Breakthrough Volume: > 1500 liters of air
Overall Co-effi cient
of Variation: 6.1%

* Specifi cations are based on a study conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the U.K.

as an update to Method MDHS 16.

† Limits may vary with analysis and instrumentation.

Note: For sampling low levels of mercury, use a sorbent tube.

Hydrar

®

and Carulite®)

†

†

Preparing the Sampler

For Sampling

1. Remove the back cap from the housing with a screwdriver or a coin.

2. Remove a sorbent capsule from the plastic vial, and place it in the housing
with the mesh side facing the diff usive barrier.

Keep the plastic vial with remaining sorbent capsules in a safe place free from mercury
contamination.

3.

Ensure the back cap contains a foam disk. Press the back cap onto the housing.

4. Record I.D., date, and start time on a provided I.D. label (included with
replacement sorbent capsules), and place it on the sampler’s back cap. Note
any other pertinent sampling information.

5. Using the clip, a ach to clothing of individual near breathing zone or place in
desired location for area sampling.

6. To begin sampling, remove protective cap. Retain the cap in a safe place free
from contamination. Recommended sampling time is four to eight hours.

7. When sampling period is complete, replace protective cap and record fi nish
time on I.D. label. Note any other pertinent sampling information.

Avoid excessive agitation of the sampler.

For Analysis

1. As soon as possible a er sampling, take the sampler to a clean area. Remove
sorbent capsule by pulling off the back cap. Remove foam disk from back cap
and dispose properly.

2. Place the sorbent capsule in the provided ziploc bag. Remove the I.D. label
from the sampler’s back cap and adhere to the ziploc bag.

3. Mail or transport the sorbent capsule and at least one fi eld blank to a
qualifi ed laboratory for analysis. The sorbent should be analyzed within
30 days of sampling.

Store sample away from sources of contamination.

For Cleaning

1. Unsnap and remove the collar clip. Clean with soap or detergent and water.

2. Disassemble the sampler and place all parts (except foam disk, sorbent
capsule, and collar clip) in a container. Wash in a dilute solution of nitric acid
(approximately 15%) in distilled water.

3. Rinse parts three times in separate rinses of distilled water.

4. Dry as quickly as possible.

5. Re-assemble sampler housing for storage, without the sorbent capsule or
foam disk (see Figure 1).

6. Store in a clean area where the sampler will not become contaminated with
mercury until ready to use again.

• Always use a sorbent capsule within a few days of removing it from the plastic vial and placing
it in the housing; the protective cap does not provide a hermetic seal.

• When inserting a replacement sorbent capsule, ensure that the two mesh disks are in place
within the housing. These disks must be kept in place at all times to ensure reproducible
sampling rates under all environmental conditions.

• Do not store any parts of the sampler in areas where they may become contaminated with
mercury.

• Store the exposed sorbent capsule in the provided ziploc bag a er the sampling period.

• Always clean the housing before reusing to guard against accidental carry-over from previous
sampling.

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