PM{sub 10} mass analysis system audit findings: A prelude to PM{sub 2.5} (fine) mass analysis
- California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA (United States). Monitoring and Lab. Div.
During 1992, the California Air Resources Board`s (CARB) Monitoring and Laboratory Division initiated system audits for laboratories conducting PM{sub 10} mass analysis as data-for-record. The audits of the mass determinations complement ongoing performance audits of field samplers which began in 1985, and provide a complete assessment of PM{sub 10} mass data. This paper presents the CARB`s findings of the PM{sub 10} mass analysis system audits, and highlights the most common problems encountered by mid- to small-sized organizations. Given the discrepancies that the authors discovered, and the possibility of new and different requirements for a fine particulate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), laboratories need to be better prepared to meet the challenge of performing consistent particulate matter mass weighings in the future. The system audits include an assessment of filter handling and storage, standard weight checks, balance calibrations, equilibration techniques, tare and gross weight checks (duplicate weighings), and data management. They also include performance audits of the balances used to weigh the PM{sub 10} filters. This paper looks at the PM{sub 10} mass analysis system audit requirements, history, description, findings, and implications. The paper identifies the most common problems encountered by auditors, including poor record keeping; inadequate filter equilibration (relative humidity and temperature); and missing duplicate weighings and balance calibrations. These deficiencies have resulted in the invalidation of several years of valuable PM{sub 10} data. Avoiding these problems in the early stages of the PM{sub 2.5} (Fine) mass analysis program is critical and will prevent valuable data from being invalidated.
- OSTI ID:
- 351214
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970677--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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