multimedia adsorbent tubes           OSB LAB MULTIMEDIA ADSORBENT TUBES

 

 

Sampling Instructions for Pumps

 

The tubes have been cleaned and hot sealed under a helium atmosphere to give them an extended shelf-life.  Opening the transport container may result in slight suction as the vacuum is broken.  The color dots on the cap identify preparation batch.

 

Do not use any solvent markers near the tubes.

Do not write on the tubes or on the transport containers.

Do not seal the ends of the multisorbent tubes with plugs or teflon tape.

Return tubes to their containers as received and do not affix any labels.

Record the MB number on the Chain of Custody form as your sample identification.

 

1.         Calibrate and set your pump flow rate with a calibration tube.

 

2.         Open transport container and carefully remove tube.  Avoid touching the ends of the tubes directly to avoid possible contamination.  Latex Gloves may be worn to prevent this.

 

3.         Immediately cap the transport container to prevent introducing contaminants and put it aside.

 

4.         Make sure sample direction is as follows:

 

 

 

The Carbosieve SIII must be closest to the pump.  Carbosieve SIII is the finest molecular sieve in the tube.

 

5.         Sample volumes that are needed:

 

a)         if a strong odour is present - 1 Litre or less

b)         if a mild odour is present - 2 to 3 Litres (preferably 3 Litres)

c)         indoor air - 5 to 20 Litres, depending on environment

 

 

OSB Lab always splits the original sample at least 1:1 before analysis to provide a backup analysis if required.  Moisture conditioning is carried out if the sampling humidity was high or water vapour was collected.  It should be noted on the Chain of Custody sheet if sampling is performed in a high humidity environment or if water vapour may have been collected.

 

6.         After the sample is completed, remove the tube from the pump and return it to the transport container and secure the lid tightly.  Return the tube without sealing the ends.  Complete the Chain of Custody form.  Sample volumes must be recorded.

 

7.         The tubes are packed in the transport containers with pieces of teflon cut from a sheet to prevent breakage.  The transport containers are still fragile and need to be properly packaged for shipment to prevent them from being crushed.  Normally the exposed tubes do not have to be refrigerated under ambient conditions.