Basic Operation
Particulate Sampling
The MiniVol™ portable air sampler can be configured to collect either PM2.5, PM10, or TSP samples - but only one type at a time.

The MiniVol's pump draws air at 5 liters/minute through a particle size separator (impactor) and then through a 47mm filter. The 10 micron or 2.5 micron particle separation is achieved by impaction, or a TSP sample can be collected by removing the impactor(s). Gas samples can be taken simultaneously with particulate matter samples.

The particulate sample is caught on the filter, which must be weighed pre- and post-exposure with a microbalance accurate to one microgram. Sampling results are reported in micrograms/cubic meter. Airmetrics offers filter weighing services to complement use of the MiniVol™.

The MiniVol™ comes equipped with low flow and low battery shut-offs and operates from a rechargeable, lead-acid battery. The battery can power the sampler for 24 hours of continuous sampling before the battery pack must be exchanged for a freshly charged one.

The MiniVol™ also features a 7-day programmable timer, an elapsed time totalizer, and rugged PVC construction.

A new, corrected indicated flow rate must be established for each sampling project. This calibration ensures that the sampler has an ambient flow rate of 5 liters per minute and that there is consistent performance of the inertial size separator. The calibration accounts for the differing air temperatures and atmospheric pressures due to elevation and seasonal changes.

For a discussion of consumables (filters, petri slides, impactor grease, solvent) and siting accessories for the MiniVol™, visit our accessories/consumables page.