A device for collecting replicate industrial hygiene samples in the workplace.

Abstract

The ability to collect truly replicate samples is a prerequisite for any study involving analytical method comparisons and/or documentation. An ambient air sampler capable of simultaneously collecting five field samples is described. The device uses calibrated limiting orifices and the cassettes are enclosed in a chamber containing a fan that provides mixing and constant flow of the air sample. Adapters that permit the concurrent sampling for organic vapors using solid sorbent tubes are also described. The system has been used for determining total particulates, benzene solubles and vaporous hydrocarbons in Soderberg aluminum reduction plants. The reproducibility of the combined sampling a analytical steps for these constituents is approximately 5%.