Effect of Contact Time and Contact Pressure on the Transfer of Oil to Surface Sample Media

Abstract

Abstract Wipe sampling is common practice for the assessment of surface contamination; however, several different wipe sampling methods are currently being used. When the results of one study are compared with those of other studies, it is important to understand the effect of sampling parameters on the collection of contaminants from surfaces. A review of the literature addressing the subject of wipe sampling revealed that while several authors were concerned with parameters such as the contact time and contact pressure, no information was provided on the effect of these parameters on the collection of wipe samples. This study examines the effect of contact time, contact pressure, and surface concentration on the transfer (collection) of oil from contaminated surfaces to wipe sample media. An exposure jig was designed and built that allowed contact time, contact pressure, and surface concentration to be varied individually. This jig was used to test the effect of these parameters on the mass of oil trans...