127 CHAPTER 13 Grab Samplers Grab samplers are covered in a separate chapter because they operate in a manner substantially different from online systems. The models currently in use are designed for portability, although most of the time they are operated in the drinking water plant laboratory. A. EQUIPMENT FEATURES For the most part, the components of the grab-sampling particle counter are identical to those of the online system. The distinguishing feature is the addition of a sample delivery system designed to draw the sample through the particle sensor. The packaging and software must be suited to the different applications requirements. This section presents an overview of these additional features, as well as any considerations regarding similar features used for a different purpose. One of the most useful features is the ability to function as an online unit. In this mode, a grab sampler can be used as a temporary replacement for an online unit that must be taken out of service, or in a sample location where a permanent online unit has not been installed. 1. Sample Delivery System a. Portable Grab Samplers As described in Part I, the grab sampler employs a pump to pull the sample through the particle counter flow cell. In the units currently available on the market, a small gear pump is used. This pump is small and lightweight, and produces a virtually pulseless sample flow. It draws very little power, allowing for battery operation. It is a fairly quiet running unit, compared with the peristaltic pumps commonly found in laboratory applications. L1306/frame/pt02 Page 127 Friday, June 23, 2000 1:55 PM © 2001 by CRC Press LLC 128 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PARTICLE COUNTING These small gear pumps are not designed for continuous operation, and have an operating life of only a few hundred hours. This will provide several years of operation with grab samples, but precludes long term online usage. The sample passes through the gear mechanism, and large particles or concen- trations of particles can jam the pump. This is not usually a problem when low- concentration samples (concentrations not much higher than the coincidence limit of the sensor) are used. A small strainer should be placed between the sensor outlet and the pump inlet to keep large particles from creating problems. As described in Part I, this type of sampler does not meter-out the sample by volume, but runs for a fixed time period at a constant flow rate. The sample flow rate is controlled by the voltage applied to the pump. In most cases, the flow rate is set at a fixed level, and is not adjustable by the user. The flow rate should be verified periodically to ensure that it remains constant. As long as the flow remains constant, the data can be normalized to adjust for any deviation from the designed flow rate. b. Pressurized Batch Samplers The larger pressurized batch samplers are rarely purchased for water treatment applications now that the much less expensive portable units are available. Several of them are still in use in drinking water plants, so a brief description of the sample delivery mechanism is in order. The pressurized batch sampler was designed to accommodate viscous oils and lubricants, which require significantly higher pressures to achieve usable flow rates than does water. The sample beaker is placed in a sealed chamber, which is then pressurized with compressed air that has been filtered with a sub-micron filter to prevent the introduction of unwanted particles into the sample. The pressure forces the sample up into a stainless steel tube, which is connected to the inlet of the particle sensor. The sample passes through the particle sensor, and into a collection chamber that measures out the volume of sample. The volume is metered using a graduated cylinder that is fitted with some type of level-detecting switch. Two switches may be employed, one to initiate the particle count cycle, and one to end it when the desired volume has passed through the particle sensor. The first switch can be positioned to allow some of the sample to flush out any residual particles in the collection tube or sensor flow cell before the actual counts are initiated. Once the run is complete, the sample is then flushed out of the graduated cylinder. The pressurized batch sampler is not dependent upon a fixed flow rate, but only a fixed volume. The flow rate must remain within the allowable limits of the particle sensor. The flow rate is usually controlled with some type of needle valve adjustment downstream of the sensor. These batch samplers are far more mechanically sophisticated than the portable grab samplers, and are several times more expensive. There is no reason for them to be purchased for drinking water applications. They are built for heavy-duty L1306/frame/pt02 Page 128 Friday, June 23, 2000 1:55 PM © 2001 by CRC Press LLC GRAB SAMPLERS 129 service, and many of the units purchased years ago will remain serviceable for years to come. 2. Packaging As the grab samplers are designed for portability, most are packaged in some sort of carrying case, or equipped with a handle. Some sort of instrument case is used for mounting the components, as well as providing space for extra sample tubing and other accessories. A primary consideration is that of keeping all the electronic components isolated from any water. It is easy to spill water when performing grab samples, and residual liquid will be left in the tubing after the samples have been run. Access to the sensor for cleaning is also important, as the flow cell windows are more likely to need cleaning with intermittent use. If the window surfaces dry off, it is possible for water spots to form, affecting the optical clarity of the cell. With many different types of samples being run through the same sensor, it becomes easier to contaminate the cell windows. The tubing may need to be replaced more often. As was the case for the online units, cell cleaning involves removing and reinstalling sample tubing to the sensor, which increases the likelihood of leaks. The pump, strainer, and battery are additional components that will require access for service and maintenance. 3. Counting Electronics The same types of counting electronics found in online units are used for grab samplers. The different applications for the grab sampler should be taken into account when selecting the type and features of the counting electronics. For example, user- selectable size ranges may be useful, as grab samplers lend themselves to a wider range of experimental applications. Additional size channels may be important for the same reason. Some of the user-selectable features may require a computer to configure. This is not a problem since a computer should be used to download the data from the unit anyway. An integral keypad and display will be of more value because data can be collected from various sites without connecting the computer, for downloading at a later time. A paper printout may be useful for backup, but should not be the primary means of data storage. 4. Computer Interface a. Hardware Most data communications will be done via a standard RS-232 serial port, which is directly connected to a standard PC. Some units also provide an RS-485 interface, which allows the grab sampler to be connected to an online system. L1306/frame/pt02 Page 129 Friday, June 23, 2000 1:55 PM © 2001 by CRC Press LLC 130 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PARTICLE COUNTING b. Software Grab-sampling software may be used to upload configuration parameters as well as to download the data collected by the grab sampler. The most that can be expected from the software is that it can be used to organize the data in a usable manner, and provide a file structure that can be imported into commercially available spreadsheet and database programs. L1306/frame/pt02 Page 130 Friday, June 23, 2000 1:55 PM © 2001 by CRC Press LLC . organize the data in a usable manner, and provide a file structure that can be imported into commercially available spreadsheet and database programs. L1306/frame/pt02 Page 130 Friday, June 23,. batch samplers are far more mechanically sophisticated than the portable grab samplers, and are several times more expensive. There is no reason for them to be purchased for drinking water applications grab sampler to be connected to an online system. L1306/frame/pt02 Page 129 Friday, June 23, 2000 1:55 PM © 2001 by CRC Press LLC 130 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PARTICLE COUNTING b. Software Grab-sampling