The SKC 520 Series Elemental Mercury Samplers are lightweight personal samplers designed to be worn in the breathing zone of individuals who are potentially exposed to mercury vapour. They are a fully validated, accurate and convenient alternative to active pump sampling.

The samplers use Anasorb® C300 sorbent to collect elemental mercury (Hg) in the vapour phase by positive controlled diffusion. They are analysed by flameless atomic absorption. Validation of the original SKC 520 Series Passive Sampler for Elemental Mercury is reported in OSHA Method ID-140

SKC offers two configurations of the Elemental Mercury Passive Sampler:

• A reusable capsule holder deployed with a replaceable sorbent capsule
The reusable housing can be cleaned between measurements for reduced sampling costs.

• • The HgChek, a single-piece disposable sampler, in the same style as our VOC Chek passive badges.

• Extensively field tested
  • Validation based on OSHA Method ID-140
  • Meets requirements of OSHA and MDHS (UK) methods
• Low cost per measurement
• Lightweight and easy-to-use
  • Clips to a worker’s collar or pocket
  • No pump needed
• Validated for 8-hour work shifts
  • Extended sample periods up to 120 hours with reusable holder/capsule model
• High accuracy and sensitivity
• Unaffected by the presence of other gases, including chlorine
• Simple analysis using standard laboratory equipment

Note: For sampling low levels of mercury or if particulate mercury must be determined, use an active sampling method rather than a passive sampler.

The ULTRA Passive Samplers from SKC are the creative evolution of indoor and ambient air sampling. The patented* ULTRA samples by diffusion and provides low ppb to ppt detection of compounds, including semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Operation is as easy as sliding the cover open to start sampling and closing it to stop sampling.

• • Provides results comparable to canisters for EPA Method TO-15
  • No cleaning or certification costs
  • Lower purchase price
  • No expensive shipping
• Passive alternative for EPA Method TO-17 — no pump required
• Choice of 5 sorbents for indoor and ambient air sampling, including semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs):
  • Anasorb GCB1
  • Tenax TA
  • Chromosorb 106
  • Anasorb CSC (solvent desorption)
  • Carbopack X
• Slide cover for easy on/off
• Miniature lightweight sampler is easy to transport — no expensive shipping
• Validated sampling (uptake) rates
  • For indoor (low air velocity) uptake rates, see Technical Note: Low Velocity Sampling Rates for Environmental Sampling Using ULTRA Passive Samplers
• Built-in blank/correction sorbent section (Also available with sorbent loaded in the sample compartment only, when a blank is not required)
• Also available as an empty housing with separate sorbent vials for user-filled samplers.
• Sample integrity:
  • Sonically welded housing seals the sampler
  • Manufactured in an ultra-clean environment
  • Extensive cleaning and quality control procedures
• Long term sampling up to 30 days reduces temporal variability. Please contact SKC for details.
• Allows rapid deployment of multiple samplers for emergency stations
• Easy operation for community action programmes

* US Patent No. 6,607,581

The UME^x 100 Passive Sampler for formaldehyde was developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Working Life in Umea, Sweden.

Constructed of tough polypropylene, the single-use UME^x 100 contains a tape treated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) for reliable collection of formaldehyde. Samplers are provided in individual aluminiumised pouches that can be used to transport the sampler to a laboratory after sampling.

For convenience and quality control assurance against contamination, each sampler incorporates a "blank/correction" section in addition to the active sampling section so there is no need to send extra samplers to the laboratory.

The shelf-life date is printed on a label on the outside of each pouch for easy inventory management. The UME^x 100 Sampler includes a clip for attachment to a worker’s collar for personal sampling or in an appropriate location for area sampling.

• Accurate and reliable for formaldehyde collection
• Accuracy exceeds OSHA standards
• Uses popular 2,4-DNPH chemistry
• Validated by OSHA and Swedish Institute
• Economical low cost sampler
• Easy to use - no pump or training required
• Sample medium and blank/correction in one unit
• Conforms to EU ISO 16000-4-2004
• Documented uptake rates
  • For 15 minute to 24 hour samples
  • For 7 day samples*  
• Meets specifications of OSHA Method 1007†  
• Referenced in EPA IP-6C
• Highly sensitive and specific analysis method
• Small and unobtrusive
• Simple-to-use "on/off" sliding cover
• Low 2 ppb limit of detection
• Safe - No glass or chemical liquids in the sampler
• 28.6 ml/min uptake rate enhances sensitivity for 15 minute, 8 hour, and 24 hour sampling*  
• Versatile sampler - suitable for both workplace sampling and long term indoor air sampling

* Sampling periods between 24 hours and 7 days have not been evaluated
Note: If sampling in an atmosphere where Formalin is the source of Formaldehyde, please read the Technical Note under Documentation

The lightweight UME^x 200 clips in the breathing zone for easy personal sampling. The sample medium (tape treated with triethanolamine [TEA]) and a "blank/correction" section of tape are contained in one sampler saving time and money. Samplers are provided in individual aluminiumised pouches that can be used to transport the sampler to a laboratory. The label on the outside of each pouch contains the shelf-life date for easy inventory management.

• Same chemistry as active OSHA Method ID-182
• Ready to use
• Accurate, reliable personal sampling
• Lightweight sampler clips easily in the breathing zone
• Economical , low cost, single use sampler
• Safe — no glass or chemical liquids in the sampler
• No pump or training required
• Sample medium and blank/correction in one unit
• Accurately measures personal workplace exposure to sulphur dioxide and/or nitrogen dioxide from 15 minutes to 8 hours (Not suitable for new STEL of 0.25 ppm)
• 3-week sample storage at ambient temperature

SKC Research has validated the UME^x 200 Passive Sampler for 24 hour ambient air sampling of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide to complement federal EPA reference methods. The validated concentration range for sulphur dioxide is 0.4 to 8 ppm (15 minutes to 24 hours); nitrogen dioxide is 0.05 to 8 ppm (15 minutes to 24 hours).