Determination of Particulate Matter Emissions From Stationary Sources
Particulate matter is withdrawn isokinetically from the source and collected on a glass fiber
filter maintained at a temperature of 120 ±14 °C (248 ±25 °F) or such other temperature as
specified by an applicable subpart of the standards or approved by the Administrator for a
particular application. The PM mass, which includes any material that condenses at or above the
filtration temperature, is determined gravimetrically after the removal of uncombined water. Method 5 can be run in combination with other isokinetic methods (M23, M26A, M29, M202).
For more information and documents about Method 5, please consult the EPA's Method 5 webpage.
Information on Methods 5A-I can be found via the EMC Promulgated Test Methods Directory.
Apex Instruments offers a Method 5 Sampling Train. We also offer products for different versions of Method 5. If interested in Method 5 sampling, Apex Instruments works with our customers to make sure we are providing the correct products for your project and will provide you with a price quote. For any questions about our sampling train, please contact sales@apexinst.com.
Required Sampling Parameters for Method 5
● Sampling duration: typically 60-120 minutes
● Sampling rate: typically 0.50-0.75 dscfm
● Minimum sampling volume: 30-60 dscf (dependent on analyte MDLs and expected
concentrations)
Review 40 CFR Part 60 for minimum sampling duration, volumes and filter/gas temperatures.
Equipment needed for Method 5
● M5 Console
● Hot box (filter holder), which connects the probe and the sampling train with a heated filter.
○ Includes heating element to maintain filter temperature of 121°C (248 °F)
○ Filter housing holds the filter within this box to prevent moisture
○ Offers flexibility for vertical and horizontal traverses
○ Insulated box maintains heat in various environments
● Impingers (condenser train) provide support and protection for glassware
○ Insulated case keeps impingers cool
○ Holding container for ice to cool impingers (typically below 20 °C or 68 °F)
○ Can be attached to hot box or detached, connected by a sample line
● Umbilical line that is lightweight, easily repaired, and covered in a protective sheath (braided cover), and includes:
○ One (1) kink-free, wire reinforced sample line
○ Three (3) kink-resistant polyethylene lines
○ Two (2) black and white/blue pitot
○ One (1) yellow orsat line
○ Five (5) type K thermocouple (TC) extensions, and
○ One (1) five conductor electrical cable with 4 -pin circular connectors (amphenol)
● Meter console
● Vacuum pump
● Sampling probe assembly, which measures flow (with attached pitot), sample (with attached nozzle/liner), and stack gases (with orsat line)
○ Probe must have a heating system capable of maintaining gas temperature of typically 121 ± 14 °C (248 ± 25 °F).
○ Must be capable of measuring stack gas temperature.
○ Thermocouple (TC) must be calibrated.
○ Probe sheath assembly configurations:
■ Hastelloy C276 up to 427 °C (800 °F)
■ Stainless steel up to 650 °C (1200 °F)
■ Alloy 600 up to 871 °C (1600 °F)
○ Probe liner tube must be constructed of material determined by temperature/compounds being monitored:
■ Teflon liners up to 177 °C (350 °F)
■ Borosilicate glass liners up to 480 °C (900 °F)
■ Stainless steel liners up to 650 °C (1200 °F)
■ Quartz liners up to 900 °C (1650 °F)
○ Sample Nozzle, made of seamless, stainless steel tubing, borosilicate glass, Teflon, or other materials such as quartz when approved by an administrator.
■ Button-hook/elbow design
■ Sharp, tapered leading edge (< 30° angle)
■ Constant internal diameter
○ Sampling Train
■ Standard glassware features extra heavy borosilicate glass with unground #28 ball and socket joints with o-ring seals.
■ Unground joints are more durable than ground joints and the o-rings provide a tight, leakfree seal.