Manual Mercury Sampling

Apex Instruments XC-260 Source Sampler Console is engineered specifically for base-line studies, performance testing and profiling mercury emissions.

The Console was designed to meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 60, Reference Method 30B. This method is intended for Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA) and sampling under relatively low particulate conditions, that is – sampling after all pollution control devices.

Click HERE to read about Reference Method 30B.

The XC-260 Source Sampler is:

• Efficient
• Low-cost
• Portable
• Field-Proven
• Easy to Learn and Use
• Ideal for Audit Sampling

Paired mercury samples are extracted from flue gas and captured in sorbent traps over a pre-determined time period – from minutes to several hours.

Dual sorbent traps are attached to the inlet end of a heated sample probe. Following sample collection, traps can then be analyzed to determine time-averaged emission results using sample volumes measured by the XC-260 dry gas meters

Sample data is manually recorded from the XC-260 Console:

• At the Beginning of a Collection Period
• Periodically in the Middle
• At the End of a Collection Period

All temperature, pressure and flow measurement data are conveniently displayed on the Console face and can be entered manually into a spreadsheet or your preferred format for analysis.

The XC-260 Source Sampler Console

Apex Instruments XC-260 Source Sampler is an inexpensive Console to accomplish manual mercury sampling. The XC-260 is a precision metering console that delivers reliable source sampling. It’s engineered with the quality and durability you expect from Apex Instruments.

The XC-260 Console:

• Controls Sample Flow from the Stack
• Monitors Totalized Sample Volumes
• Monitors Probe Temperature
• Monitors Vacuum
• Monitors Dry Gas Meter Temperatures
• Monitors Timers

The XC-260 Console incorporates:

• Sample Pumps
• Dry Gas Meters
• Flow Meters
• Displays
• Timers
• Gauges

All components are integrated into a lightweight portable enclosure, weighing less than 43 pounds.

Gas Conditioning for the XC-260 Source Sampler

The extracted source sample must first be conditioned to deliver dry, acid-free gas to the XC-260 dry-gas meters (DGM).

Apex Instrument’s SGC-4000 Gas Conditioner (chiller) is a dual-channel gas conditioning system. This state-of-the-art Free Piston Stirling Cooler (FPSC) uses environmentally friendly helium for cooling and has only two moving parts. Its efficient design and large cooling capacity can chill a gas sample within seconds.

The SGC-4000 is lightweight, compact and available in two standalone configurations:

• SGC-4000 HGP is our standard portable version and is self-contained within a modular unit.
  
   
• SGC-4000 HG is a slide mounting version for standard 19” rack-mount cabinets

Mercury Sorbent Trap Sample Probes
Used with the XC-260 Source Sampler Console

Our standard audit probe for the XC-260 is produced from stainless steel and includes an integrated single probe heater. Standard probe lengths are 4’, 6’ and 9’ feet.

A heated probe prevents condensation in the sorbent traps. The probe head enclosure is insulated to minimize condensation at the junction where the probe and heated umbilical line connect.
 
The probe is inserted directly into the flue gas-stream. Paired sorbent traps mounted at the inlet end of the probe have leak-tight compression fittings.

Type K thermocouples are used to monitor stack and sorbent trap temperatures. The standard probe is designed for dual 10mm traps. Adapters for smaller sorbent traps (i.e. 6mm) are also available.

Umbilical Lines (sample lines)
Used with the XC-260 Source Sampler Console

Heated umbilical lines for use with XC-260 Console probes are custom designed and manufactured to meet specific application requirements.

Umbilical lines are portable, lightweight and incorporate a self-regulating system heater.