Please read the entire set of instructions prior to beginning your sampling activity.

1. When ready to sample, remove the dust cap from the canister valve.

2. FOR GRAB SAMPLES USING A VACUUM GAUGE: (Many states require that the vacuum reading be recorded prior to sample collection. TestAmerica recommends that the vacuum reading be taken and recorded for each sample.) Attach a vacuum gauge to the canister inlet using a flat profile 9/16" wrench. Open the canister valve by turning the canister valve counterclockwise and record the vacuum reading on the sample tag attached to the canister. Close the canister valve and disconnect the vacuum gauge.

NOTE: A 1/4" Stainless Steel Sample Inlet (candy cane-shaped rain guard) may have been provided with your supplies. For GRAB SAMPLES: Attach the inlet or rain guard to the canister valve or the end of the vacuum gauge (if included). For TIME INTEGRATED SAMPLES: Attach the inlet or rain guard to the end of the flow controller. (See step 3 below)

3. TIME INTEGRATED SAMPLES: Remove the plug at the base of the flow controller. Attach the flow controller (1/4" female Swagelock™ fitting) to the canister inlet (1/4" male Swagelock™ fitting). Tighten the threaded nut until it is hand tight, being careful not to cross the threads. A poorly seated fitting will result in loss of vacuum and/or sample.

Important: To help ensure that the flow controller is threaded properly, hold the flow controller, rotating it gently back and forth while finger tightening the nut. If you are unable to finger tighten the nut to the point that the flow controller can no longer be rotated, first check to see that fitting threads are aligned properly. Then using a 9/16" flat profile wrench, tighten the nut while rotating the flow controller. When provided, remove the cap from the end of the flow controller.

4. Using a flat profile 9/16" wrench, completely tighten the flow controller to the canister inlet. A 1/3 to 1/2 rotation should be sufficient to securely tighten the Swagelock™ fitting. Once appropriately tightened to the canister, the flow controller should not be able to be rotated on the top of the canister by hand.

5. To start sampling, turn the canister valve counterclockwise until fully opened. Record the start time on the sample tag attached to the canister. Be sure to check and record the initial vacuum of the canister with the vacuum gauge provided.

6. To stop sampling, close the canister valve by turning clockwise until snug. Record the stop time and final vacuum on the sample tag provided. If the valve is not fully closed at the end point, the canister will eventually move toward ambient pressure during transport to the laboratory. This condition will result in sample loss or the addition of sample to the canister.

7. After closing the canister valve, remove the flow controller from the canister. Replace the cap on the canister valve. Replace the plug and cap on the flow controller. Place all equipment back into the packaging material and box in the manner in which they were received. Complete the chain of custody form, ensuring all fields are populated, and return the samples to the TestAmerica lab address provided.