Sampling with a Summa Canister and Flow Controller

Equipment:

Summa or Silco Canister- Cleaned, evacuated, valve checked for leakage, and certified by CAS Air Quality Laboratory Prior to shipment.
Flow Controller- pre-calibrated by the laboratory for your project specific requirements. Do not adjust any of the settings on knobs on the flow controller.

Procedure:

1. Ensure that the valve is fully closed (the green knob should be turned completely clockwise).
2. Using a 9/6” wrench, remove the brass cap from the valve on the top of the Summa Canister.
3. Attach the flow controller to the valve on the top of the canister. Tighten down with your fingers first, then tighten gently with a 9/16” wrench.
4. To open the canister valve, turn the green knob counterclockwise until there is no resistance. This is approximately1 1/4 turn. Then turn back clockwise slightly until resistance is detected. Since the flow controller restricts the airflow, you will not hear a hissing noise as the vacuum dissipates and draws air in.
5. At the end of the sampling period, close the valve by turning the green knob clockwise. Do not over-tighten.
6. Label the sample with the tag provided, then attach the tag to the canister with the plastic tie.
7. Remove the flow controller. Wrap securely in bubble wrap.
8. Replace the brass cap on the canister valve. Tighten it with a 9/6” wrench.
9. Complete a chain of custody form. Note the flow Controller bar code the corresponding canister.
10. Place the chain of custody form, the bubble-wrapped flow controller, and the canister back in the original box in which they were shipped to you.

Important Notes:

1. Care must be used with the canister valves. Do not over-tighten the valves.
2. Flow controllers must be securely wrapped in bubble wrap for shipping.
3. The valve fitting is a /4” male Swagelock fitting.
4. Do not remove the bar code or serial number labels from the canisters.
5. Do not make any markings directly on the canister or affix any labels.
6. Please call the laboratory with any questions regarding proper shipping of canisters

The Summa Canister as received with its brass screw cap

Remove the brass screw cap, gently.

Flow Controller attached to the brass fitting on the Summa Canister. Gently tighten the flow controller to the canister. The Teflon tubing is used for sampling