Formatted Title
A New Duo to Supercharge Your Sub-Slab Characterization Vapor Pin and Hybrid SS Sampler
Background/Objectives
To develop an easy, simple, practical, efficient, and reliable method for soil gas sampling, adding a valuable quantitative tool for environmental assessments, site remediation, and long-term monitoring programs.
Sub-slab soil gas sampling methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and costly. The Vapor Pin® Sampling Device is effortlessly inserted into any hard surface, reducing set up time and providing the potential for a higher number of samples to be collected in a shorter time period. Attaching the Hybrid SS tube creates a unique soil gas sampling system that reduces the training of personnel and decreases the risk of field sampling errors. The Hybrid SS tube is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for field sampling. Their size and selectivity reduces logistical issues associated with transport and storage, and allows for the collection of a higher number of samples to generate a more conclusive site profile. The sampling procedure is straightforward, requiring only the exposure of the sorbent material to the soil gas for a specific time period. Screening in or out areas of concern saves the cost and time involved wth canister samples.
Approach/Activities
The Vapor Pin® Sampling Device and Hybrid SS tube system are easy to use as they are designed specifically for soil gas sampling applications. The combined systems have been tested along side traditional whole air sampling devices to demonstrate effectiveness and reproducibility.
The system is optimized to collect soil gas samples directly from the subsurface, providing a representative snapshot of the soil vapor composition. This provides an accurate assessment and characterization of subsurface contamination, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other identified compounds of interest.
The design makes it easy to install and operate in various sub-slab soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Its design minimizes the potential for leaks and provides a reliable simple, easy to use sampling technique.
The Hybrid SS tubes are currently used on several sites in Brazil and the USA with side by side samples in bottle vacs and over 90% correlation of replicate samples.
Results/Lessons Learned
New tools for rapid and efficient site screening to save labor, time and expense are needed. The Vapor Pin® Sampling Device / Hybrid SS system is an innovative and reliable method for soil gas sampling that adds a valuable quantitative evaluation tool to environmental assessments, site remediation, and long-term monitoring programs. The simplicity and effectivness requires fewer resources, equipment, and personnel, making it a cost-effective option for environmental investigations. This installation, long shelf life of tubes and ease of use makes collecting a high number of samples effortless, thus creating a more thorough site survey profile.