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D6061-01 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
The ASTM D6061-01 practice provides standardized procedures for evaluating personal samplers of non-fibrous respirable aerosol. It aligns with international conventions to ensure consistency in health effects assessment and exposure monitoring. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
📐 Scope and Application
This practice covers the evaluation of personal samplers for non-fibrous respirable aerosol, assessing them against specific respirable sampling conventions. The convention is one of several that identify specific particle size fractions for assessing health effects of airborne particles. These conventions define inhalable, thoracic, and respirable aerosol sampler ideals, as adopted by ISO 7708, CEN EN 481, and ACGIH. The standard is intended for setting permissible exposure limits and monitoring compliance in workplace and ambient environments. This practice is complementary to Test Method D4532, which specifies the 10-mm cyclone. The sampler evaluation procedures have been applied to the 10-mm cyclone and the Higgins-Dewell cyclone.
⚙️ Performance Evaluation Methodology
A central aim of this practice is to characterize the uncertainty of concentration estimates from candidate samplers. It combines sampling accuracy data with analytical and pump uncertainty, following principles of ISO GUM. The approach accounts for measurand variation in time and space, using evaluation confidence to ensure reliability. The systematic difference between candidate and idealized samplers is expressed as a relative bias, as defined in sections 3.2.13, 3.2.13.1, and 3.2.13.3. The general approach relates to the theory of tolerance intervals, where methods undergo extensive evaluation and are applied with quality assurance measures.
📊 Accuracy and Uncertainty Characterization
The practice provides comprehensive information for characterizing measurement uncertainty. It specifies that sampling/analytical methods undergo extensive evaluation and are applied with quality assurance measures. Measurement uncertainty is characterized by specifying the evaluation confidence (e.g., 95 %) that confidence intervals determined by measurements bracket measurand values at better than a given rate (e.g., 95 %). The relative bias between candidate and idealized samplers is included in accuracy specifications.
| 📏 Organization | 📐 Standard Reference |
|---|---|
| International Standards Organization | ISO 7708 |
| Comité Européen de Normalisation | CEN Standard EN 481 |
| American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists | ACGIH Ref (1) |
| 🔍 Parameter | 🎯 Specification |
|---|---|
| Evaluation Confidence | 95 % (example) |
| Measurement Rate | 95 % (example) |
| Relative Bias | From performance tests |
⚠️ Safety Note: This standard does not address all safety concerns. Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine regulatory compliance prior to use.
💡 Tip: The evaluation procedures have been applied to the 10-mm cyclone and Higgins-Dewell cyclone, with details published in references (5-7). These can be incorporated into revisions of Test Method D4532.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of ASTM D6061-01?
The practice covers the evaluation of personal samplers for non-fibrous respirable aerosol, assessing them against specific respirable sampling conventions for health effects assessment. The values stated in SI units are standard.
💡 Which conventions does the standard use?
It uses conventions from ISO 7708, CEN Standard EN 481, and ACGIH, which define inhalable, thoracic, and respirable aerosol sampler ideals.
⚡ How is uncertainty characterized?
Uncertainty is characterized by evaluation confidence and measurement rate, typically 95 %, and includes relative bias between candidate and idealized samplers. It follows principles of ISO GUM.
📌 What samplers have been evaluated using this practice?
The practice has been applied to the 10-mm cyclone and the Higgins-Dewell cyclone, with evaluation details published in references (5-7). These cyclones are used in respirable aerosol sampling.