Interested in real-time dust monitoring? See the page for our new DustScan Cloud

DustScanAQ Services

Services

DustScanAQ is an independent dust and air quality consultancy, specialising in dust monitoring and assessment, established in 2004.

About DustScanAQ

About DustScan

DustScanAQ is the new trading name for DustScan Ltd; we have recently rebranded to reflect our growing air quality consultancy expertise and involvement in air quality matters. DustScan Ltd was established in 2004 as a spin-off company from Leeds University. The firm is based in Oxfordshire, UK.

DS100 Directional Nuisance Dust Sampler

DS100 Directional Nuisance Dust Sampler

The DustScan DS100 is a directional dust sampler which collects fugitive dust in horizontal flux from 360° around the sampling head using a sticky pad. The directional dust sampler is often used for ‘fence-line’ site boundary monitoring and to determine the direction/s from which dust has arisen. The collected dust is measured using DustScan’s unique software to determine dust coverage (AAC) and dust soiling (EAC); these measurements are expressed as percentages and are noted in IAQM guidance. Subsequent analysis can be carried out if needed to characterise the sampled dust.

DustScan DS100 sticky pad gauges are extremely difficult to tamper with. It is quite evident if dust has been thrown onto sticky pads or if attempts have been made to remove collected dust.

The gauge is robust, inexpensive and easy to install and operate in all weather conditions without a power supply.

Applications

The directional dust sampler is simple to install and can be used on a wide range of sites. Typically, the DustScan DS100 is installed on site boundaries to assess the amount of dust travelling offsite or towards a receptor.

Other applications include:
 
  • Routine site performance monitoring
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Dust annoyance investigations
  • Dust source apportionment
  • Dust pathway identification
  • Dust dispersion/mapping investigations
The DustScan DS100 gauge comprises a 1.6 m post that can be screwed or strapped to existing structures such as fences or site hoardings. Where monitoring is required away from site structures, drive-in fencing met-post stakes can be used as a holder for the post. The monitoring head is fitted to the top of the post with a north-facing alignment peg at its base.

Accurate and meaningful results depend on the correct installation of the DustScan DS100 gauge. This is achieved by ensuring the post stands vertical and the peg is aligned to north. Full installation instructions are supplied with every order and a professional installation service is available and recommended for effective monitoring.

Sampling

DS100 directional dust sampling cylinders are typically changed on a weekly or fortnightly basis depending on client reporting requirements and site operations. Each DS100 is supplied with 2 sampling cylinders, pre-fitted with dust collection slides (sticky pads), this allows for continuous directional dust sampling. A sampling cylinder is fitted onto the monitoring head by fitting its notch over the alignment peg. The cylinder is held in place by a screw-on rain guard.

2 sample transport flasks are also supplied per instrument. These are used to prevent sample contamination after the sampling cylinders have been removed from the gauge. The flask end caps are recessed to locate the cylinder securely and away from the sides of the flask. Sample flasks are returned to DustScan for analysis in purpose-built 4 or 6 section transport boxes which are also supplied.

Reporting

The dust collected on the directional sticky pads is analysed by DustScan’s unique computer software to determine the absolute area coverage (%AAC) and the effective area coverage (%EAC) for individual 15° segments. These data are combined to produce dust annoyance risk values which can be used as Key Performance Indicator (KPI) values when assessing site performance.

The directional data are presented to the client in a tabular format as well as a graphical representation to show the direction of dust propagation.

For more information about DustScan directional dust monitoring reports, please see the DustScan Analysis page.

DustScanAQ would be pleased to hear from you if you would like to discuss your requirements and how we can help you with your project, please contact us on 01608 810110 or email info@dustscan.co.uk.