US EPA Designated PM10 Federal Equivalent Method (FEM)

The Met One E-BAM PLUS is a portable, real-time Beta Attenuation Mass Monitor (BAM) engineered to deliver laboratory-grade accuracy in a field-deployable package. Designed specifically to meet the stringent requirements of the US EPA PM10 Federal Equivalent Method (FEM), this analyzer provides regulatory-quality particulate data without the need for complex, heavy stationary shelters.

It bridges the gap between reference-standard measurement and rapid deployment, making it the ideal solution for environmental agencies, industrial fenceline monitoring, and emergency response teams who require certified data accuracy in challenging or temporary locations.

Key Benefits

• Certified Regulatory Accuracy: Unlike standard portable monitors that rely on light scattering (nephelometry), the E-BAM PLUS uses the Beta Attenuation principle—the industry standard for compliance—ensuring your data stands up to regulatory scrutiny (US EPA Designation).

• Rapid Field Deployment: The entire system is self-contained, weatherproof, and battery-operable. It can be unpacked, tripod-mounted, and fully operational in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for emergency air quality assessments or short-term studies.

• True Ambient Sampling: The system maintains the integrity of semi-volatile compounds (like nitrates and organics) by sampling under true ambient conditions, eliminating the measurement bias often found in heated-inlet systems.

• Autonomous Operation: Built for unattended reliability, the E-BAM PLUS features automatic flow control, self-diagnostics, and an internal datalogger capable of storing over a year of hourly data.

Technical Overview

The E-BAM PLUS automates the measurement of fine particulate matter using beta ray attenuation, a physics-based principle where the absorption of beta radiation is directly proportional to the mass of particles collected on a filter tape.

System Design & Reliability:

The unit features an integral shelter made from environmentally sealed aluminum, protecting the internal optics and electronics from rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. It operates with an internal vacuum pump and flow control system that maintains a precise volumetric flow rate, critical for the accuracy of the inertial size separator (PM10 inlet).

Data Integrity:

To ensure valid data capture, the analyzer continuously monitors its own status, including flow stability, tape condition, and power levels. It incorporates a smart "Data Validation" system that flags anomalies such as power failures or flow deviations, ensuring that only high-quality data enters your compliance reports.

Connectivity:

The instrument integrates seamlessly into modern monitoring networks with support for:

• Digital Outputs: RS-232, RS-485, and USB.

• Analog Outputs: Selectable voltage or 4–20 mA current loops for industrial PLCs.

• Remote Access: Compatibility with cellular modems, satellite links, and the CCS COMET Cloud for real-time data visualization and retrieval.

Typical Use Cases

• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting US EPA requirements for PM10 monitoring in locations where permanent stations are not feasible.

• Emergency Response: Rapid deployment during wildfires, chemical spills, or volcanic events to assess public health risks.

• Construction & Remediation: Fenceline monitoring for dust control compliance at large infrastructure projects or brownfield remediation sites.

• Industrial Process Monitoring: Open-pit mining, quarrying, and bulk handling terminals requiring accurate fugitive dust quantification.

Why Choose This Analyzer?

The E-BAM PLUS solves the "accuracy vs. portability" trade-off. Most portable dust monitors use laser scattering, which is sensitive to particle type and humidity, requiring constant calibration factors. The E-BAM PLUS, however, measures mass directly. It offers the legal certainty of a Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) in a rugged chassis that you can carry to the rooftop, the roadside, or the remote desert. When you need data that is both mobile and defensible, the E-BAM PLUS is the professional's choice.

Specifications

• Measured Components:

  Particulate Matter (PM10).

• Applications:

  Regulatory air quality monitoring, emergency response, construction site compliance, industrial fenceline monitoring, military and homeland security.

• Certifications:

  US EPA Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) for PM10 (Designation No. EQPM-1215-226).

• Measurement Principle:

  Beta Attenuation Mass Monitoring (BAM) using C-14 source and glass fiber filter tape.