Helium Diffusion Sampling

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(713) 453-6060

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The Helium Diffusion Sampling (HDS) Personal Monitor simplifies the monitoring of chemicals in the workplace. A breakthrough new technology based on helium diffusion yields a sampler that is small, light weight, cost-effective, universal, and defensible. Above all, the HDS Personal Monitor delivers highly reproducible results unaffected by factors that create errors in other diffusive samplers such as matrix concentrations, varying humidities, and fluctuating face velocities.

An HDS sample is collected based upon the higher diffusion rate of helium relative to air, creating a vacuum that pulls air in as helium escapes. A surrogate recovery compound is added to every HDS Personal Monitor to substantiate the collection of a proper sample in the field as well as to prove effective recovery during laboratory analysis.

  • A simpler way to collect canister samples is now available
  • HDS is less technical and easier to perform accurately and consistently than vacuum sampling with external flow controllers
  • Less chance for sample loss, or carryover from a previous sampling event because the flow controlling diffusion path is cleaned and isolated along with the canister
  • Flow rates are controlled by physical laws of diffusion. Nothing to calibrate
  • Metric determination of amount sampled allows for very accurate dilution calculations
  • Built in Surrogate helps to reveal canisters which are no longer inert

For a list of our analyses that include the sample size, container, preservation or holding time of a sample for an Environmental analysis, please refer to our Environmental Analytical Reference Guide. Also, please use our Sample Kit Guide to assist you in packing your Environmental testing samples.

Helium Diffusion Sampling Advantages / Disadvantages

HDS Classical Vacuum Sampling
Hydrocarbon Range C2 – C25 C2 – C12
Relative Cost 1 3-15
Smallest Can Size for Collecting 1 Week Sample 1.4L / 32oz BV 6L-15L
Longest Sampling Time 1 Month 1 Week
Chance for Losses None Flow Controller/Filter
Chance for Carryover Cleaned Along with Can Must Clean Separately
Auto Start/Stop Yes/But ReducedVol (Wt) Yes

Accreditations

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AIHA LAP, LLC – IH
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A & B Labs’ corporate office is located at 10100 East Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas with service center locations in Harlingen (South TX), Euless (North TX), Nederland (TX Golden Triangle) and Baton Rouge, LA (coming soon). We serve clients throughout the United States based on our accreditations. Please view our Contact Us page for the full addresses of our service centers.

Monday – Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday Closed (Please call 713-453-6060 if Saturday testing is needed.)
Sunday Closed
After-hours / Emergency Testing Please call 713-453-6060 if emergency testing is needed after normal business hours or during holidays

Please contact your Project Manager at (713) 453-6060 or info@ablabs.com to schedule sample pick up and courier services in Houston and the surrounding areas, Bay City, Bloomington, Brazoria, Freeport, Ganado, Lake Jackson, Palacios, Port Lavaca, Port Comfort, Victoria, Wadsworth.

Sample pick up and courier services are also available in the areas near our service center locations in Harlingen and Corpus Christi (South TX), Euless (North TX), Nederland (TX Golden Triangle), Corpus Christi (South TX) and Baton Rouge, LA (coming soon). Additional locations may be available, please contact your Project Manager to learn more.

Our standard TAT is 7 business days or later for most tests. For test results needed in less than 7 business days, rush charges may apply. A & B Labs will provide the TAT on each quote.

Rush charges may apply to the tests, if needed and/or specified that the test must be rushed. Rush charges will only apply to those tests in which rushing the sample testing implies an actual cost. The rush

1 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 100% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
2 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 75% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
3 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 50% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
4 BUSINESS DAY TURNAROUND TIME = 25% SURCHARGE (When applicable)
Sample matrix may affect feasible turnaround time

Note for Asbestos: A prep charge fee will be incurred if the samples are prepped but not able to be analyzed due to step rules for overloading. Bulk PLM that requires a separate report and analysis for individual layers will be charged accordingly, per layer.

A & B Labs will pay for the outgoing sample kit shipment costs if the kit order is received 5 business days in advance by using the most cost effective means of shipping available (Examples: UPS Ground Service, FedEx Ground, FedEx Express 3 Day, etc…). For International shipping, the client is responsible for shipping costs both outbound and inbound.

A & B Labs can provide sample media (at cost with a surcharge) provided the laboratory is given at least 5 days notice. Routine kits include PVC filters, MCE filters, sorbent tubes, chain of custody forms and Federal Express return shipment forms with A & B Labs’ ID number. Other media, pumps and related equipment are available for additional charges. All sample media will be charged to the client immediately after the media kit is ordered or given to the client.

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