A Total suspended particulate sampler or TSP high volume air sampler is used for the collection of total suspended particulate matter in ambient air with no preference to size selection. The US EPA reference method for the collection of TSP is called out in 40 CFR 50, appendix B.  The TSP high volume air sampler collects particulate at a flow rate between 39-60 ft/³min over a constant sampling period.  The TSP high volume air sampler is used to determine the concentration of total suspended particulates or it can be used to determine the identity of the particulates.

TSP high volume air samplers come in a variety of configurations.  The basic system is composed of an anodized aluminum outdoor shelter with a gabled roof assembly.  It will include a timing device to turn the instrument on and off, a filter holder to hold the filter media in place, a vacuum motor, a device to control the flow, a pressure recorder to record the flow rate, and an elapsed time indicator to count the sample time.

The TSP high volume air sampler collects total suspend particulates in the air.  The vacuum motors pulls ambient air onto the 8″ x 10″ glass fiber filter at a flow rate between 39-60 cfm.  TSP air particulate samplers do not use a particle separator which results in the collection of all ambient particulates.  The glass fiber filters are weighed pre and post sample and the weight is used to determine the total suspended particulate matter.