Dust and Particle Analysis

We have a variety of techniques available in our Dallas laboratory to perform analysis of dusts, small particles, fibers, soot, and other contaminants.

Optical Microscopy – magnifications of 5x to 1000x
Phase Contrast Microscopy(PCM) and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Brightfield or Darkfield, transmitted or reflected light. These techniques allow observation of a variety of optical properties to identify dusts, fibers, and particles.

Gravimetric Analysis – Air sample analysis for nuisance dusts, particulates, carbon black, etc., either total or respirable.

Scanning Electron Microscopy – coupled with EDX Analysis. This provides high resolution digital imaging of air, bulk or dust samples with chemical analysis using x-ray spectroscopy.

Some specific methods we commonly work with:

Air Duct Cleaning Vacuum Test (NADCA Methodology) National Air Duct Cleaning Association Specification for the Cleaning and Restoration of Commercial HVAC Systems. This method quantifies dusts present after completion of air duct cleaning procedures.

NIOSH 0500 - Dust in Air by Gravimetric Analysis - Air Sample Analysis for Nuisance Dusts and Particulates, Total Aerosol Mass

NIOSH 0600 - Respirable Dust in Air by Gravimetric Analysis - Air Sample Analysis for Nuisance Dusts and Particulates, Respirable Aerosol Mass

ASTM D6602-13 “Standard Practice for Sampling and Testing of Possible Carbon Black Fugitive Emissions or Other Environmental Particulate, or Both

A variety of other non-standard testing and analysis can be performed, methodology employed will vary based on requirements:

Nuisance Dust Analysis – Bulk or tape lift
Characterization of dusts can be performed to assist in source identification, performed using a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and/or energy dispersive x-ray analysis.

Regulated Ceramic Fibers (RCF), Fiberglass
Characterized/identified using PLM, SEM, and/or EDXA

Soot / Carbon Black / Wildfire / House Fire, performed as an adaptation of ASTM D6602-13