Concentration of fine dust in granular materials is an important indicator of potential emission factors from the material. In other words, an emission factor of PM 4 is equal to or smaller than the concentration of fine dust in the bulk material.
LCS Laboratory Inc. offers a laboratory test for the determination of PM4 fraction in bulk material like soil, sand, recycled concrete, construction dust, or sawdust. The test is based on ASTM method D7928: “Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis”, where the material is suspended in a water-based solution and the concentration of small particles is measured. For the purpose of this project, we use much more sensitive gravimetric analysis instead of a hydrometer, this is why we quote the “method with modification”.
Typically we require 1 kg of sample for the analysis, which should be delivered in a metal or plastic container.
In our test, the 4-micron fraction is extracted from the sample, accurately measured with a sensitivity of 10 mg/kg, and reported to you. If necessary, the extracted dust can be further analyzed for quartz, metals, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Please contact LCS Laboratory to discuss your project or request a free, no-obligation quote.
