QA - Flow Rate Verification for PMc

40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A section 3.2.3 describes requirements for performing a one-point flow rate verification check on automated and manual monitors used to measure PMc (PMc stands for PM-coarse, another way to say PM10-2.5). Because PMc data is often generated by calculating the difference in values between a PM10 sampler and a PM2.5 sampler, this transaction includes additional fields to report both flows.

To perform the flow rate verification check, each monitor’s normal flow rate is checked using a certified flow rate transfer standard. This check is performed on at least a monthly basis. The Flow Rate Verification for PMc transaction includes additional fields to allow the reporting of both the PM10 and PM2.5 samplers’ indicated flow rate, as well as the true flow rate of the standard flow meter. The transaction also includes fields to report the method code for both samplers.

Particulate monitors using automated methods usually sample continuously and report hourly average values as raw data to AQS. If automated monitors are in use, and if hourly average values are not available for reporting as raw data due to a flow rate verification, then a null value and null data code is reported as the raw data record for that hour. The known flow rate of the transfer standard, and the measured (or indicated) value from the monitor are reported using the flow rate verification for PMc transaction.

Format

QA - Flow Rate Verification for PMc transaction format

Seq.

Name

Description

Formatting Rules

Required

Key

1

Transaction Type

Quality Assurance transaction identifier.

Must = QA

Always

2

Action Indicator

Indicator for Insert, Update, or Delete action.

Must = I, U, or D

Always

3

Assessment Type

Indicates the specific QA assessment associated with the transaction.

Must = PMc Flow Rate V

Always

Y

4

Performing Agency Code

Agency Code of organization performing assessment.

Must exist in AGENCIES reference table.

Optional; defaults to user agency

5

State Code / Tribal Indicator

The FIPS state code of the monitor, or “TT” to indicate that the next field on the transaction is a Tribal code.

Must exist in STATES Reference Table or be ‘TT’ for Tribal Site

Always

Y

6

County Code / Tribal Code

The FIPS County Code of the site. If the previous field on the transaction contains “TT”, then the Tribal Code of the site.

Must exist in COUNTIES (for state) or TRIBAL_AREAS Reference table

Always

Y

7

Site Number

Four digit number to uniquely identify site in county and/or tribe.

Must exist in SITES table with {State Code, county Code} or Tribal Code

Always

Y

8

Parameter Code

The AQS parameter code assigned to the monitor in AQS.

Must exist in PARAMETERS reference table.

Always

Y

9

POC

Parameter Occurrence Code: One or two digit number identifying a specific monitor for a parameter at the site.

Must exist in MONITOR table for non-Insert actions.

Always

Y

10

Assessment Date

Date that the assessment was performed

YYYYMMDD.

Always

Y

11

Assessment Number

A unique number associated with an assessment performed at a site on a given day. Value should be “1” unless additional same assessments are performed.

Integer.

Always

Y

12

PM 10 Monitor Method Code

The sampling methodology of the PM10 monitor being assessed.

Must exist in SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES reference table.

Insert

13

Reported Unit Code

Units associated with the assessment.

Must exist in UNITS reference table, and unit code must be for Flow units type.

Unless Delete

14

PM 10 Monitor Flow Rate

The measured flow rate provided by the monitor being assessed.

Decimal.

Insert

15

PM 10 Assessment Flow Rate

The flow rate of the flow transfer standard.

Decimal.

Insert

16

PM 2.5 Monitor Method Code

The sampling methodology of the PM 2.5 monitor being assessed.

Must exist in SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES reference table.

Insert

17

PM 2.5 Monitor Flow Rate

The measured flow rate provided by the monitor being assessed.

Decimal.

Insert

18

PM 2.5 Assessment Flow Rate

The flow rate of the flow transfer standard.

Decimal.

Insert