QA - Speciation Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit

Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) site operators collect flow verification and other information to assess operation of speciation samplers. In addition, site auditors from EPA and PQAOs perform regular audits that include a flow audit for these samplers. Flow rate verifications should be conducted monthly, although reporting to AQS is not required. Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audits should be conducted every 6 months, and are required reporting.

Multi-parameter flows

Each sampler has multiple flow channels containing a different type of filter (Teflon, nylon, or quartz). Each filter is analyzed for multiple analytes, each of which gets its own parameter code. Thus each flow channel represents a number of different AQS parameter codes that are captured by the type of filter in that channel. Each channel’s flow is independent and needs to be verified separately. Thus the three sampler channels will involve three flow checks, but over 40 separate parameters.

This transaction allows reporting the flow values by channel. This alleviates the need to submit the same flow information on many similar transactions on a parameter by parameter basis. Instead, the parameters are mapped to each channel within the database, and only one transaction on a channel basis, rather than multiple transactions on a parameter basis, are needed.

The monitors are mapped to channels within AQS, which allows the reported channel flow data to be associated with all of the appropriate monitors for each site.

The conceptual difference between a flow rate verification and a flow audit consists of the personnel performing the assessment and the standard used. When an audit is performed, an independent auditor and flow standard are used (as opposed to the more routine flow verifications). However, the only difference on the transaction is the assessment type specifying flow rate verification vs. flow audit.

Format

QA - Speciation Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit 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 = Speciation Flow Rate Audit

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

Sampler ID

The unique name or ID for the sampler at the site.

Must exist for Site in database.

Always

Y

9

Channel Number

Number assigned to channel on sampler

Must be defined for Sampler in database.

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

Reported Unit Code

Units associated with the flow values.

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

Unless Delete

13

Sampler Flow Rate

The measured flow rate provided by the sampler being assessed.

Decimal.

Insert

14

Assessment Flow Rate

The flow rate of the flow transfer standard.

Decimal.

Insert