En Core Sampler Starter Kit

The En Core sampler is a unique tool for the reliable collection, storage and transport of soil samples. After collecting the soil sample, simply seal the tube with an airtight cap to prevent loss of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This starter kit consists of:

• 1 stainless steel T-handle
• 12 En Core samplers (you can choose between 5 gram or 25 gram samplers)
• 1 extra demo sampler for practicing
• Instruction manual

The En Core samplers (5 gram and 25 gram) and T-handle are also sold separately.

Specifications En Core sampler

The complete system consists of 2 parts, the sampler in which the soil sample is stored and the stainless steel handle (T-handle) to which the sampler is attached. Made of high-tech inert composite polymer, the sampler is for single use and can be sealed airtight after sampling. The length of the reusable T-handle is approx. 12 cm (4.5 inch) and it is made of stainless steel. Optionally, a (stainless steel) extension of 90 cm (3 ft.) is available that you can connect to the handle.

The En Core sampler is the only commercially available sampler listed in Method 5035/5035A and meets ASTM D4547 requirements for VOC retention during permitted hold time.

Taking a soil sample with the En Core Sampler

This sampling tool is specifically designed to assist field personnel in taking soil samples with minimum effort and maximum accuracy.

How does it work?

1. Remove the sampler from the air tight pouch
2. Slide the sampler into the handle and make sure it clicks into place
3. Insert the sampler into the soil. Turn T-Handle with T-up and coring body down. This positions plunger bottom flush with bottom of coring body (ensure that plunger bottom is in position). Using T-Handle, push Sampler into soil until coring body is completely full. The tube is filled once the o-ring is visible in the sight hole on the handle. There is a hole for 5 gram and 25 gram samples.
4. Pull the sampler back out of the ground and remove any remaining soil debris from the sampler
5. Wipe the bottom of the tube with a tissue and then seal the tube airtight.
6. Tighten the cap with the handle.
7. Place the tube in an airtight bag, seal the bag and label with the appropriate information. Then send the samples to the lab as soon as possible to get the most reliable results.

Why would you use the En Core Sampler

Besides its simplicity of use, the disposable En Core® Sampler avoids many of the problems of current VOC soil collection techniques, including:

• The Sampler eliminates the need for methanol preservation;
• The Sampler eliminates the need for preservation with sodium bisulfate, an alternate method.
• Most importantly, the Sampler avoids many sources for lab discrepancies, thus assuring more consistent and accurate analyses.

Collection and storage of soils for VOC analysis using current US EPA methodology has changed since the promulgation of SW846 Method 5035. The collection options are:

1. En Core Sampler Preservation. Collect 3 En Cores and a dry weight for each sample point. Ship to lab within 48 hours of collection.
2. Methanol Preservation. Requires coring and weighing 5 gram samples and placing in 40 mL vials preserved with methanol. VOC losses are prevented by both retarding volatilization and preventing biodegradation. However, this method involves use of a hazardous substance and weighing samples in the field. VOC detection limits are elevated 25 to 50 fold. Unused methanol and samples must be disposed of as hazardous waste
3. Acid Preservation. Requires coring and weighing 5 gram samples and placing in 40 mL vials preserved with an acid solution (formed from sodium bisulfate). While this method overcomes the methanol objections and eliminates subsampling in the lab, different limitations are presented:
   1. Acid may be insufficient for preserving soils with high buffering capacity.
   2. Alkaline soils may react vigorously with the acid and the vials may explode
   3. Acid may salt in or salt out contaminants, depending on organic carbon content
   4. A high level analysis may be needed in addition to the low level analysis.

Advantages

• Samples are hermetically sealed so the sample remains reliable and stable for analysis in the laboratory
• Eliminates the need for preservatives (like methanol or sodium sulfate)
• Easy and quick to use
• No knowledge or experience required, each sample can be collected in a consistent manner
• Ensures that the soil samples remain stable and that there are no abnormalities in the laboratory