ASTM D6418-09

This practice is for use in collecting and storing 5- or 25-g soil samples for volatile organic analysis in a manner that minimizes loss of contaminants due to volatilization, or biodegradation, or both. The En Core sampler serves as both the sampling device and sample storage chamber.

In performing the practice, the integrity of the soil sample structure is maintained during sample collection, storage, and transfer in the laboratory for analysis or preservation.

During sample collection, storage, and transfer, there is very limited exposure of the sample to the atmosphere.

Laboratory subsampling is not required when performing this practice. The sample is expelled directly from the coring body/storage chamber into the appropriate container for analysis or preservation without disrupting the integrity of the sample. Subsampling from the En Core device should not be performed to obtain smaller sample sizes for analysis.

This practice specifies sample storage in the En Core sampler at 4 ± 2°C for up to 48 h; at –7 to –21°C for up to 14 days; or at 4 ± 2°C for up to 48 h followed by storage at –7 to –21°C for up to five days (see Appendix X1 and reports referenced in footnotes 4, 5, and 6 for information on the performance of the En Core sampler under these storage conditions). ^{, ,} Storage of samples in the En Core sampler at 4 ± 2°C or –7 to –21°C for longer holding times than those listed above is an option, provided it can be shown that the longer storage time used does not influence the concentrations of the VOCs of interest in the samples, or that the data generated by analysis of the samples meet the DQOs (see Practice D 5792).

This practice does not use methanol preservation or other chemical preservatives in the field. As a result, there are no problems associated with flammability hazards, shipping restrictions, or dilution of samples containing low volatile concentrations due to solvents being added to samples in the field.

The En Core sampler is a single-use device. It should not be cleaned, or reused, or both.

This practice cannot be used for sampling cemented material, consolidated material, or material having fragments coarse enough to interfere with proper coring techniques.

FIG. 1 Components of the En Core Sampler

FIG. 2 Reusable Attachments to the En Core Sampler

1.1 This practice is intended for application to soils that may contain volatile waste constituents.

1.2 This practice provides a procedure for using the disposable En Core sampler to collect and store a soil sample for volatile organic analysis.

1.3 It is recommended that this standard be used in conjunction with Guide D 4547 and Guide D 4687.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—ASTM takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.