Cox Colvin – The game-changing Vapor Pin solution

14 December 2023

Share

When considering passive sampling requirements, it is useful to consider the fundamentals of Vapour Intrusion sampling.  There are 3 main components to consider:

  1. Contaminant Sources – Which chemicals and how much?
  2. Contaminant migration paths – How are the contaminants moving through the ground?
  3. Receptors – Are these vapours migrating into buildings and impacting people?

Here is a graphical overview of a case involving an Above-ground Storage Tank (AST) that was a source of a leak.

Vapor intrusion occurs when there is a migration of vapour-forming chemicals from any subsurface source into an overlying building.

The Vapor Pin® sampling device, developed and patented by Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. is a revolutionary, yet simple device used to detect vapor intrusion. The re-usable, versatile device is one of the most innovative tools for soil gas sampling and has made extremely positive strides in how quickly and easily environmental consultants, drillers and vapour mitigation companies can test and sample for vapour intrusion and mitigation systems.

The Vapor Pin® sampling device is currently used for vapour intrusion sampling and vapour intrusion testing on commercial and residential sites. Available for professional and personal testing, the Vapor Pin® allows a quick, highly effective, and low-cost method for:

  • Soil gas sampling, testing, and soil gas probes.
  • Radon pressure testing, in addition to other depressurization studies and testing.
  • Stray gas and chemical evaluations.
  • Source area characterization.
  • Vapour mitigation progress monitoring.

Cox Colvin provide an excellent range of devices to support these sampling methods.  Here is a summary:

Brass and Stainless-Steel Devices

Standard Vapor Pins come in brass or stainless-steel.  The typical use of the Brass Vapor Pin® sampling devices are for temporary installations (one-time sampling) and stainless steel for long-term installations (repeated sampling), due to the superior corrosion resistance of stainless steel. If there is any doubt, it is recommended to purchase stainless-steel pins, as the additional cost is a small part of overall costs, particularly after the Vapor Pin® sampling device has been used multiple times.

Stainless-Steel FLX-VP

The Flex-VP is an easy to install sub-slab sampling device that offers interchangeable sampling connections for it to be flexible when conducting investigations. The Flex-VP can be used with a wide variety of sample collection methods and can be paired with evacuated stainless-steel canisters, tube samplers, Tedlar bags, Bottle-Vacs, and many more devices.

The FLX-VP was specifically designed to connect to a variety of other devices including Swagelok compression fittings. The standard Swagelok connection for 1/4” OD Nylaflow and Teflon tubing, and for TO-17 sorbent tubes are available. Replacement ferrule sets are also available.

Mini Vapor Pin Sampling Device

The Mini Vapor Pin® Sampling Device is for use in any setting.  It is available in either Stainless-steel or Anodized Aluminium.  They are ideal with slabs as thin as 2 inches.  The Mini Vapor Pin® sampling device is installed in the flush-mount position after drilling a 5/8-inch hole.  The Mini Vapor Pins are sold as a complete set, which eliminates the need for separate covers.  A set includes Mini Vapor Pin® sampling device, FLX-VPTM Barb with O-ring, Silicone Sleeve, and Mini Vapor Pin® Secure Cover with O-ring.

The Mini Vapor Pin® sampling devices are designed for permanent installation and cannot be removed and re-installed.

Vapor Pin Kits and Contractor Kits

The Stainless-steel. Brass and FLX Vapor Pins are also available in kit form.

A standard kit includes the following:

  • 10 VAPOR PIN® sampling devices (Brass, Stainless Steel, FLX-VP™).
  • 20 Tygon Connectors.
  • 20 VAPOR PIN® Sleeves.
  • 20 VAPOR PIN® Caps.
  • 10 Plastic Flush Mount Covers.
  • 1 Installation/Extraction Tool.
  • 1 Bottle Brush.
  • 1 Water Dam for leak testing.
  • 1 Vapor Pin SOP and
  • Hard sided carrying Case.

A Contractor Kit has the additional components to the ones listed above.

  • 10 Stainless Steel Secure Covers.
  • 1 Spanner Screwdriver.
  • 1 Stainless Steel Drilling Guide.

Give us a call on +61 (3) 8683 0091 or send an email to info@hydroterra.com.au for further details.

You can also check out Vapor Pin on our website.

Vapor Pin - HydroTerra