Improve

Carbon Analysis

Carbon Analysis is conducted by the Desert Research Institute (DRI).

Starting with the January 2005 filters, DRI began using an upgraded TOR analyzer for the carbon analysis.  The new procedures are described in the SOPs below.

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Model 2015.  New Method

DRI Model 2015 Multiwavelength Thermal/Optical Carbon Analysis (TOR/TOT) of Aerosol Filter Samples – Method IMPROVE_A (2-226r8) (07/2025)

Prefiring of quartz filters (2-106r11) (05/2024)

IMPROVE Sample, Shipping, Receiving, and Chain-of-Custody (2-111r6) (12/2025)

Creation, Revision, Distribution, and Archiving of SOPs (6-013r5) (01/2020)

Trace Oxygen Level Measurements (4-119r0) (02/2018)

Pipette Calibration Verification (4-005r0) (02/2018)

Corrective Action (6-017r1) (11/2021)

Archived Versions

DRI Model 2015 Multiwavelength Thermal/Optical Carbon Analysis (TOR/TOT) of Aerosol Filter Samples – Method IMPROVE_A (2-226r7) (12/2021)

DRI Model 2015 Multiwavelength Thermal/Optical Carbon Analysis (TOR/TOT) of Aerosol Filter Samples – Method IMPROVE_A (2-226r1) – Revision 1 (01/2016)

Prefiring of quartz filters (2-106R5) (11/2005)

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Model 2001.  Previous Method

DRI Model 2001 Thermal/Optical Carbon Analysis (TOR/TOT) of Aerosol Filter Samples – Method IMPROVE_A (2-216r3)  (10/2012)