Particle Counters
07/01/2008
Compiled by Carrie Meadows
Particle monitoring is an integral part of maintaining adequate cleanliness levels. Here’s a selection of the latest particle counting equipment available.
100 LPM airborne particle counter
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The Biotest APC M3 was the first portable airborne particle counter to sample at a rate of 100 LPM. Measuring 1 m3 of air in only 10 minutes, it cuts the time of particulate air monitoring for its users. When sampling a cubic meter of air, conventional 1.0 cfm (28.3 LPM) units take more than 35 minutes; 50 LPM units take 20 minutes. The APC M3’s higher flow rate reduces the time required to take samples by as much as 70 percent, thereby helping pharmaceutical manufacturers increase productivity and lower labor costs. The counter can also be used with Biotest’s APCOne11–21 CFR Part 11 compliant–Download Utility Software. The software securely transfers data to reduce operator error and meets FDA compliance for data protection. It also has an audit trail to log critical events, password protection features, and digital signature application for authentication of files.
Biotest Diagnostics Corp.
Denville, NJ
www.biotestusa.com
Lightweight counter with reduced emissions
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CLiMET offers 100 LPM sampling with the CI-1053. The airborne particle counter completes a full cubic meter sample in 10 minutes, achieved with a filtered external exhaust that significantly reduces particle emissions. The CI-1053 also incorporates communications capabilities via Ethernet Modbus, TCP/IP, and TELNET. The 14.25-lb particle counter is housed in a seamless stainless steel enclosure, with an internal battery that provides four hours of continuous sampling. The bright touchscreen provides a user-friendly interface. The standard two-year warranty underscores the design, performance, and quality of the CI-1053. This new family of particle counters is also available in similar products with flow rates of 1 cfm, 50 LPM, and 75 LPM. Contact CLiMET for a free demonstration at [email protected] or (909) 793-2788.
CLiMET Instruments
www.climet.com
Remote airborne particle counter for life sciences
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Hach Ultra’s latest MET ONE 6000 Series of remote airborne particle counters features the MET ONE 6015, offering accurate, reliable, continuous particle monitoring for the life science industry. Providing a sensitivity range of 0.5 to 10 µm at 1.0 cfm flow rate, the 6015 is designed to meet the specific needs of cleanroom operations with diagnostic features that provide reduced troubleshooting and downtime related costs. Featuring a wide choice of communication options such as RS-485 Serial Modbus, Ethernet, analog, pulse, and RS-232, the counter is easy to integrate with any facility monitoring system and enables future upgrading as communication needs change. An array of mechanical installation options also reduces downtime related to instrument removal and re-installation during routine calibration and preventative maintenance work. For the life science industry, the device installed with Hach Ultra recommended FMS software such as UVO or enVigil meets the necessary regulatory compliance needs for 21 CFR Part 11. The particle counter can also be integrated with the most commonly used industrial building management system and SCADA software with an OPC server. To request a brochure, send an email to [email protected] or call (541) 472-6500.
Hach Ultra Analytics
Grants Pass, OR
www.hachultra.com
Hybrid handheld particle counter
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Hal Technology (HalTech) has introduced what it says is the world's first hybrid handheld particle counter, the HPC600 with built-in printer. The HPC600 measures six different particle size distributions simultaneously with sensitivity of 0.3 ??m and up to 25 ??m. The instrument also allows remote particle sampling over the Internet via RJ-45 interface. Other key features include six continuously adjustable channels with 0.1-??m step resolution; automatic sampling and excess-count-limit warning; and external high-precision, digital temperature and humidity sensors. The device supports both English and metric systems, and calibration is CE certified and NIST traceable.
Hal Technology
Glendora, CA
www.haltechnologies.com
Microbiological sampling system
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The familiar yellow SAS (Surface Air System) produced by International pbi is considered the international standard for portable air microbiological samplers. For more than 25 years, the company has been working with microbiologists worldwide in the pharmaceutical and food industries, hospital sector, and aerospace, indoor air quality, and bioterrorism fields. This knowledge has resulted in the development of the new SAS-ISO 100 and SAS-ISO 180 samplers. New features of the SAS-ISO include infrared transfer of sampling data to PC or printer, speed sensor, bidirectional port to input and output data to a central unit from 1 to 24 air samplers, calibration system by fingertip control, and automatic calibration reminder. The sampler can be operated while attached to mains.
International pbi S.p.A.
Milan, Italy
www.internationalpbi.com
Multiple-application-level particle counting devices
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IQAir offers three six-channel laser particle counters with a detection range of 0.3 to 30 µm: the ParticleScan Pro, ParticleScan CR, and ParticleScan Lite. ParticleScan Pro’s 0.025 cfm flow rate makes it suitable for the measurement of airborne particle concentrations in normal and polluted indoor and outdoor environments. ParticleScan CR features a 0.1 cfm flow rate and HEPA filtered exhaust air for the measurement of airborne particle concentrations in controlled environments and cleanrooms. ParticleScan Lite offers low cost and high sensitivity, ideal for efficiency demonstrations of air cleaners, air filters, and vacuum cleaners. The Pro and CR devices include internal 14,366 data point memory and are fully network compatible with remote access via built-in web server. They also feature a USB port for direct connection to a PC.
IQAir North America
Santa Fe Springs, CA
www.iqair.us
Real-time remote particle counting sensors
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Incorporating patented Dual-Mirror optics and ELITE™ (Extreme Lifetime Infrared Technology Emitter) sensor technology, Lighthouse has designed the REMOTE 2000 Series airborne particle counters to be the smallest and most reliable 0.2-??m sensors available. With a sensitivity of 0.2-??m and a flow rate of 0.1 cfm (2.83 LPM), the particle counters meet JIS B 9921 and ISO 21501-4 standards. They provide continuous real-time data collection at a cost-effective price per point. Using an external vacuum source, the compact devices provide versatile mounting options and can be installed where space is scarce. The REMOTE 2000 Series integrates seamlessly into large facility monitoring and management systems. Using Pulse, 4-20 mA, Modbus, or Ethernet TCP/IP output, they transfer up to four channels of simultaneous particle count and sensor status data.
Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions
Fremont, CA
www.golighthouse.com
Handheld six-channel particle counter
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The GT-526 is a full-featured, battery operated, portable laser particle counter that provides the functionality of a bench unit with the convenience of a handheld. It can datalog particle counts continuously or send them to a network. Six preset particle channels (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0) show cumulative counts in real time, with selectable count units. A simple touch of a button sets sample time and basic setup parameters such as date/time and communications settings. Remote operation via RS-232 or RS-485 communications port allows extensive control, including all front-panel operations. For more information, visit the company’s web site, phone (541) 471-7111, or e-mail [email protected].
Met One Instruments Inc.
Grants Pass, OR
www.metone.com
Mobile particle counter with three flow-rate options
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With its comprehensive software and large, easy-to-use touchscreen, the Lasair III particle counter offers a sophisticated particle counting tool. The 8.4-inch LCD infrared touchscreen makes it easy to see data and navigate through the screens. The counter is available in 1 cfm and 50 LPM flow rates from 0.3- to 25-µm particles. The 100 LPM flow rate is suitable for monitoring 0.5- to 25-µm particles. With the new 100 LPM flow rate, the counter can sample one cubic meter in only 10 minutes. This comprehensive unit is ISO 21501 and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. Particle Measuring Systems has more than 35 years experience in particle monitoring and microcontamination control. The company combines high-performance instrumentation with application expertise for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and other high-tech manufacturing customers.
Particle Measuring Systems
Boulder, CO
www.pmeasuring.com