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Particulate Sampler Selection Guide

Use this convenient guide to help you select sampling devices (impactors, samplers, cyclones, etc) to meet your applications.

Particle Size-selective Sampling:

  • Inhalable (100 μm 50% cut-point) - hazardous when deposited anywhere in the respiratory tract.
  • Thoracic (10 μm 50% cut-point) - hazardous when deposited anywhere in the lung airways and the gas exchange regions.
  • Respirable (3.5/4 μm 50% cut-point) - hazardous when deposited in the gas exchange regions of the lungs.
  • PM2.5 and PM10 sampling according to EPA regulation determines compliance with ambient air quality standards and reveals information on particle sources and their effect on the environment and public health.
Diagram showing the different areas of the lungs, referred to in air sampling as inhalable, thoracic and respirable
50%
Cut-Point
Particle
Classification
Flow Rate
L/min
Recommended
Sampler
Feature/Benefit
<1.0 µm Sub-micron 1.7 or 2 DPM CycloneDiesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Cyclone Ideal for Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) and nano-particles
0.25 µm to >2.5 µm Ultrafine, Fine and >PM2.5 9 Sioutas Cascade
ImpactorSioutas Personal Cascade Impactor
Samples coarse, fine and ultrafine particles simulatanesously
2.5 µm PM2.5 2 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
3 PMIPersonal Modular Impactor (PMI) High collection efficiency
4 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
10 IMPACT Impact Sampler High flow for increased sensitivity
10 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
3.5 µm Respirable 3 GS-1 CycloneGS-1 Respirable Dust Cyclone Conductive plastic
4.0 µm Respirable 2 IOM*IOM Sampler *Respirable sampler when used with respirable foam insert.
2 PPIParallel Particle Impactor (PPI) Closest match to ISO/CEN curve
2.5 Aluminium
CycloneAluminium Cyclone
Specified in NIOSH 7500 and 0600
2.75 GS-3 Cyclone GS-3 Respirable Dust Cyclone Conductive plastic
3 Plastic CyclonePlastic Cyclone for Respirable Dust Conductive plastic
4 and 8 PPIParallel Particle Impactor (PPI), referenced in MDHS 14/4 Referenced in MDHS 14/4
10 µm Thoracic or PM10 2 PPIParallel Particle Impactor (PPI) Closest match to ISO/CEN curve. Available in disposable and reuseable versions.
2 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
3 PMIPersonal Modular Impactor (PMI) High collection efficiency
4 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
10 PEMPersonal Environmental Monitor (PEM) Referenced in EPA IP-10A
10 IMPACTImpact Sampler High flow for increased sensitivity
100 µm Inhalable 0.75 Mini SamplerMini Sampler for sampling under welding helmets and masks For sampling within the breathing zone, particularly behind protective face shields, such as masks and helmets
1 IFV ProIFV Pro Sampler Simultaneous sampling of mixed phase (aerosol and vapour)
2 IOMIOM Sampler Preferred method for MDHS 14/4
Meets ACGIH sampling criteria for inhalable dust
4 ButtonButton Sampler Low level Particulate Matter (PM) sampling
>2.5 µm to <10 µm PM Coarse 3 PMIPersonal Modular Impactor (PMI) High collection efficiency
10 IMPACTImpact Sampler High flow for increased sensitivity

Read more …Particulate Sampler Selection Guide

Bioaerosol Sampler Selection Guide

Sampler Principle of Operation Flow Rate (L/min) Contaminants Sampler Advantages
Button Sampler

Button Sampler

Filtration using porous membrane 4 (optimum) Fungi (viable and non-viable), endotoxins, bacteria
  • Superior collection uniformity
  • Low sensitivity to ambient conditions
  • Sample suitable for viable and non-viable analysis
  • Personal bioaerosol sampling
BioStage Single-stage Impactor

BioStage Sampler

Impaction onto culture media 28.3 Fungi (viable) and bacteria
  • SureLock positive seal
  • Organisms remain intact and viable
  • Cost effective and reusable
  • Time-proven collection method
  • Meets NIOSH Methods 0800 and 001
VersaTrap Spore Trap Cassette

VersaTrap Spore Cassette

Impaction onto sticky glass slide 15 (optimum) Fungi (viable and non-viable), pollen, fibres
  • Reduces particle bounce
  • Prevents sample loss and blurring
  • Allows direct quantitative analysis
  • Enumeration of fungal spores with low culturability
BioSampler

BioSampler

Collection into swirling liquid 12.5 (sonic flow) Fungi (viable and non-viable), endotoxins and bacteria
  • Maintains constant collection efficiency over 8 hours
  • Reduces particle bounce and reaerosolisation, preserving viability
Microvacuum Sampling Cassette

Carpet Sampling

Filtration using porous membrane 10 (optimum) Fungi and fibres
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for high flows to enhance detection
  • Microvacuum nozzle for efficient sampling in carpeting
Sterile Surface Swab Kit

Sterile Surface Swab Kit

Wipe sample N/A Fungi (viable and non-viable), bacteria
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for growth cultures
  • Non-destructive
  • Collects surface contaminants
Stick-to-it Lift Tape

Sterile Surface Swab Kit

Lift tape surface sample N/A Fungi, pollen, fibres
  • Ensures consistent sample area
  • Serialised for sample identification
  • Includes transport case for mailing to laboratory

Read more …Bioaerosol Sampler Selection Guide

Gas Sample Bag Selection Guide

Gas Sample Bags are one of the types of sampling media used in air sampling, onto/into which the contaminant is collected. Other sampling media includes the sorbent in sorbent tubes and filters. Use this convenient guide to help you select a gas sample bag to meet your application.

Gas Sample Bag Material Thickness mil (mm) Fittings Benefits Disadvantages
  • 2
    (0.05)
  • Dual SS
  • Single PP
  • Breath-gas Analysis
  • Classic Dupont film
  • Good stability for VOCs, CO, CO2, methane, SF6 and some sulphur compounds including H2S
 
  • 5
    (0.13)
  • Single SS
  • Single PP
  • Effectively retains H2S for 48 hours
  • Good light and moisture barrier properties
  • Good stabilty for CO, CO2, methane, hydrogen, H2S, carbonyl sulphide, methyl and ethyl mercaptan and SF6
 
  • 5
    (0.13)
  • Single SS
  • Single PP
  • Breath-gas Analysis
  • All the benefits of Standard FlexFoil
  • Low VOC background
  • Good stabilty for VOCs
  • Suitable for collecting low ppm to high ppb level VOCs
 
  • 3
    (0.07)
  • Dual SS
  • Single PP
  • Low VOC background
  • Good stability for many VOCs, CO, CO2, methane and SF6
  • Acceptable stability for some sulphur compounds
  • Most economical option
  • Not recommended for H2S or carbonyl sulphide
  • Requires flat storage and transport for sample integrity

Table Notes:

SS - Stainless Steel
PP - Polypropylene

Read more …Gas Sample Bag Selection Guide

Hazard Awareness Posters

Useful A3 posters that can be downloaded, printed and displayed in the workplace.

A3 poster showing hazards of wood dust

If you would like someone to contact you to discuss your application or requirements please click here.

Read more …Hazard Awareness Posters

How to Use this Website

1. Navigation

You can either use the top navigation bar with its dropdown menus, or you can click on the top or side navigation tabs to display the available options with some explanatory text. Try it for yourself - click anywhere on the panel to take you to the web page.

SKC Offices

SKC Ltd building 100x100The contact details for the SKC offices.

International Distributors

globe 100x100The contact details for our international distributors.

Note that clicking on the SKC logo at the top of the page will always take you to the home page.


2. Main Images

Hover over an image and if a "hand icon" is shown, click or tap on the image to reveal an enlarged version, e.g.

Thoracic PPI 2L/min
Respirable PPI 2L/min
Respirable PPI 4L/min
Respirable PPI 8L/min
PPI
     if there is more than one image then you can scroll through them. 

3. Sliders

Also known as "accordions" click on the required title bar to display the information - any sliders already open will be closed/collapsed. Try it for yourself:

  • UMEx 300 Accessories

    Description Pack Size Part Number  
    Stand for Indoor Sampling Each 690-302   690-302 Stand for mounting passive samplers for Indoor Sampling 
    Shelter for Outdoor Sampling Each 690-303   690-303 Shelter for mounting passive samplers for Outdoor Sampling 
    Stand for Indoor Sampling

    690-302

    Shelter for Outdoor Sampling

    690-303

  • Documentation

    UMEX 300 Ammonia Passive Sampler

    UMEx 300 NH3
    Instructions


4. Product Images in Tables

Hovering the mouse over a thumbnail image in a table will shown an enlarged version of the image. Try the example below:

Description Part Number  
Red nylon pump pouch with adjustable waist belt and shoulder strap 224-96A  224-96A Red nylon pump pouch with adjustable waist belt and shoulder strap for Sidekick pump 

Please note that if you are viewing this website on a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) larger versions of these images with their part number will be automatically shown below the table as well for convenience.

Red Nylon Pump Case

224-96A


5. Hover over symbols

There are many tables of information on the SKC Ltd website, with particular information highlighted by symbols, the explanation of which appears after the table. For convenience, if the mouse is hovered over such a symbol (or clicked on when using a smartphone or tablet) a panel will be displayed to explain it. Such symbols are highlighted with a yellow background, as in the following extract from a colour gas detection tube table:

Chemical Tube Name Measuring Range (ppm) Note Shelf Life (years) Part Number
Methyl chloroformate

ClCO2CH3
Vinyl chloride 58-1160 +     *     810-131LA

Notes to Table:

* Refrigerated storage - tubes to be stored at ≤10°C
+ Twin tubes, sufficient for 5 tests (first tube is a scrubber/oxidiser tube, the second tube provides the reading)


6. Abbreviations

Abbreviations are used extensively in tables, especially the sorbent tube tables, and hovering the mouse over the abbreviation (or clicking on it when using a smartphone or tablet) will provide an explanation, such as in the extract below from the charcoal sorbent tube table (i.e. Ends, Tube Cover, Separators). The abbreviations are also always listed at the end of the table, as shown below.

Sorbent
(coating)
Size (mm)
ODxLength
Sections Sorbent
(mg)
Ends Tube
Cover
Separators Pack
Size
Part Number
Anasorb CSC, Coconut Charcoal 6 x 70 2 100/50 GS A   FFW 50 226-01

Table Notes:

*  Limited shelf-life; contact SKC for more information
  Limited shelf-life; refrigerator/freezer storage may be required. Contact SKC for more information.

Tube Ends:

GS:  Glass Sealed
GO:  Glass Open
SS:   Stainless Steel Open

Protective Tube Covers:

A:  6 mm OD x 70 mm length
B:  8 mm OD x 110 mm length
C:  10 mm OD x 150 mm length
D:  10 mm OD x 220 mm length and shorter tubes
P:   Low-volume PUF Tube Holder - Do not use an adjustable low flow holder
V:  OVS Tube Holder - Do not use an adjustable low flow holder

Separators:

W:  Glass Wool
G:  Glass Fibre Filter
F:   Foam
N:   Nylon Ring
Q:   Quartz Filter
R:   Glass Spacer
S:   Screen
T:   PTFE Ring


7. Scroll To Top

There is a convenient "scroll to top" button Scroll to Top Button for User Convenience at the bottom right hand side of the screen.


8. Buttons

Context-sensitive buttons, such as Example Call to Action button, are provided for quick and convenient access to the most useful and frequently required web pages.

Read more …How to Use this Website