SKC Particle Size-selective Sampling Guide

With the many particle size-selective sampling devices available, it is sometimes difficult to gather all of the information needed to determine the one best suited for an application. Ultimately, it is the user's responsibility to choose the device required for a specific sampling application and environment. SKC offers several particle size-selective devices for the collection of respirable, PM2.5, PM10, or inhalable size particles. Use the convenient guide below to help select a device to meet your application and to find information on it in the appropriate page. Refer to the SKC Air Sampling Guides for specific compounds and methods

Sampler

Particle Size

Flow-Rate

50%
Cut-point

Recommended
Calibration Device

Filter Size

Unique Features

Button Sampler

Inhalable

4.0 L/min

100 µm

Button Sampler Calibration Adapter
or
Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber

25 mm

Low sensitivity to ambient air conditions

Reduces oversampling of very large particles

IOM Sampler

Inhalable

Respirable
(with foam)

2.0 L/min

2.0 L/min

100 µm

4.0 µm

IOM Calibration Adapter
or
Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber

25 mm

Meets ACGIH sampling criteria for inhalable dust

Multi-Fraction sampling with MultiDust foams

GS Cycone

Respirable

2.75 L/min

4.0 µm

Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber

25 mm
or
37 mm

Overcomes orientation and wind speed errors reported with Dorr-Oliver performance

Aluminum Cyclone

Respirable

2.5 L/min

4.0 µm

Aluminum Cyclone Calibration Chamber
or
Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber

25 mm
or
37 mm

Specified in NIOSH 7500 (silica) and NIOSH 0600 (respirable particulates)

DPM Cassette

Sub-micron

1.7 L/min
2.0 L/min

< 1.0 µm

Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber if used with GS-1 Cyclone

37 mm

Integral precision-jeweled impactor

Low carbon background filter

Tamper-evident seal

PEM Sampler

PM2.5

PM10 (thoracic)

2.0 L/min
4.0 L/min
10 L/min

2.5 µm
or
10.0 µm

PEM Calibration cap
or
Multi-purpose Calibration Chamber

37 mm

Referenced in EPA Method IP-10A for particles in indoor air

MEM Sampler

PM2.5

PM10 (thoracic)

10.0 L/min

10.0 L/min

2.5 µm
or
10.0 µm

None Required

37 mm

Interchangeable sampling heads

Programmable start/stop

About Particle Size-selective Sampling

ACGIH recommends that particle size-selective TLVs® be expressed in three forms (particulate mass):

Inhalable (100 µm cut-point), hazardous when deposited anywhere in the head airway region.

Thoracic (10 µm cut-point), hazardous when deposited in the lung airways.

Respirable (4 µm cut-point), hazardous when deposited in the gas exchange regions of the lungs.

PM2.5 and PM10 sampling according to EPA regulations determines compliance with air quality standards and reveals information on particle sources and their affect on the environment.

This site was last modified May 7, 2004

Notice: This publication is intended for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for reviewing applicable government regulations, equipment operating instructions, or legal standards. The information contained in this document should not be construed as legal advice or opinion nor as a final authority on legal or regulatory procedures. SKC Inc reserves the right to make changes to information, features, and specifications of any product without notice. SKC Inc has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of information displayed on this Website, however, SKC Inc. is not responsible for typographical errors appearing on this Website.

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