Transcript PARTICLE COUNTERS

HANDHELD
PARTICLE COUNTERS
AVAILABLE FROM
USE AND
APPLICATIONS IN
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HEALTH & SAFETY
MANUFACTURING
OPTICAL PARTICLE COUNTERS
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With optical particles
counters (OPCs), the
principle of laser light
scattering is used to
simultaneously measure
particles in various size
ranges.
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Kanomax OPCs from
SKC are available with
either 3 or 5 channels.
Each channel represents
a size range in which
total particle numbers
are measured, stored,
and displayed on the
LCD screen.
Model 3886 OPC
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SKC Cat. No. 745-3886
The Model 3886 has 5
channels and displays total
numbers of particles in the
following sizes: 0.3, 0.5, 1.0,
3.0, and 5.0 µm.
The 3886 has an internal
datalogger for storage of
500 data points.
Optional probes can be
added for humidity,
temperature, and air
velocity.
Model 3887 OPC
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The Model 3887 is an
economy model with 3
channels. It displays total
numbers of particles in the
following sizes: 0.3, 0.5, and
5.0 µm.
The 3887 has an internal
datalogger for storage of
8000 data points.
The 3887 is a very compact
unit weighing only 1.5 lbs.
(0.68 kg).
SKC Cat. No. 745-3887
USE AND APPLICATIONS FOR
OPCs
CLEAN ROOM
ASSESSMENTS
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Industrial Clean Roomssemiconductors, electronics,
and aerospace
Biological Clean Roomspharmaceuticals, medical,
food, and hospitals
CLEANROOM CLASSIFICATIONS
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Classified by the number and size of particles
permitted per volume of air.
U.S. Federal Standard 209E from the General
Services Administration (GSA) was used for
many years to define cleanrooms. This
standard was officially cancelled by the GSA
in 2001, but is still widely used.
ISO 14644 Cleanroom Classifications are now
used as the international standard.
USE AND APPLICATIONS FOR
OPCs
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OPCs are useful screening devices in
indoor air quality investigations,
including mold remediation.
IAQ APPLICATION: MOLD
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The instrument reads in particles/ft3 or
particles/m3 of air.
These particle counts are used in a similar
way to spore counts obtained from spore
traps like the SKC VersaTrap®.
Particle counts are taken inside, outside, and
in various zones. Data interpretation is done
by comparing the results.
IAQ APPLICATION: MOLD
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If the particle count is high in the 2 to 10 micron
range, mold contamination is often present.
The particle counter can be used like a Geiger
counter to guide the user closer to the source of
mold contamination.
IAQ APPLICATION: PARTICULATE
MATTER
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OPCs are also useful screening tools for general
particulate matter. Particle levels found in the
test zone can be compared to those in a control
zone.
They are also used to check HEPA filter system
efficiency and to verify the cleanliness of duct
work.
CONDENSATION PARTICLE
COUNTERS (CPCs)
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With CPCs, particles are
passed through an
alcohol bath at an
elevated temperature,
cooled in a condenser
block, and detected by
a light-scattering
device.
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This technology allows
smaller size particles to
be measured.
A CPC can measure
particles as small as
15 nm.
They can detect
particles as large as
1 µm in size.
Model 3800 CPC
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SKC Cat. No. 745-3800
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The Model 3800 measures
particles from 15 nm to
1 µm over a concentration
range of 0 to 100,000
particles/m3.
Lightweight at 3.3 lbs.
(1.5 kg) for easy handling
Programmable datalogging
capabilities
Data management software
USE AND APPLICATION:
NANOPARTICLES
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Nano-enabled materials are being used in
nearly every industry to enhance product
performance and quality.
Nanoparticles may be released into the work
environment during production of these
materials.
Nano-sized particles have at least one
dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers
(0.001-0.1 microns).
MEASURING NANOPARTICLE
LEVELS: WHY?
1. To determine if airborne
releases are occurring.
2. To determine if control
measures are effective
in reducing nanoparticle
exposures.
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Sampling for nanos may
be done for production/
quality reasons along
with health and safety
concerns.
Nano-enabled materials
are expensive, so
manufacturers do not
want these materials
escaping from the
production process into
the work environment.
EVALUATING NANOS: NIOSH
EMISSION ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE
NIOSH recommends the use of:
a) Direct-reading particle counters
b) Filter samples with lab analysis
To obtain key particle metrics including:
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Particle number
Particle size
Particle shape
Degree of agglomeration
Mass concentration of elemental constituents
EVALUATING NANOS: NIOSH
EMISSION ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE
What do you do with this data?
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Compare filter samples to source nanomaterial.
Determine if there is a production problem causing a
release.
Determine if controls are working.
Compare levels to existing exposure limits.
Compare area to personal samples to evaluate work
tasks. Normally, the task generates the exposure.
EVALUATING NANOS: NIOSH
EMISSION ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE
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Start the investigation
by measuring
background levels of
nanos at 3 to 5
locations.
Take measurements
with BOTH an OPC and
a CPC.
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NIOSH field studies
showed typical
background levels of
1246 to 19,500
particles/cm3.
Note any unusual
conditions in test
environment that could
impact the background
levels.
EVALUATING EXPOSURES: THE
SPECIFICS
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After establishing a reliable background level, use
the same particle counters to measure emissions
from the work process.
If elevated nanoparticles are detected (>25%
above background), collect 2 filter samples at the
emission source.
Analyze one filter for particle morphology using
TEM or SEM. Analyze the other for elemental
analysis of metals or carbon using ICP or carbon
counter.
CPC VS. OPC: WHY 2 PARTICLE
COUNTERS FOR NANOS?
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The CPC technology
allows for the
measurement of
particles down to
15 nm.
But, you only get one
particle count with
this instrument
1.0 µm is the largest
particle size detected.
CPC VS. OPC: WHY 2 PARTICLE
COUNTERS FOR NANOS?
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The OPC technology
allows for the
measurement of total
number of particles
per liter of air within
multiple size ranges.
It can only detect
particle sizes down to
300 nm, but can
detect larger particles
(agglomerates) up to
5 µm.
TIP FROM NIOSH ON PARTICLE
COUNTERS
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If you do not have
enough budget money
to buy both a CPC and
OPC, buy the OPC.
This is because the
nanos are agglomerated
(clumped together) in
many cases.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGARDING PARTICLE COUNTERS
ARE PARTICLE COUNTERS SIMILAR
TO SKC HAZ-DUST INSTRUMENTS?
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HAZ-DUST instruments display the results as
a mass per volume of air (mg/m3) to compare
to occupational exposure limits.
Particle counters display the results as
number of particles per volume of air
(particles/m3) in various size ranges for data
comparison from zone to zone and to
cleanroom standards.
ARE PARTICLE COUNTERS SIMILAR
TO HAZ-DUST INSTRUMENTS?
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HAZ-DUST instruments
measure concentrations
using a light scattering
device and a photocell.
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Particle counters use
laser technology to
count individual
particles.
ARE PARTICLE COUNTERS SIMILAR
TO HAZ-DUST INSTRUMENTS?
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HAZ-DUST instruments allow the addition of
size-selective samplers like the IOM sampler
and cyclones.
The 3886 Optical Particle Counter, sold by
SKC, accommodates other probes to measure
relative humidity, temperature, and air
velocity in a single instrument.
ARE PARTICLE COUNTERS SIMILAR
TO HAZ-DUST INSTRUMENTS?
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Both instruments have an internal
datalogger and optional software.
ADVANTAGES OF THE 3886
PARTICLE COUNTER FROM SKC?
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Air velocity probe is a unique accessory.
Constantly measures 5 sizes and displays
2 at a time.
Remote control option (via hardwire) from a
computer
Can be a continuous monitor
WHAT ABOUT CALIBRATION
OF THE PARTICLE COUNTER?
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The unit is calibrated by the factory using
polystyrene particles. It should be sent back
to the factory for annual calibration.
There is an additional charge if a calibration
certificate is required.
TECHNICAL TIDBITS
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The flow rate of the internal pump is 0.1 cfm.
The user can not adjust or calibrate this flow
rate.
If the display reads: 9.53 E+5
This means 9.53 X 105 particles/air volume
A zero filter is placed on the inlet to zero the
unit, similar to the HAZ-DUST instrument.
CONTACT SKC
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PARTICLE
COUNTERS AND OTHER SAMPLING
INSTRUMENTS
www.skcinc.com