Microbial Air Sampler
Portable impaction-based air sampler for quantitative collection of airborne microorganisms with programmable sampling volumes and 4-hour battery operation.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The Microbial Air Sampler is a portable impaction-based instrument designed for quantitative collection and enumeration of airborne microorganisms in controlled environments. The system utilizes a 397-mesh sampling port with 0.7mm diameter micropores to achieve uniform impaction of particles onto standard culture media at a controlled volumetric flow rate of 100L/min (±5% accuracy).
This battery-operated sampler enables programmable sampling volumes from 1 to 9999L with adjustable delay timing up to 255 seconds, providing flexibility for diverse monitoring protocols. The instrument stores up to 5000 data points internally and operates continuously for 4 hours on battery power, making it suitable for both routine monitoring and extended sampling campaigns in pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleanroom validation, and environmental microbiology applications.
How It Works
The Microbial Air Sampler operates on the principle of inertial impaction, where a high-velocity air stream carries airborne particles through a perforated sampling head containing 397 precisely sized micropores (0.7mm diameter). As the air stream accelerates through these orifices, larger particles with sufficient inertia cannot follow the airflow streamlines and impact directly onto the surface of a standard petri dish containing appropriate culture medium.
The system maintains a constant volumetric flow rate of 100L/min using an internal pump and flow control system, ensuring consistent particle capture efficiency across the sampling period. The 397-hole configuration distributes impacted particles evenly across the agar surface, preventing overcrowding that could inhibit colony growth or complicate enumeration.
Following sample collection, the inoculated culture plates are incubated under appropriate conditions for the target organisms, allowing viable microorganisms to form discrete, countable colonies. The colony count is then converted to colony-forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m³) based on the total volume sampled and the effective sampling area.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Sampling Volume
- 100L/min, ±5%
Sampling Port
- 397 mesh, diameter φ0.7mm micropores
Sampling Quantity
- 1~9999L
Storage Data
- 5000pcs
Sampling Delay
- 0~255s(adjustable)
Operating Time on Battery
- 4h
Weight
- 4KG
External Size(W*D*H)
- 155*190*155mm
Package Size(W*D*H)
- 380*175*310mm
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food Science
- Industrial Hygiene
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
Power/Voltage
- AC100~240V, 50/60Hz
Weight
- 1.75 kg
Dimensions
- L: 15.5 mm
- W: 15.5 mm
- H: 19.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sampling Flow Rate | 100L/min ±5% accuracy | Entry-level models often provide 28.3L/min flow rates | Higher flow rates enable shorter sampling times while maintaining statistical significance of colony counts. |
| Sampling Volume Range | 1-9999L programmable range | Limited to fixed sampling times or smaller volume ranges | Flexible volume programming accommodates diverse contamination levels and regulatory requirements. |
| Data Storage Capacity | 5000 data points internal storage | Basic models often lack internal data logging | Eliminates need for external data loggers and supports comprehensive trend analysis. |
| Battery Operation | 4-hour continuous operation | Many models require AC power only | Enables remote monitoring and sampling in locations without accessible power sources. |
| Sampling Head Design | 397 mesh with 0.7mm micropores | Single-stage impactors with fewer holes | Multiple impaction sites reduce particle overcrowding and improve colony distribution for accurate enumeration. |
| Portability | 1.75kg with 155×190×155mm footprint | Laboratory units often exceed 5kg | Compact design facilitates multi-location sampling campaigns and field studies. |
This microbial air sampler combines high-volume sampling capability with portable design and programmable operation. The 397-mesh impaction system and internal data logging provide quantitative microbial monitoring suitable for both routine surveillance and research applications.
Practical Tips
Verify flow rate accuracy monthly using a calibrated flow meter connected to the sampling port.
Why: Flow rate accuracy directly affects volumetric calculations and CFU/m³ determinations.
Clean the 397-mesh sampling head with ultrasonic bath and 70% ethanol weekly during active use.
Why: Accumulated debris in micropores can reduce collection efficiency and alter flow patterns.
Allow 30-60 seconds for flow stabilization after power-on before initiating sampling.
Why: Pump performance may fluctuate briefly during startup, affecting early sampling accuracy.
Record ambient temperature and humidity conditions with each sample for data interpretation.
Why: Environmental conditions can influence particle behavior and culture medium performance.
If battery runtime decreases significantly, check for blocked micropores reducing pump efficiency.
Why: Increased pump workload due to flow restriction accelerates battery discharge.
Use appropriate biosafety precautions when sampling in potentially contaminated environments.
Why: Concentrated airborne pathogens may pose exposure risks during collection and plate handling.
Position the sampler at breathing zone height (1.5-1.7m) for occupational exposure assessments.
Why: Sampling height significantly affects representativeness of personal exposure measurements.
Use correction factors for colony overlap when counts exceed 300 CFU per plate.
Why: High-density colony growth can lead to undercounting and inaccurate concentration estimates.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Microbial Air Sampler main unit
- AC power adapter (100-240V)
- Sampling head with 397-mesh configuration
- User manual and operation guide
- Calibration certificate (typical)
- Carrying case (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for operational guidance and troubleshooting.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the particle size range effectively captured by the 0.7mm micropore sampling head?
The 0.7mm diameter micropores are optimized for capturing particles typically 0.5-10 micrometers, which encompasses most vegetative bacteria and fungal spores. Consult the product datasheet for specific collection efficiency curves.
How do I calculate CFU/m³ from colony counts obtained with this sampler?
CFU/m³ = (Colony Count × 1000) ÷ Volume Sampled (L). The 397-hole configuration may require correction factors for overlapping colonies at high concentrations.
What culture media types are compatible with the sampling head configuration?
Standard 90mm petri dishes with any appropriate culture medium can be used, including TSA, PDA, R2A, or selective media depending on target organisms.
How frequently should the sampling head be cleaned and calibrated?
Clean the sampling head with 70% ethanol between each sample. Flow rate calibration should be verified annually or per facility SOP requirements.
Can this sampler be used for anaerobic organism collection?
The impaction process exposes samples to ambient air, making it unsuitable for strict anaerobes. Use appropriate anaerobic culture techniques post-collection if needed.
What is the maximum sampling time for a single collection?
Maximum sampling time depends on the flow rate and programmed volume. At 100L/min, a 9999L sample would require approximately 100 minutes of continuous operation.
How does ambient humidity affect sampling performance?
High humidity may affect particle collection efficiency and culture medium moisture content. Monitor environmental conditions and adjust incubation protocols accordingly.
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