Two Stage Viable Andersen Cascade Impactor, 28.3 LPM Flow Rate SKU: TE-10-860

The TE-10-860 Two Stage Viable Andersen Cascade Impactor is designed for collecting and quantifying viable airborne microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. This complete sampling system separates airborne particles by aerodynamic size onto agar-filled Petri dishes, allowing for cultivation and identification of culturable bioaerosols in ambient air environments.

Operating Principle

The impactor operates using multiple jets that direct airborne particles onto collection plates as air is drawn through the sampler. The two-stage design provides respirable and non-respirable particle segregation when detailed size distribution analysis is not required. Stage 1 collects particles 8 µm and above, while Stage 2 captures particles from 0.8 to 8 µm.

Key Specifications

• Sample flow rate: 28.3 standard liters per minute (SLPM)
• Particle size separation: From >9 µm to <0.3 µm
• Construction: Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy with silicone seals
• Collection method: Direct impaction onto agar surfaces in Petri dishes

Complete System Includes

• Aluminum two-stage cascade impactor assembly
• Vacuum pump (28.3 LPM capacity)
• Connecting tubing
• Protective carrying case
• Certificate of performance

Performance Features

The TE-10-860 incorporates time-proven virtual elimination of particle bounce and re-entrainment, ensuring highest proven collection efficiency, reproducibility and accuracy. The design incorporates U.S. Federal standards for the "Ideal Cascade Impactor" and meets OSHA, EPA and ACGIH requirements for respirable/non-respirable fraction analysis.

Applications

This viable cascade impactor is essential for:

• Indoor air quality assessment for microbial contamination
• Occupational health monitoring in healthcare and industrial facilities
• Environmental microbiology research and contamination control validation
• Bioaerosol exposure assessment in agricultural and waste management operations
• Clean room and controlled environment monitoring

Sample Collection and Analysis

Unlike real-time particle counters, the Andersen sampler imparts pathogens on Petri dishes which require incubation, with contaminated air calculations determined by working backwards from resulting pathogen growth in each dish. Viable particle calculation is performed by counting colonies via microscope examination.