Adrian JohnsonTLDR:
The d50 cutoff point in air sampler technology plays a critical role in capturing air samples. Aerosol impaction is the process in which particles are removed from an air stream, and the d50 cutoff point is the size at which 50% of particles will impact the collection surface. Lighthouse air samplers have a d50 cutoff size between 0.97µm and 1.1µm, meeting ISO 14698 and EN 17141 recommendations. These air samplers are ideal for cleanroom and controlled environment applications.
Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions offers a range of contamination monitoring solutions, including air samplers. Aerosol impaction is a process used in air sampler technology to remove particles from an air stream. When particles reach a certain size, they possess enough momentum to strike a collection surface, such as a media plate, and can be analyzed for composition after an incubation period. The d50 cutoff point is a key factor in selecting an air sampler, as it determines the resolution of the device and its ability to capture the smallest physically possible particle size.
An air sampler with a “sharp cutoff” approach has an efficiency curve in which all particles larger than the cutoff diameter will strike the collection surface, while smaller particles pass through. The d50 cutoff point is the size at which 50% of particles will impact the collection surface, while 50% stay in the air flow and are not collected. Not all air samplers have the same d50 cutoff point, and it is influenced by factors such as impactor geometry, flow rate, impaction velocity, temperature, and particle density.
Lighthouse air samplers have calculated d50 values between 0.97µm and 1.1µm, meeting the requirements of ISO 14698 and EN 17141. This means that these air samplers have a high collection efficiency for particles at 1µm and above, making them suitable for cleanroom and controlled environment applications. Lighthouse air samplers can reliably capture viable contamination at sizes expected in these environments, supporting the monitoring and maintenance of clean and controlled spaces.
Overall, the d50 cutoff point is a crucial aspect of air sampler technology, determining the device’s ability to capture particles of interest. Lighthouse air samplers have a calculated d50 between 0.97µm and 1.1µm, making them ideal for cleanroom and controlled environment applications. These air samplers can effectively capture viable contamination at sizes expected in these environments, supporting contamination monitoring and maintenance efforts.
