TOPAS SYS-520 Aerosol Sampling Switching Unit

Overview

The TOPAS SYS-520 Aerosol Sampling Switching Unit is an electromechanically actuated, precision-engineered manifold system designed to enable automated, sequential sampling from two independent aerosol source locations—typically upstream and downstream of filtration media—using a single aerosol measurement instrument. It operates on the principle of controlled pneumatic path selection, ensuring leak-tight, reproducible switching between sampling lines without manual intervention or flow disruption. This architecture eliminates inter-sample contamination risks and supports standardized evaluation of particle penetration and fractional collection efficiency across filters, membranes, or air-cleaning devices. The unit integrates a dedicated purge channel equipped with an internal HEPA filter (≥99.97% @ 0.3 µm), allowing for in-line cleaning of the sampling circuit prior to each measurement cycle—a critical function for maintaining measurement integrity during long-duration or high-concentration exposure studies.

Key Features

• Automated three-way valve operation: Selects between Position 1 (e.g., pre-filter), Position 2 (e.g., post-filter), or Purge mode with integrated HEPA filtration.
• Robust mechanical design with sealed solenoid actuators rated for >100,000 switching cycles under continuous laboratory use.
• Dual-material fluidic path: Chemically resistant Tygon® silicone tubing for aerosol sampling (low particle adhesion, USP Class VI compliant), and PVC tubing for purge gas delivery.
• Low-voltage 24 V DC operation ensures intrinsic safety in controlled environments and compatibility with standard lab power supplies.
• Compact footprint (160 × 210 × 130 mm) and lightweight construction (1.9 kg) facilitate integration into mobile monitoring carts, glove boxes, or ISO-classified cleanroom setups.
• Plug-and-play interface via 3-pin connector optimized for seamless synchronization with TOPAS LAP 32X laser aerosol spectrometers and other compatible real-time particle analyzers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SYS-520 is compatible with solid-phase aerosol collection substrates (e.g., Nuclepore™ polycarbonate filters, quartz fiber filters) and real-time optical particle counters operating across size ranges from 0.1 µm to 10 µm. Its flow path geometry maintains laminar flow conditions up to 30 L/min, minimizing particle deposition losses and preserving size distribution fidelity. The device complies with ISO 14644-3 (cleanroom testing), ISO 16890 (air filter classification), and EN 1822-3 (HEPA/ULPA filter testing) procedural requirements for dual-point sampling. All wetted materials meet EU Directive 2002/72/EC for food-contact plastics and are non-outgassing per ASTM E595, making the unit suitable for GMP-aligned environmental monitoring workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the SYS-520 itself is hardware-controlled and does not include embedded firmware or onboard data storage, its 3-pin interface enables deterministic TTL-level triggering and status feedback to external controllers. When paired with TOPAS LAP 32X systems, switching events are time-stamped and logged within the instrument’s native acquisition software (AeroTrak® Suite v4.2+), supporting audit-trail generation required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GLP-compliant reporting. Raw switching logs—including timestamps, selected port, and purge duration—can be exported in CSV format for traceability and cross-correlation with particle concentration datasets.

Applications

• Quantitative assessment of fractional filtration efficiency per ISO 16890 Annex C and EN 1822-3, using identical instrumentation at both upstream and downstream locations.
• Time-resolved aerosol penetration studies across HVAC filter banks, respirator cartridges, or surgical mask materials under dynamic loading conditions.
• Calibration verification of multi-channel aerosol monitors by alternating reference and test aerosols through a common detection path.
• Field-deployable stack emission monitoring where access to dual sampling ports is constrained, enabling single-instrument multiplexed sampling without flow splitting artifacts.
• Controlled chamber studies requiring periodic background subtraction via automated HEPA-purged baseline acquisition between sample cycles.

FAQ

Can the SYS-520 be used with instruments other than the LAP 32X?
Yes—the 3-pin interface follows open TTL signaling conventions; custom integration with third-party controllers (e.g., LabVIEW, Arduino-based sequencers) is supported via documented pinout and timing specifications.
Is the internal HEPA filter replaceable, and what is its service life?
The HEPA element is field-replaceable using TOPAS P/N 700-0241; typical service life exceeds 500 purge cycles at 20 L/min flow, depending on ambient particulate load.
Does the unit support vacuum or positive-pressure sampling configurations?
It is engineered for use in suction-mode (vacuum-driven) sampling only; backpressure must remain below 5 kPa to ensure reliable valve actuation and flow stability.
What certifications does the SYS-520 carry for international deployment?
It bears CE marking per EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU; RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance is verified and documented in the EU Declaration of Conformity.
How is leakage performance validated during factory calibration?
Each unit undergoes helium leak testing at 1 × 10⁻⁶ mbar·L/s sensitivity, with full path integrity verified at 100 kPa differential pressure prior to shipment.