SKC Button Inhalable Aerosol Sampler

Overview

The SKC Button Inhalable Aerosol Sampler is an internationally recognized, precision-engineered personal and area sampling device designed to collect airborne particles in accordance with the ISO 7708:1995 and CEN 13205:2002 inhalable particle size fraction definitions. Its aerodynamic performance is validated at a nominal sampling flow rate of 4 L/min, achieving a 50% cut-off at 100 µm aerodynamic diameter — fully aligned with the ACGIH® inhalable mass fraction criterion. Unlike conventional cylindrical or flat-plate samplers, the Button employs a patented curved, multi-orifice inlet geometry fabricated from conductive stainless steel. This design minimizes electrostatic particle losses, reduces directional sensitivity to wind vector changes, and suppresses over-sampling of coarse particles (>100 µm), thereby improving fidelity in real-world occupational and environmental exposure assessment scenarios. The proximity of the filter membrane to the inlet ensures minimal particle transmission loss and promotes uniform deposition across the 25 mm collection surface — a critical factor for gravimetric analysis, XRF elemental quantification, and low-variance biological assays.

Key Features

• Curved, multi-pore inlet constructed from conductive stainless steel to mitigate electrostatic charge effects and enhance sampling robustness under variable airflow conditions
• Validated inhalable cut-off at 100 µm (aerodynamic diameter) per ISO 7708 and CEN standards when operated at 4 L/min
• Reusable cassette architecture with stainless steel support screen, PTFE and BUNA-N O-rings, and corrosion-resistant mounting clip
• Optimized for 25 mm membrane filters with pore sizes ≥1.0 µm to maintain stable pressure drop and flow integrity during extended sampling
• Included calibration adapter enables rapid, traceable flow verification using standard rotameters or electronic flow calibrators
• Compatible with diverse filter media: mixed cellulose ester (MCE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for non-viable analysis; gelatin for viable microbial recovery; polycarbonate for broad-spectrum bioaerosol capture
• Conductive plastic transport case preserves electrostatic integrity and prevents cross-contamination during filter transit to analytical laboratories

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SKC Button Sampler supports regulatory and methodological requirements across multiple analytical disciplines. For gravimetric determination of inhalable particulate mass (PM_inh), it complies with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory workflows and is referenced in NIOSH Method 0600 and OSHA ID-125G. When coupled with gelatin filters, it meets the performance benchmarks established in ASTM D6362 for viable bioaerosol collection efficiency. For fungal spore analysis, the uniform loading pattern enables reliable enumeration via fluorescence microscopy, immunoassay (e.g., ELISA), or quantitative PCR (qPCR). Elemental composition analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) benefits from the low background signal and consistent filter loading geometry. The device satisfies GLP documentation requirements for field sampling records and supports audit-ready data trails when used with calibrated AirChek® series pumps and certified flow measurement protocols.

Software & Data Management

While the Button Sampler itself is a passive, hardware-only device, its integration into compliant exposure monitoring programs relies on interoperable digital infrastructure. When paired with SKC AirChek® TOUCH or AirChek® XR5 sampling pumps, users leverage the AirChek Connect™ mobile application for real-time flow logging, GPS-tagged sampling event metadata, and automated calibration certificate generation. All pump-generated data export in CSV or PDF formats compatible with LIMS platforms and comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when deployed with appropriate system validation packages. Field calibration events performed using the included adapter are recorded with timestamp, operator ID, and deviation metrics — supporting ISO 17025 clause 7.7 traceability mandates.

Applications

• Personal exposure monitoring for inhalable dust in mining, construction, agriculture, and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Indoor air quality assessments targeting bioaerosols including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and endotoxin-bearing particles
• Validation studies for HVAC filtration efficiency and cleanroom classification (ISO 14644-1)
• Field evaluation of respiratory protection effectiveness using side-stream sampling configurations
• Long-term ambient PM_inh trend analysis in community air monitoring networks
• Method development and inter-laboratory comparison exercises for inhalable fraction reference methods

FAQ

What filter types are recommended for viable bacterial and fungal analysis?
Gelatin filters are specifically recommended for short-duration (<8 hr) viable collection due to their moisture-retaining properties and low-pressure drop. Polycarbonate and PVC membranes are preferred for DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR-based detection.
Can the Button Sampler be used for PM₁₀ or PM_2.5 sampling?
No — the Button Sampler is engineered exclusively for the inhalable fraction (up to 100 µm). For thoracic (PM₁₀) or respirable (PM_2.5) fractions, SKC offers the IOM and GK2.69 samplers respectively.
Is the stainless steel inlet prone to corrosion in high-humidity or saline environments?
The conductive stainless steel (AISI 304 equivalent) exhibits excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Routine cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and periodic inspection of O-ring integrity ensure long-term operational reliability.
How often should the support screen and O-rings be replaced?
SKC recommends replacing the stainless steel support screen after 50 sampling cycles or upon visible deformation. BUNA-N O-rings should be replaced every 6 months or after 20 uses, whichever occurs first.
Does the Button Sampler require pre- and post-sampling gravimetric conditioning?
Yes — per ISO 10155 and NIOSH guidelines, 25 mm filters must undergo 24-hour desiccator conditioning at 20–25°C and 30–35% RH prior to weighing, with identical conditions applied post-sampling to ensure measurement repeatability.