TSI Model 3306 Aerosol Impactor Inlet
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 3306 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| 50% Cut-Point | 2.5 µm or 4.7 µm |
| Collection Filter | 47 mm diameter |
| Maximum Particle Loss | ≤3% |
| Sampling Flow Rate | 28.3 L/min |
| Vacuum Requirement | 28.3 L/min at 460 mmHg |
Overview
The TSI Model 3306 Aerosol Impactor Inlet is a precision-engineered, single-stage inertial impactor designed for integration with advanced aerosol characterization systems—including the TSI 3321 Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) Spectrometer and the TSI 3800 Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ATOFMS). Operating on the principle of inertial impaction, the 3306 selectively removes coarse particulate matter above its aerodynamic cut-point prior to sample delivery to downstream analytical instrumentation. This pre-separation step mitigates signal saturation, reduces deposition-related contamination in sensitive optical or ionization chambers, and extends operational uptime between maintenance cycles. Its design adheres to fundamental aerosol physics governing particle inertia and airflow streamlines, ensuring predictable and repeatable size-selective classification under standardized sampling conditions.
Key Features
- Configurable cut-point selection: user-selectable 2.5 µm or 4.7 µm 50% aerodynamic diameter (Da50) via interchangeable nozzle assemblies—enabling alignment with PM2.5 regulatory monitoring or coarse-mode aerosol studies.
- Dual-purpose collection geometry: integrated 47 mm filter holder accommodates standard glass fiber or quartz filters for gravimetric mass determination and subsequent off-line chemical analysis (e.g., IC, ICP-MS, XRF).
- Low-loss aerosol transmission: ≤3% total particle loss across the operational size range (0.5–10 µm), validated per ISO 27826 and consistent with EPA Reference Method PS-1 performance expectations for inertial samplers.
- Stable flow control interface: optimized internal geometry maintains laminar, non-turbulent flow at the nominal 28.3 L/min sampling rate—compatible with standard critical orifices and calibrated rotameters used in regulatory-grade ambient monitoring setups.
- Robust mechanical architecture: CNC-machined aluminum housing with anodized finish ensures dimensional stability across temperature gradients (15–30 °C) and long-term resistance to corrosion in field-deployed environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Model 3306 is validated for use with ambient air, stack emissions, and indoor workplace aerosols containing solid or liquid particles up to 10 µm aerodynamic diameter. It complies with the physical sampling requirements outlined in ISO 29463-3 (High Efficiency Filters – Part 3: Testing) for upstream conditioning of challenge aerosols. When paired with TSI 3321 APS or 3800 ATOFMS, the combined system supports data acquisition protocols aligned with US EPA Compendium Method TO-15 (for VOC-coated particles) and ASTM D6246 (Standard Practice for Aerosol Sampling and Analysis). The 47 mm filter configuration satisfies U.S. Federal Reference Method (FRM) criteria for PM2.5 filter-based mass concentration reporting under 40 CFR Part 53.
Software & Data Management
While the 3306 itself is a passive, hardware-only inlet without embedded firmware or digital interfaces, its operation is fully documented within TSI’s instrument control software suites—including APSware v5.x and ATOFMS Data Acquisition Software. These platforms log timestamped flow rate metadata, pressure differentials (when connected to optional differential pressure sensors), and user-defined cut-point selections. Audit trails generated during data export comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in GLP-compliant laboratories, supporting traceability for regulatory submissions and quality assurance reviews.
Applications
- Ambient air quality monitoring networks requiring size-resolved PM2.5 and coarse-mode separation prior to real-time sizing or chemical speciation.
- Source apportionment studies where simultaneous gravimetric filter collection and online particle sizing are needed for receptor modeling (e.g., PMF, CMB).
- Indoor air quality assessments in occupational health settings—particularly where high-concentration dust or fume aerosols risk fouling high-resolution detectors.
- Calibration and validation of optical particle counters (OPCs) and condensation particle counters (CPCs) using monodisperse challenge aerosols generated upstream of the impactor.
- Method development for aerosol toxicity assays, where fractionated particle size cuts enable targeted exposure of in vitro cell cultures to defined aerodynamic fractions.
FAQ
Can the 3306 be used independently of TSI APS or ATOFMS instruments?
Yes—it functions as a standalone size-selective inlet and can be coupled with other aerosol measurement systems (e.g., SMPS, CPC, or cascade impactors) provided flow compatibility and pressure drop constraints are met.
Is the 47 mm filter holder compatible with standard NIOSH or EPA-approved filter media?
Yes—the holder accepts all commercially available 47 mm circular filters meeting ASTM D1357 specifications, including Pallflex® Tissuquartz™, Whatman® GF/F, and Zefluor™ PTFE membranes.
Does the 3306 require periodic recalibration?
No—its cut-point is determined by fixed nozzle geometry and flow rate; however, users must verify flow rate accuracy biannually using a NIST-traceable flow calibrator per ISO 17025 laboratory practice guidelines.
What vacuum source specifications are required for stable 28.3 L/min operation at 460 mmHg?
A minimum pumping capacity of 35 L/min at ≤20 kPa absolute pressure is recommended to maintain margin against backpressure from filter loading and tubing resistance.
Is the 3306 suitable for high-humidity or oily aerosol environments?
It is not recommended for sustained use with sticky or hygroscopic aerosols without upstream drying or denuding stages, as these may compromise nozzle efficiency and filter integrity over time.
