Graywolf GW-3016 Six-Channel Handheld Particle Counter

Overview

The Graywolf GW-3016 is a six-channel handheld optical particle counter engineered for real-time, on-site aerosol monitoring in controlled environments, HVAC commissioning, cleanroom validation, indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments, and environmental protection facility operational surveillance. It operates on the principle of light scattering—where airborne particles passing through a focused laser beam generate scattered photons detected by a high-sensitivity photodiode array. Signal amplitude and pulse width are processed to classify particles into six user-selectable size bins (standard configuration: 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 µm), enabling simultaneous quantification of number concentration per channel with volumetric flow rate of 0.1 CFM (2.83 L/min). Its compact form factor, ergonomic grip, and low mass (<600 g) support extended field use—including confined, elevated, or hazardous-access zones where fixed instrumentation is impractical or unsafe.

Key Features

• Six independent optical detection channels with factory-calibrated size thresholds traceable to NIST-traceable PSL standards.
• Integrated 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen display showing real-time cumulative and differential particle counts, sampling duration, flow status, and battery level—without requiring external hardware.
• Dual operational modes: functions as a fully autonomous particle counter when powered via internal rechargeable Li-ion battery, or integrates seamlessly as a sensor node within GrayWolf’s WolfPack or AdvancedSense modular measurement platforms via standardized digital bus interface.
• USB-C data port enables direct firmware updates and high-speed bulk transfer of time-stamped count data (including timestamp, channel-specific counts, temperature, relative humidity if co-located with compatible sensors).
• Robust mechanical design compliant with IP54 rating for dust resistance and limited water exposure—suitable for industrial and outdoor environmental monitoring deployments.
• Supports optional GW-3016A variant with algorithmic mass concentration estimation (µg/m³) derived from particle count distribution and default density assumptions—intended for qualitative trend analysis, not regulatory-grade gravimetric equivalence.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GW-3016 is designed for ambient and conditioned air sampling only; it is not intended for corrosive, explosive, or high-humidity (>90% RH non-condensing) gas streams without appropriate inlet conditioning (e.g., isokinetic probe, desiccant dryer). It meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per FCC Part 15 Class B and EU Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive), carries CE and RoHS markings, and conforms to ISO 21501-4:2018 for light-scattering airborne particle counters. While not certified to ISO 14644-1 for cleanroom classification per se, its performance characteristics align with Annex B guidance for portable counters used in ISO Class 5–8 environment verification. Data integrity supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when paired with WolfSense software configured for audit-trail logging (user login, parameter changes, export events).

Software & Data Management

WolfSense PC Software (included) provides comprehensive post-processing: time-series visualization, overlay comparison across multiple instruments, customizable binning, statistical summaries (mean, min/max, standard deviation), and export to CSV or native Excel (.xlsx) formats. All datasets retain embedded metadata—including instrument serial number, calibration expiration date, operator ID, and GPS coordinates (if enabled via host PC). The optional Advanced Report Generator (ARG) module automates PDF report production per predefined templates compliant with ISO 14644-2, EU GMP Annex 1, or internal QA protocols—incorporating pass/fail flags against user-defined limits, annotated charts, and digital signature fields. No cloud dependency: all processing occurs locally, satisfying data sovereignty requirements common in pharmaceutical and defense-sector deployments.

Applications

• Verification of HEPA/ULPA filter integrity during cleanroom qualification (ISO 14644-3).
• Real-time IAQ assessment in hospitals, laboratories, schools, and office buildings per ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and WHO air quality guidelines.
• Ongoing operational monitoring of scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and baghouse filters in EPA-regulated emission control systems.
• Commissioning and balancing of HVAC systems—including duct traverse mapping and supply/exhaust air particle load profiling.
• Occupational hygiene surveys for respirable dust fractions (e.g., PM2.5, PM10) in manufacturing and remediation sites—used alongside gravimetric samplers for correlation studies.
• Research-grade aerosol characterization in university and government labs where modularity, portability, and interoperability with multi-parameter sensing ecosystems are critical.

FAQ

Does the GW-3016 require annual recalibration?
Yes—GrayWolf recommends annual calibration using NIST-traceable polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres at accredited facilities to maintain measurement accuracy per ISO 21501-4. Calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets and drift analysis.
Can the GW-3016 measure particles smaller than 0.3 µm?
No—the optical design has a practical lower detection limit of 0.3 µm at ≥50% counting efficiency; sub-0.3 µm particles fall below reliable signal-to-noise threshold under standard operating conditions.
Is WolfSense software compatible with Windows 11 and macOS?
WolfSense v4.2+ supports Windows 10/11 (64-bit); macOS compatibility is limited to virtualized Windows environments—native macOS support is not provided.
What is the maximum logging interval supported?
Internal memory stores up to 32,000 records at user-configurable intervals ranging from 1 second to 24 hours—enabling both burst-mode transient capture and long-term trend logging.
Does the GW-3016 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
When used with WolfSense configured for electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control, the system can be validated to support Part 11 compliance—though final validation responsibility rests with the end-user’s QA department.