Met One Instruments 804 Four-Channel Handheld Laser Particle Counter
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 804 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Met One Instruments 804 Four-Channel Handheld Laser Particle Counter is a portable, real-time aerosol monitoring instrument engineered for precise quantification of airborne particulate matter in occupational, indoor air quality (IAQ), cleanroom validation, and environmental assessment applications. Utilizing a calibrated 650 nm diode laser and a high-efficiency condensation-free optical sensing chamber, the device operates on the principle of light scattering—where individual particles passing through the focused laser beam generate scattered photons proportional to their size and refractive index. The instrument’s dual-stage signal processing architecture ensures high reproducibility and low false-count rates across its full dynamic range. Designed to meet the functional requirements of ISO 21501-4 (Calibration and Verification of Light Scattering Airborne Particle Counters) and aligned with ASTM F328–22 guidance for cleanroom particle monitoring, the 804 delivers traceable, field-deployable performance without requiring laboratory-grade infrastructure.
Key Features
- Four simultaneous real-time particle concentration channels—user-selectable from seven standard size bins: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 µm
- Constant-flow sampling at 2.83 L/min (0.1 cfm) via integrated volumetric pump with automatic flow compensation
- Optical sensor diagnostics including self-checking alignment verification and real-time signal-to-noise ratio monitoring
- Integrated rechargeable Li-ion battery (8.4 V DC) supporting up to 4 hours of continuous operation; AC/DC adapter included for charging and benchtop use
- Three-button intuitive interface with 16-character, 2-line LCD display optimized for glove-compatible operation and low-light readability
- Configurable sampling duration from 3 to 60 seconds per measurement cycle, enabling rapid spot checks or time-weighted averaging
- On-device alarms for low battery, optical path obstruction, sensor drift, and system memory saturation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 804 is validated for use with ambient air, filtered HVAC supply streams, and controlled environment exhaust ducts. It does not require dilution for typical indoor or outdoor PM concentrations and maintains accuracy up to 3,000,000 particles/ft³ (106 particles/m³). Its minimum detectable particle size of 0.3 µm satisfies critical monitoring needs for respirable fraction characterization—including PM₂.₅ and ultrafine particle screening. The instrument complies with CE marking requirements under the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and the RoHS 2011/65/EU directive. While not certified as a regulatory-grade PM₂.₅ reference monitor per EPA EQPM-0805-175 or EN 12341:2014, it serves as a robust indicator-level tool for trend analysis, source identification, and compliance pre-screening in GLP-aligned workflows.
Software & Data Management
The bundled PC-based control software enables remote configuration, real-time data streaming, and post-acquisition report generation in CSV and PDF formats. All stored measurements include timestamp, location tag (manual entry), channel-specific counts, and environmental metadata (temperature, battery status). Audit trail functionality logs all parameter changes and firmware updates. Data export supports integration into LIMS platforms and meets baseline documentation requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. The software enforces user-defined pass/fail thresholds and generates automated alerts when preset concentration limits are exceeded—facilitating routine QA/QC documentation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and semiconductor fab environments.
Applications
- Routine IAQ audits in offices, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings
- Pre- and post-cleaning verification in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms and laminar flow hoods
- Filter integrity testing for HEPA and ULPA systems using challenge aerosols
- Occupational exposure assessment during construction, renovation, or industrial maintenance activities
- Field validation of portable air purifier efficiency against standardized test protocols (e.g., AHAM AC-1)
- Baseline particulate mapping prior to HVAC commissioning or building envelope retrofitting
FAQ
What calibration standards does the 804 support?
The instrument ships with a CE-traceable calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable PSL (polystyrene latex) spheres. Field recalibration is performed using optional certified reference aerosols compliant with ISO 21501-4 Annex B.
Can the 804 measure PM₂.₅ mass concentration directly?
No—it reports number concentration per size bin only. Mass concentration (µg/m³) must be derived using site-specific conversion factors based on particle density, morphology, and composition.
Is the device suitable for outdoor ambient monitoring?
Yes, within its specified operating temperature range (0–50 °C) and relative humidity ≤90% non-condensing. For long-term unattended deployment, use with an optional weatherproof enclosure and external power supply is recommended.
Does the software comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The current version supports electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control—meeting foundational elements of Part 11. Full compliance requires site-specific validation documentation and IT infrastructure controls.
How often should the optical chamber be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on sample matrix; for general indoor use, quarterly maintenance is typical. A cleaning filter and instruction guide are included in the standard kit.
