FC-1A Dust Sampler

Overview

The FC-1A Dust Sampler is a portable, battery-powered gravimetric sampling instrument engineered for quantitative collection of airborne particulate matter (PM) in occupational and environmental monitoring applications. It operates on the principle of constant-flow aspiration through a standardized filter medium—typically a pre-weighed PVC, mixed cellulose ester (MCE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane—enabling subsequent laboratory analysis (e.g., gravimetric mass determination, elemental analysis via ICP-MS, or microscopic characterization). Its dual-diaphragm pump architecture eliminates pulsation-induced flow instability common in single-pump systems, delivering consistent volumetric flow across variable filter loading and backpressure conditions. Designed to meet core requirements of ISO 7708:1995 (airborne particles — size-selective sampling criteria) and OSHA Method ID-125G (for total and respirable dust), the FC-1A supports both personal (worker-worn) and area (fixed-location) sampling configurations.

Key Features

• Dual-diaphragm vacuum pump system ensuring stable, pulse-free airflow across the full 3–30 L/min range—even under increasing filter resistance up to >2500 Pa negative pressure;
• Integrated electronic timer with ±0.1% accuracy over 0–99 minute intervals, supporting precise exposure duration control per NIOSH and EU-OSHA sampling protocols;
• Robust aluminum alloy carrying case (230 × 135 × 110 mm) offering IP54-rated ingress protection, shock resistance, and ergonomic portability for field deployment;
• Rechargeable Ni-Cd battery pack (9.6 V / 4.5 Ah) enabling >3 hours of continuous operation at mid-range flow rates (e.g., 15 L/min), with low-current draw (<1.0 A) extending service life;
• Modular design featuring detachable sampling head, interchangeable sampling cassettes (2 included), and standardized 37-mm or 25-mm filter holders compliant with ASTM D1357 and ISO 8518;
• Dual-power capability: operates seamlessly on internal battery or external AC adapter (included), with real-time low-voltage warning circuitry to prevent incomplete sampling cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC-1A accommodates standard 37-mm or 25-mm diameter filter media—including MCE, PVC, PTFE, and quartz fiber filters—enabling compatibility with gravimetric, XRF, SEM-EDS, and ion chromatography workflows. Its flow stability and pressure tolerance ensure adherence to ISO 13137:2013 ( workplace air — requirements for pumps used for sampling ), while its timer resolution and calibration traceability support GLP-compliant data acquisition. Though not intrinsically certified, optional ATEX/IECEx-compatible accessories (e.g., explosion-proof sampling heads and shielded cabling) are available for use in Zone 1/21 hazardous locations. The instrument conforms to electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1 and safety standard EN 61010-1 for laboratory and field instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

The FC-1A operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded firmware-based data logging; however, it integrates seamlessly into broader industrial hygiene data ecosystems. Field operators record time-stamped start/stop events, flow settings, and filter IDs manually in paper-based or digital exposure logs aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and EU REACH Annex XVII reporting frameworks. For automated traceability, optional Bluetooth-enabled flow calibrators (e.g., DryCal DC-Lite) can be paired during pre- and post-sampling calibration checks, generating CSV-exportable audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with validated LIMS platforms. All calibration certificates and maintenance records adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.

Applications

• Occupational health monitoring in metallurgy, mining, cement production, foundries, and power generation facilities;
• Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and coal dust assessment per MSHA 30 CFR §56/57 and UK COSHH regulations;
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) surveys in construction sites, renovation zones, and remediation projects;
• Baseline ambient PM₁₀/PM_2.5 characterization in peri-urban industrial corridors;
• Validation of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system performance in manufacturing cleanrooms and coating booths;
• Educational and research use in environmental engineering laboratories for method development and inter-laboratory comparison studies.

FAQ

Is the FC-1A suitable for respirable dust sampling?
Yes—when configured with a 10-mm Dorr-Oliver cyclone or IOM inhalable sampler and operated at 2.2 L/min (per ISO 7708 and ACGIH TLV guidelines), it meets respirable fraction cutoff criteria.
Does the instrument include NIST-traceable calibration documentation?
Calibration certificates are provided upon request and traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., NIM China); field recalibration is recommended before each sampling campaign using a primary-standard dry calibrator.
Can the FC-1A be used in high-humidity environments?
It is rated for operation up to 95% RH at 40 °C; however, condensation-prone conditions require in-line desiccant traps or heated sampling lines to prevent filter clogging and mass measurement bias.
What filter types are validated for use with this sampler?
PVC (for gravimetric analysis), MCE (for metal dissolution), and quartz fiber (for high-temperature thermogravimetric analysis) filters have been verified per ASTM D1357 and ISO 8518 mounting specifications.
Is technical support available outside mainland China?
Global distributor network provides multilingual application engineering support, spare parts logistics, and ISO 17025-accredited calibration services in APAC, EMEA, and North America regions.