Junray ZR-A01 Two-Stage Andersen Sampler Head

Overview

The Junray ZR-A01 Two-Stage Andersen Sampler Head is a precision-engineered inertial impactor module designed for quantitative collection of viable airborne microorganisms in environmental and occupational health monitoring applications. It operates on the principle of aerodynamic size-selective inertial impaction, where air is drawn at a calibrated flow rate through two sequentially arranged nozzle arrays. Particles with sufficient mass—primarily viable bacteria, yeasts, molds, and other culturable bioaerosols—deviate from the airstream due to inertia and impact onto nutrient agar surfaces housed in standard Petri dishes. This enables subsequent incubation and colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration, supporting both total viable count (TVC) assessment and coarse fractionation between respirable (≤4.7 µm aerodynamic diameter) and non-respirable (>4.7 µm) bioaerosol fractions. The ZR-A01 is not a standalone instrument but a modular sampling head intended for integration with compatible vacuum pumps and flow control systems meeting ISO 14698-1:2003 requirements for biocontamination control.

Key Features

• Two-stage cascade impactor architecture enabling differential deposition of viable particles across two aerodynamic cut-points: Stage 1 collects larger, non-respirable particles (>4.7 µm), while Stage 2 captures smaller, inhalable particles (1–4.7 µm)
• Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy construction ensures long-term dimensional stability, resistance to cleaning agents, and compatibility with laboratory-grade disinfection protocols
• Standardized nozzle geometry and plate spacing aligned with classical Andersen design principles for reproducible impaction efficiency curves
• Direct compatibility with 90 mm Petri dishes containing conventional microbiological growth media (e.g., Tryptic Soy Agar, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar)
• No internal moving parts or electronic components—designed for mechanical reliability, ease of sterilization, and minimal maintenance
• Calibrated nominal flow rate range: 28.3 L/min (1 ft³/min), consistent with international bioaerosol sampling conventions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZR-A01 supports sampling of cultivable microorganisms—including mesophilic bacteria, thermotolerant coliforms, Aspergillus spp., and Candida spp.—from indoor air, cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–8), hospital environments, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and outdoor ambient settings. Its performance aligns with national standard GB/T 18204.3–2013 “Public place hygiene inspection methods – Part 3: Microbiological examination”, and its physical design reflects foundational principles referenced in ISO 8573-7:2003 (compressed air purity – viability testing) and EU GMP Annex 1 (2022) guidance on environmental monitoring. While the head itself does not provide real-time data or automated analysis, it delivers sample integrity required for GLP-compliant microbial enumeration when used with validated pumps, flow meters, and incubation protocols.

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical sampling device, the ZR-A01 does not incorporate embedded firmware, wireless connectivity, or proprietary software. All data acquisition and analysis occur downstream: airflow calibration is performed using traceable rotameters or mass flow controllers; sample exposure duration is recorded manually or via external timer systems; and post-sampling colony enumeration follows CLSI M38-A3 or ISO 14698-2:2003 guidelines. Laboratories integrating the ZR-A01 into quality management systems may log sampling metadata—including location, date/time, operator ID, pump serial number, and flow verification records—in LIMS platforms compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements. No firmware updates, driver installation, or cloud synchronization are applicable.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring in aseptic processing areas per EU GMP Annex 1 and USP
• Baseline and routine bioaerosol assessment in hospitals, laboratories, and animal facilities
• Validation and routine surveillance of HVAC filtration efficiency
• Occupational exposure assessment for workers handling biological materials
• Research studies on fungal spore dispersion dynamics and bacterial aerosolization mechanisms
• Compliance testing against local public health regulations governing indoor air quality

FAQ

Is the ZR-A01 certified to ISO 14698 or ASTM D6329?
The ZR-A01 is engineered to support compliance with ISO 14698-1:2003 (principles) and ISO 14698-2:2003 (sampling methods), but it is not individually certified as a complete system. Certification requires full validation of the integrated setup—including pump, flow controller, and procedural SOPs.
Can it be autoclaved?
Yes—the corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy body is compatible with standard autoclaving cycles (121°C, 15–20 min), though repeated high-temperature exposure may affect surface finish over time. Always allow complete cooling before reassembly.
What flow rate must be maintained during operation?
A nominal volumetric flow rate of 28.3 L/min (1 ft³/min) is recommended to ensure adherence to established impaction physics and comparability with published recovery efficiencies.
Does it include Petri dishes or culture media?
No—Petri dishes and agar media are supplied separately and selected based on target microorganisms and regulatory requirements.
How often should nozzle alignment be verified?
Alignment verification is advised prior to each use cycle using optical or mechanical gauges per manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals; misalignment directly affects stage-specific cutoff diameters and collection efficiency.