Hi-Q CF900 Portable Aerosol Sampler

Overview

The Hi-Q CF900 Portable Aerosol Sampler is a field-deployable, mechanically robust air sampling instrument engineered for continuous or time-interval collection of airborne particulate matter—including radioactive iodine species (e.g., ¹³¹I, ¹²⁵I) and non-volatile aerosols—in environmental monitoring, nuclear facility stack surveillance, emergency response, and occupational health applications. It operates on the principle of isokinetic or constant-flow inertial impaction, where sampled air is drawn through a standardized filter medium (e.g., cellulose ester, glass fiber, or silver-impregnated charcoal) at precisely controlled volumetric flow rates. Its dual-stage fan assembly—comprising a primary impeller and secondary pressure-compensating stage—ensures stable airflow across variable backpressure conditions induced by filter loading or ambient temperature shifts. Designed to meet the mechanical durability requirements of ANSI N13.1–2019 (Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from Nuclear Facilities), the CF900 delivers high reproducibility in low- to mid-range flow regimes without reliance on closed-loop electronic feedback.

Key Features

• Rugged anodized aluminum chassis with shock-absorbing elastomeric feet—certified to MIL-STD-810G for transport vibration and drop resistance
• Brush-type DC motor with thermal overload protection and extended service life under continuous duty cycles
• Manually adjustable analog flow control knob enabling fine-tuned flow rate selection within three calibrated ranges: 60–340 L/min, 150–1,000 L/min, and 300–1,400 L/min
• Integrated analog flow meter with ±5% full-scale accuracy—providing real-time visual confirmation of operational flow without digital dependency
• Resettable mechanical elapsed-time counter (0–999 hours) for GLP-compliant exposure duration logging
• Interchangeable inlet configurations supporting 37-mm, 47-mm, and 100-mm filter cassettes; optional cyclone pre-separators available for PM₁₀/PM_2.5 size-selective sampling
• Low acoustic signature (<62 dBA at 1 m) suitable for unattended operation in control rooms or field shelters

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CF900 supports standard filter media used in regulatory aerosol monitoring protocols, including mixed-cellulose ester (MCE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), quartz fiber, and silver-impregnated activated carbon for iodine capture. Its flow stability and pressure tolerance align with EPA Method IO-3.2 (Iodine Sampling), ASTM D1357 (Standard Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere), and ISO 29463-3:2017 (High-efficiency filters—Part 3: Testing). When deployed with NIOSH-approved filter holders and documented SOPs, data generated using the CF900 satisfies audit requirements under 10 CFR Part 20 (Standards for Protection Against Radiation) and 40 CFR Part 61 (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). The unit does not incorporate electronic data logging or wireless transmission; therefore, it inherently complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) restrictions in classified or safety-instrumented systems (SIS) environments.

Software & Data Management

The Hi-Q CF900 is a hardware-only sampling platform with no embedded firmware, microprocessor, or onboard memory. All operational parameters—including elapsed time, selected flow range, and manual flow setting—are recorded externally via paper log sheets, handheld tablets, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). This architecture eliminates validation burdens associated with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records, making it suitable for facilities operating under strict GxP or ASME NQA-1 quality assurance frameworks. Users are advised to pair the CF900 with traceable flow calibrators (e.g., primary piston provers per ISO 6145-1) prior to each sampling campaign and document calibration certificates per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Applications

• Continuous stack effluent monitoring for radioiodine and particulate releases at nuclear power plants and research reactors
• Emergency response deployment during radiological incidents (e.g., dirty bomb scenarios or reactor accidents) per IAEA EPR-GSR Part 3 guidance
• Baseline ambient aerosol characterization in urban, industrial, and remote settings for PM mass concentration studies
• Filter-based gravimetric analysis per EPA Method 201A and ISO 12103-1 (Test Dust A2 Fine)
• Calibration verification of beta-gamma spectrometry systems using uniformly loaded filter standards
• Field validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) dispersion models requiring spatially resolved aerosol concentration inputs

FAQ

Does the CF900 include integrated flow calibration or automatic compensation?
No. Flow calibration must be performed externally using a NIST-traceable primary standard before each use. The analog flow meter provides indication only—not regulation.
Can the CF900 operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes. Its brush motor and mechanical timer support uninterrupted operation up to 999 hours. Battery operation is not supported; it requires a stable 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz supply with surge protection.
Is the unit compatible with HEPA or ULPA filter media?
It can accommodate high-efficiency filters, but users must verify that selected media do not exceed the maximum system pressure drop (2.5 kPa at 1,400 L/min) specified in the technical datasheet.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Motor brushes should be inspected every 2,000 operating hours; fan assemblies require cleaning with isopropyl alcohol every 6 months in high-dust environments.
Does Hi-Q provide OEM documentation for regulatory submissions?
Yes. Authorized distributors supply Declaration of Conformity (DoC), RoHS/REACH statements, and mechanical drawings compliant with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards upon request.