ATI 5D Aerosol Generator

Overview

The ATI 5D Aerosol Generator is a precision-engineered thermal aerosol generator designed for quantitative challenge testing of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filtration systems in regulated cleanroom environments. Operating on the principle of controlled thermal vaporization and condensation, the 5D generates monodisperse or polydisperse aerosols via rapid heating of liquid test agents—such as PAO-4, DOS (DEHS), DOP (DEHP), Ondina, or mineral oil—followed by controlled cooling and nucleation to form stable, reproducible particle clouds. Its core application lies in ISO 14644-3-compliant filter integrity verification, including scanning tests per IEST-RP-CC006.2 and leak detection in biosafety cabinets (BSCs) in accordance with NSF/ANSI 49 requirements using calibrated 4B, 4BL, or 6D Laskin nozzles. The device delivers consistent mass concentration output across wide volumetric flow ranges (up to 10,000 CFM), enabling rapid validation of large-scale air handling units (AHUs) without compromising measurement fidelity.

Key Features

• Thermal generation architecture with <120-second full operational readiness (heat-up + stabilization)
• Stainless steel enclosure engineered for mechanical durability, ESD safety, and IP54-rated ingress protection
• Integrated thermal management system reducing peak power draw and surface temperature vs. legacy thermal generators
• Portable configuration: lightweight chassis (≤18 kg), integrated hand strap and shoulder strap; optional heavy-duty transport case with polyurethane casters and telescoping handle
• Compliance-certified design: CE-marked and RoHS 2 compliant; meets UL 61010-1 and IEC 61000-6-3 EMC requirements
• Nozzle compatibility with standardized Laskin-type atomizers (4B, 4BL, 6D) for NSF/ANSI 49 BSC certification workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ATI 5D supports validated aerosol agents approved for pharmaceutical, nuclear, and healthcare facility applications—including PAO-4 (polyalphaolefin), DOS (diethylhexyl sebacate), DOP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), Ondina, and USP-grade mineral oil. It explicitly excludes paraffin oil and corn oil due to thermal decomposition risks and inconsistent aerosol morphology. All reagents must conform to ASTM F50–22 specifications for particle size distribution and volatility. The generator is routinely deployed under cGMP, GLP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows where audit-ready documentation of challenge agent lot traceability, instrument calibration history, and operator credentials is required. It supports ISO 14644-1 Class 3–5 cleanroom validation and EU GMP Annex 1-compliant filter testing protocols.

Software & Data Management

While the ATI 5D operates as a standalone analog-controlled generator, its output stability and repeatability are optimized for integration with third-party digital monitoring platforms—such as TSI’s Aerosol Instrument Manager (AIM) or Particle Measuring Systems’ AeroTrak software—via analog voltage output (0–10 VDC) proportional to real-time aerosol concentration. Optional external data loggers enable time-stamped recording of generator status (on/off, temp setpoint, runtime), supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when paired with audit-trail-enabled software. Calibration certificates include NIST-traceable reference data for mass concentration (µg/L) and particle number concentration (particles/cm³) at defined flow rates and nozzle configurations.

Applications

• HEPA/ULPA filter leak testing in semiconductor fabs, aseptic manufacturing suites, and hospital isolation rooms
• Biosafety cabinet (BSC) certification per NSF/ANSI 49 using Laskin nozzle-based challenge protocols
• Validation of HVAC ductwork integrity and air barrier performance in nuclear containment facilities
• Performance qualification of laminar flow hoods and isolators during PQ/UQ phases
• Research-grade aerosol exposure studies requiring repeatable, high-concentration challenges (e.g., filtration efficiency benchmarking per EN 1822)

FAQ

Can the ATI 5D be used with paraffin oil or corn oil?
No. Paraffin oil and corn oil are prohibited due to thermal instability, carbon residue formation, and non-reproducible particle size distributions.
What is the minimum warm-up time before generating a stable aerosol cloud?
The unit achieves operational stability within 90–120 seconds after power-on, verified by internal thermistor feedback and external photometer correlation.
Is the ATI 5D compatible with ISO 14644-3 filter scanning procedures?
Yes—when paired with calibrated photometers (e.g., TSI 9565-P) and scanning probes meeting IEST-RP-CC006.2 spatial resolution requirements.
Does the generator support remote control or digital interface protocols?
It features analog output only; RS-232, USB, or Ethernet interfaces are not built-in but may be added via external signal conditioning modules.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
Annual calibration against NIST-traceable reference aerosols is recommended; nozzle inspection and cleaning after every 50 hours of operation ensures consistent droplet generation.