Beckman Coulter MET ONE HHPC 2+ Handheld Airborne Particle Counter

Overview

The Beckman Coulter MET ONE HHPC 2+ is a portable, dual-channel optical airborne particle counter engineered for real-time monitoring of particulate contamination in controlled environments. Utilizing light scattering detection principles—where particles passing through a focused laser beam generate scattered photons proportional to their size—the instrument delivers quantitative concentration data for particles ≥0.5 µm in air samples. Designed explicitly for compliance with ISO 14644-1 cleanroom classification protocols, the HHPC 2+ supports routine verification of ISO Class 5 (formerly FED STD 100) and higher-grade environments. Its compact form factor, low mass, and ergonomic profile enable rapid deployment at critical sampling points—including HEPA filter integrity checks, laminar flow hoods, isolators, and microenvironments where fixed instrumentation is impractical or inaccessible.

Key Features

• Optical Detection Architecture: Dual-sensitivity photodetector system calibrated per ISO 21501-4, ensuring traceable counting efficiency (50% at 0.5 µm; 100% ≥0.75 µm) and validated zero-count performance (≤1 count/5 min).
• Regulatory-Ready Portability: Weighing only 0.68 kg and measuring 272 × 99 × 53 mm, the device permits one-handed operation during filter leak surveys, glovebox validation, or point-of-use qualification in GMP manufacturing zones.
• Intuitive Human Interface: A 3.5-inch color TFT display (320 × 240 resolution) supports user-configurable font scaling, dual-channel size selection, and real-time visualization in either tabular or trend-graph format—enabling immediate assessment of particle excursions without post-processing.
• Flexible Data Acquisition & Export: Native USB mass-storage mode allows direct drag-and-drop transfer of CSV-formatted datasets to any Windows/macOS/Linux host—no proprietary drivers or software required. Optional Ethernet connectivity enables browser-based access (IE, Safari, Firefox) to live and historical counts via standard HTTP.
• Robust Environmental Tolerance: Housed in impact-resistant polycarbonate-ABS alloy, the unit operates reliably between 10–40 °C and up to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing), with storage capability down to −10 °C.
• Extended Operational Autonomy: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery sustains >10 hours of intermittent use or ≥5.5 hours of continuous sampling; full recharge completes in 3.5 hours via integrated cradle or wall adapter.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HHPC 2+ is optimized for ambient and compressed air sampling in non-hazardous, non-corrosive environments. It complies with international standards governing cleanroom monitoring and particle measurement methodology, including ISO 14644-1 (cleanroom classification), ISO 21501-4 (calibration and performance requirements for light-scattering airborne particle counters), and JIS B9921 (Japanese industrial standard for zero-count verification). Its 2.83 L/min volumetric flow rate aligns with ISO 14644-1 sampling protocols for ISO Class 5 environments, enabling statistically valid single-point measurements within prescribed dwell times. While not intrinsically safe for explosive atmospheres, the device meets general-purpose electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and carries CE marking for EMC and LVD conformity.

Software & Data Management

Data generated by the HHPC 2+ is stored internally in non-volatile memory (capacity: 10,000 records), preserving timestamped channel-specific counts across all operational modes—raw count, concentration (particles/ft³, /m³, or /L), cumulative, or differential. Exported files conform to ANSI-compliant CSV structure, facilitating direct import into Excel, LIMS platforms, or statistical process control (SPC) tools. No middleware or vendor-specific applications are needed; file naming follows ISO 8601 conventions (e.g., HHPC2P_20240517_142231.csv). For audit-trail integrity in regulated settings, optional administrator password protection restricts configuration changes—supporting alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when deployed alongside documented SOPs and electronic record retention policies.

Applications

• High-Tech Manufacturing: Routine ISO Class 5–7 monitoring in semiconductor wafer fabs, HDD assembly lines, flat-panel display production, LED epitaxy chambers, solar cell cleanrooms, aerospace component assembly, and MEMS/MOEMS fabrication suites.
• GMP-Compliant Facilities: Environmental monitoring of aseptic processing areas, sterile packaging lines (e.g., Tetra Pak® filling systems), hospital pharmacy compounding labs, parenteral drug formulation suites, and medical device manufacturing cleanrooms.
• Troubleshooting & Qualification: HEPA/ULPA filter leak detection, laminar airflow verification, workstation contamination mapping, process equipment emissions screening, and root-cause analysis of particle-related yield loss or product defects.
• Research & Development: Controlled-environment characterization in nanotechnology labs, advanced materials synthesis, and precision optics assembly where transient particulate events require rapid spatial profiling.

FAQ

What particle size channels does the HHPC 2+ measure?
The instrument reports counts in two user-selectable channels: typically 0.5 µm and 5.0 µm, though alternate configurations may be specified per application requirements.
Is calibration traceable to NIST or other national standards?
Yes—each unit ships with a certificate of conformance referencing calibration against NIST-traceable polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres per ISO 21501-4 Annex A.
Can the HHPC 2+ be used for compressed gas monitoring?
It is validated for ambient air and dry compressed air (oil-free, dew point ≤−40 °C); use with reactive, humid, or high-pressure gases requires external conditioning and is not covered under warranty.
Does it support automated reporting or integration with facility monitoring systems (FMS)?
While native FMS integration is not embedded, its Ethernet and USB interfaces allow third-party middleware to poll data via HTTP GET requests or filesystem polling—enabling compatibility with common SCADA and environmental monitoring platforms.
How is firmware updated?
Firmware upgrades are delivered as signed binary packages via Beckman Coulter’s secure customer portal and installed using the USB mass-storage interface—no external programmer or service technician required.