MetOne 804 Portable Laser Particle Counter

Overview

The MetOne 804 Portable Laser Particle Counter is a compact, self-contained optical particle counter engineered for real-time airborne particulate monitoring in critical and non-critical environments. It operates on the principle of single-particle light scattering: airborne particles drawn through a precisely controlled laminar flow path intersect a focused 780 nm laser beam; scattered light intensity is detected by a photodiode and converted into pulse signals proportional to particle size. The instrument supports simultaneous analysis across four user-selectable size channels from a set of seven calibrated thresholds (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 µm), enabling rapid classification per ISO 21501-4 and ASTM F50 standards. With a nominal volumetric flow rate of 0.1 cfm (2.83 L/min) and a maximum detectable concentration of 1,000,000 particles/ft³, the MetOne 804 delivers traceable, reproducible data for applications demanding regulatory alignment—including cleanroom certification (ISO 14644-1), HVAC system validation, and indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment under EPA and ASHRAE guidelines.

Key Features

• True handheld architecture with integrated lithium-ion battery (7.2 V), supporting up to 30 hours of intermittent operation or 8 hours of continuous sampling—ideal for field surveys and multi-location audits.
• Programmable sampling duration from 3 to 60 seconds per measurement cycle, with full-count readout available in as little as 3 seconds and standardized 1-minute acquisition mode for rapid trend evaluation.
• Intuitive two-button membrane keypad and rotary encoder interface, paired with a dual-line alphanumeric LCD, enabling menu-driven configuration without external software.
• Onboard memory stores 2,500 timestamped records, each containing channel-specific particle counts, sampling time, flow status, and battery level—retaining full traceability during offline deployments.
• USB 2.0 interface enables direct data export to PC in CSV-compatible format and facilitates firmware updates in situ, eliminating dependency on proprietary docking stations.
• Ruggedized enclosure (9.5 × 17.2 × 5.1 cm; 0.60 kg) meets industrial portability requirements while maintaining optical alignment stability across temperature gradients (0–50 °C operating range).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MetOne 804 is validated for ambient air, filtered process air, and recirculated indoor airstreams. It is not intended for use with corrosive, explosive, or high-humidity (>80% RH) aerosols without optional conditioning accessories (e.g., NIST-traceable zero filter kit P/N 80846). Its optical design conforms to ISO 21501-4:2018 for calibration and sizing accuracy, and its operational methodology satisfies ASTM F50-22 for cleanroom particle counting protocols. The device carries CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and complies with JIS B 9921:2019 for Japanese cleanroom verification. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, audit-ready data export logs support GLP/GMP-aligned documentation workflows when used with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval is performed via bundled Windows-compatible software that imports USB-downloaded logs and exports tabular reports in Excel (.xlsx) or comma-separated (.csv) formats. Each record includes absolute count values per selected channel, sampling start/stop timestamps, flow verification flag, and instrument serial number—enabling chain-of-custody reconstruction. Optional advanced analytics modules support time-series plotting, statistical control charting (X̄-R), and automated pass/fail comparison against ISO 14644-1 class limits. Firmware updates are delivered as signed binary packages; version history and update timestamps are retained in non-volatile memory for audit purposes.

Applications

• Cleanroom classification and routine monitoring per ISO 14644-1 Classes 5–8 (Class 100–100,000)
• HVAC duct leakage detection and filter integrity verification (e.g., HEPA/ULPA pre- and post-filter differential counting)
• Indoor air quality assessments in healthcare facilities, laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing suites, and office buildings
• Real-time validation of air purifier efficiency and filtration performance testing per AHAM AC-1
• Source identification and emission characterization in industrial workspaces (e.g., machining, printing, powder handling)
• Outdoor particulate baseline studies and urban air monitoring campaigns where portability and battery autonomy are essential

FAQ

What calibration standards does the MetOne 804 reference?
The instrument is factory-calibrated using NIST-traceable polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres and ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate (P/N included). Recalibration is recommended annually or after 2,000 operating hours.
Can the MetOne 804 measure particles below 0.3 µm?
No. Its optical detection limit is 0.3 µm per ISO 21501-4; sub-0.3 µm particles fall below the Mie scattering signal-to-noise threshold of the 780 nm laser configuration.
Is continuous logging supported?
Yes—via programmable sequential sampling at user-defined intervals (1–60 min), with automatic record indexing and overflow protection.
Does it meet FDA requirements for regulated environments?
While the hardware itself is not 21 CFR Part 11–validated, its deterministic data output, immutable timestamps, and export integrity enable integration into compliant QA/QC systems when paired with validated software and procedural controls.
What accessories are required for ISO 14644-1 compliance?
A calibrated flow meter (P/N 80530), zero-count filter (P/N 80846), and transport case (P/N 8517) are recommended for auditable field deployment; all are sold separately.