TSI AeroTrak® 9001 Water-Based Condensation Particle Counter

Overview

The TSI AeroTrak® 9001 Water-Based Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) is a high-sensitivity, laminar-flow, ultra-low false-count instrument engineered for real-time detection and quantification of nanoparticles in critical controlled environments. Unlike alcohol- or butanol-based CPCs, the 9001 employs a patented water-based condensation mechanism—leveraging ultra-pure or deionized water as the working fluid—to nucleate sub-10 nm particles under precisely controlled thermal and supersaturation conditions. This eliminates chemical handling hazards, reduces maintenance frequency, and ensures compliance with stringent cleanroom hygiene protocols. Designed specifically for ISO Class 1–2 environments (per ISO 14644-1), the instrument delivers stable, reproducible counts at particle concentrations as low as 0.1 particles/cm³, making it indispensable for monitoring nanoscale contamination sources, validating HEPA/ULPA filter integrity, and supporting contamination control strategies in semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical aseptic processing, and advanced materials R&D.

Key Features

• 10 nm lower detection limit at 0.1 CFM (2.83 L/min) sampling flow—validated per ISO 27891 and aligned with TSI’s internal nanoparticle calibration traceability to NIST SRM aerosols.
• Water-based condensation technology eliminates dependence on flammable or regulated alcohols; compatible with GMP/GLP facilities requiring non-volatile, non-toxic working fluids.
• False count rate < 0.07 count/ft³ (< 2.5 × 10⁻³ count/L), enabling statistically robust measurements in ultra-low-concentration regimes where background noise dominates conventional counters.
• Laminar-flow saturator and condenser design minimizes diffusion losses and enhances counting efficiency uniformity across the 10–100 nm range.
• 316L stainless steel enclosure rated IP54 for resistance to corrosion, particulate ingress, and routine cleanroom disinfectants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, isopropyl alcohol wipes).
• Integrated touchscreen interface with icon-driven navigation supports rapid configuration recall—users can store and retrieve zone-specific settings, alarm thresholds, and sampling sequences.
• Support for high-pressure gas sampling via optional AeroTrak 7950 High-Pressure Diffuser, enabling direct measurement of compressed dry air (CDA), nitrogen (N₂), and argon (Ar) without pressure-reduction-induced particle loss.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AeroTrak 9001 is validated for use with ambient air, process gases, and recirculated cleanroom air streams. It meets essential requirements for environmental monitoring under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when operated with TrakPro™ Lite Secure software configured with audit-trail logging, electronic signatures, and user-access controls. Instrument firmware and data files comply with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards for accredited laboratories. All calibration and performance verification procedures adhere to ISO 21501-4 for light-scattering particle counters and ASTM F328–22 for cleanroom particle counter qualification. The water-based operation further supports sustainability objectives by eliminating VOC emissions and reducing hazardous waste disposal burdens.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, reporting, and system configuration are managed through TrakPro™ Lite Secure—a validated Windows-based application supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Each stored sample includes timestamp, location ID, zone metadata, operator ID, and environmental context (e.g., temperature, relative humidity if interfaced with external sensors). Up to 10,000 samples may be archived internally and exported via USB flash drive or Ethernet to centralized LIMS or MES platforms. Export formats include CSV, PDF reports with embedded digital signatures, and XML for automated integration into enterprise quality management systems (QMS). Firmware updates are delivered via signed packages to ensure integrity and version traceability.

Applications

• Nanoparticle source tracing in Class 1–2 cleanrooms—identifying leakage from gloveports, isolators, or HVAC ductwork.
• Real-time validation of ULPA filter performance during smoke testing or challenge aerosol studies.
• Process gas purity verification for semiconductor photolithography tools and atomic layer deposition (ALD) chambers.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment in research laboratories handling nanomaterials, including exposure monitoring during synthesis or handling.
• Baseline establishment and trending for contamination control programs aligned with ISO 14644-2 surveillance requirements.
• Supporting root-cause analysis during yield excursions linked to airborne molecular contamination (AMC) or nanoparticle agglomeration events.

FAQ

What working fluid does the AeroTrak 9001 require?

Ultra-pure or deionized water meeting ASTM D1193 Type I specifications. No organic solvents or alcohols are used.
Can the instrument measure particles in compressed gas lines?

Yes—when paired with the optional AeroTrak 7950 High-Pressure Diffuser, it supports direct sampling of CDA, N₂, and Ar at pressures up to 150 psig.
Is the device compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?

Yes, when operated with TrakPro™ Lite Secure software configured with enabled audit trails, role-based access, and electronic signature workflows.
How is calibration maintained?

Calibration is performed using NIST-traceable PSL (polystyrene latex) aerosols and verified annually per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited service protocols. Field verification checks are supported via built-in zero-count and reference aerosol challenges.
What is the maximum data storage capacity?

The internal memory retains up to 10,000 samples across 250 defined zones and 999 unique sampling positions.