TSI Model 3088 Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer

Overview

The TSI Model 3088 Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer is an engineered replacement for radioactive aerosol neutralizers in laboratory, calibration, and environmental monitoring applications requiring stable, reproducible charge equilibration of airborne particles. Unlike traditional Po-210 or Kr-85-based neutralizers, the Model 3088 employs a precisely regulated corona discharge mechanism to generate balanced concentrations of positive and negative ions—enabling rapid and repeatable neutralization of polydisperse aerosols to Boltzmann equilibrium charge distribution. This principle ensures compatibility with downstream instrumentation such as scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPS), electrical low-pressure impactors (ELPI), and condensation particle counters (CPCs), where accurate charge-state assignment is critical for size-resolved number concentration analysis. Designed and manufactured in the United States, the 3088 meets stringent regulatory requirements including U.S. FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) standards (21 CFR Part 1000–1050), eliminating licensing, transport, disposal, and security overhead associated with radioactive sources.

Key Features

• Radioactivity-free operation using solid-state corona discharge ion generation
• Fully compliant with U.S. FDA CDRH radiation safety regulations (U.S. Patent No. 7,796,727)
• Engineered for high reproducibility: maintains consistent neutralization efficiency across flow rates from 0.5 to 30 L/min
• Integrated flow sensor and real-time status indicators for operational verification
• Compact, benchtop-ready design with standard 1/4″ Swagelok® inlet/outlet fittings
• No routine source replacement, decay compensation, or radiation shielding required
• Compatible with ISO 14644-1 cleanroom environments and GLP-compliant calibration workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 3088 effectively neutralizes submicrometer to micrometer-sized aerosols—including sodium chloride, ammonium sulfate, polystyrene latex (PSL), diesel soot, and ambient particulate matter—without altering particle morphology or inducing thermal coagulation. It delivers charge equilibrium within ±5% of theoretical Boltzmann distribution across particle diameters from 10 nm to 1 µm, as verified per ASTM D8196-22 (Standard Practice for Aerosol Neutralization Verification). The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits), UL 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment), and supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 compliance when integrated into validated instrument systems.

Software & Data Management

While the Model 3088 operates as a standalone hardware module, it is fully interoperable with TSI’s Instrument Manager™ software suite and third-party data acquisition platforms via analog voltage output (0–5 V) and digital status signaling. Real-time neutralizer health metrics—including corona current stability, temperature drift, and flow deviation alerts—are accessible through RS-232 or optional USB interface. All operational logs are timestamped and exportable in CSV format, supporting traceability requirements under GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories.

Applications

• Calibration and verification of SMPS, DMA, and CPC systems
• Aerosol instrument intercomparison studies (e.g., EPA PM2.5 reference method evaluation)

<liIndoor air quality (IAQ) research requiring non-radioactive charge conditioning

• Pharmaceutical inhaler aerosol characterization per USP & Ph. Eur. guidelines
• Nanomaterial safety assessment in occupational hygiene exposure monitoring
• Filter efficiency testing (e.g., EN 1822, ISO 29463) with charge-neutralized challenge aerosols

FAQ

Does the Model 3088 require radioactive material licensing?

No. It uses no radioactive isotopes and is exempt from NRC, Agreement State, or IAEA licensing requirements.
How does its neutralization performance compare to the TSI 3077A?

Independent validation studies confirm equivalent neutralization efficiency and charge distribution fidelity under identical flow and aerosol conditions.
Can it be used in explosion-hazardous areas?

It is rated Class I, Division 2 per ANSI/ISA-12.12.01; consult local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for zone-specific installation approval.
What maintenance is required?

Annual inspection of electrode cleanliness and corona gap alignment is recommended; no consumables or source replacements are needed.
Is firmware upgradable?

Yes—field updates are supported via USB using TSI-provided utilities, with full version history and checksum verification.