SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactor User manual

SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactors (PPI)
The patented†impaction-based SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactor
(PPI®) Samplers are designed to match precisely the collection efficiency
curves for respirable and thoracic dust specified by ISO 7708/
CEN and adopted by ACGIH, CEN, and other occupational
hygiene organizations. The performance of the respirable
PPI samplers also meets the ISO 7708/CEN criteria included
in the OSHA final silica rule. The thoracic model meets the
requirements of NIOSH Method 5524 for metalworking
fluids and compounds with ACGIH®thoracic TLV®s.
Constructed of conductive aluminum, these PPI Samplers
may be reused and offer a choice of flow rates for maximum
flexibility in pump options, sample duration, and contaminant
concentration.
Performance Profile
Sampling Rate: 2 L/min respirable or thoracic and 4 or 8 L/min
respirable
Sample Pump: • Universal XR or AirChek®Series for 2 and 4 L/min
• Leland Legacy®for 8 L/min
Sample Time: Dependent on method used. Note: SKC tests indicate that a
particulate mass of up to 6.8 mg on the four impaction substrates would
not affect PPI performance. This amount is equivalent to sampling for
6 hours at 4 L/min in environments where respirable mass concentration
is 4.76 mg/m3 and equals 50% of total dust. However, labs have reported
to SKC that they prefer no more than 2 mg on the filter for analytical reasons.
Therefore, SKC recommends that you work with your lab to determine
optimum sample times for your unique sampling conditions.
Sample Media: 37-mm PVC filter, 5.0-μm pore size or
37-mm PTFE filter,* 2.0-μm pore size (NIOSH 5524) or
37-mm MCE filter, 0.8-μm pore size
Use cellulose pad or stainless steel screen for support.
Impaction
Substrate: Four 3/8-in diameter pre-oiled porous plastic discs
Analysis: Gravimetric or chemical
Body Material: Conductive aluminum
Dimensions:
Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm) - clip to exhaust
Diameter: 1.8 in (4.6 cm)
Depth: 1.2 in (3.0 cm)
Weight: 3.3 oz (93.6 gm)
† U.S. Patent No. 7,073,402
* Back pressure on PTFE filters can vary within the same lot.
Operating Instructions
863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
Tel: [phone] • www.skcinc.com

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Principle of Operation
SKC Reusable PPI Samplers are impaction-based
filter samplers that perform precise size selection
for either thoracic or respirable dust, depending
on the model. PPI Samplers contain four small
impactors in the inlet section of the device.
Each impactor features a unique 50% cut-point
to target a specific one-quarter segment of the
ISO/CEN curve resulting in a precise fit along
the entire curve. A sample pump operating at
2, 4, or 8 L/min (2 L/min only for thoracic) pulls
air through the inlet nozzle of each impactor
in the inlet plate. Particles larger than each
impactor’s 50% cut-point are scrubbed and
retained by impaction onto the porous oiled
impaction substrate contained in each impactor.
Smaller particles continue to the standard
37-mm collection filter for analysis. See
www.skcinc.com/prod/225-380.asp and click on
More Information for performance graphs.
Media Preparation
Filters: Condition and weigh filters according to method used. Record the weight as
the pre-sample weight.
Impaction Substrate: Using an oiled impaction substrate reduces particle
bounce. Replacement pre-oiled disposable porous plastic discs are available as SKC Cat. No.
225-388. See Ordering Information.
Inserting a Collection Filter into the PPI
The PPI will arrive already assembled. Disassemble it to
insert collection filter.
1. Unscrew and remove two screws that hold the inlet
plate to the base plate.
2. Lift offinlet plate to expose impaction plate.
3. Lift offimpaction plate to expose base plate.
Inlet plate
Impaction
substrates (4)
Standard 37-mm
collection filter
and support pad
Base plate with
exhaust to pump
Dust enters here

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4. Using forceps, insert a 37-mm support pad and a 37-mm collection filter into the
base plate.
Inserting Impaction Substrates into the PPI
1. Ensure a support and collection filter have been loaded into the base plate. See
Inserting a Collection Filter into the PPI.
2. Using forceps, insert a pre-oiled impaction substrate
into each of the four indentations in the impaction
plate.
Impaction substrates have a smooth/shiny side
and a rough/dull side. For optimum particle capture
efficiency, place substrate smooth/shiny side down
in the impaction plate.
3. Align pins in inlet plate with holes in impaction plate
and press together.
Pins will allow impactor to be assembled one
way only.
4. Grip impaction plate and inlet plate together and twist
on base plate until screw holes are aligned.
5. Replace and tighten two screws to secure inlet plate to
base plate.
• Use forceps to carefully insert or remove impaction substrate and collection filter.
See Accessories for forceps.
• SKC recommends using new impaction substrates for each sample period.
Tip
Tips

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Calibration and Sampling
As the particle load on the filter increases during sampling, the pressure drop
will also increase. Therefore, use a compensating sample pump such as the
AirChek Series or Leland Legacy depending on flow rate requirements.
Calibration
Calibrate pump flow rate with the PPI (support, filter, and impaction substrates
loaded) in line. See pump and calibrator operating instructions.
1. Ensure impactor is loaded with a support, collection filter, and impaction
substrates and that it is fully assembled. See Inserting a Collection Filter into the PPI
and Inserting Impaction Substrates into the PPI.
2. Use a calibration jar to calibrate pump flow rate.
a. Unscrew jar lid and remove.
b. Using supplied adapter, aach soft tubing end to
PPI outlet. Aach rigid end of adapter to Luer adapter in center of jar lid.
c. With PPI aached, place lid on jar and screw
down until tight.
d. Aach center tubing on outside of jar lid to pump inlet.
e. Use 1/4-inch tubing to aach calibrator to barbed elbow
fiing on outside of jar lid.
Tip

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3. Calibrate the sample pump to the specified flow rate.
See sample pump and calibrator operating instructions.
4. Disconnect tubing and remove calibration jar and
calibrator when calibration is completed.
Sampling
SKC tests indicate that a particulate mass of up to 6.8 mg on the four impaction
substrates would not affect PPI performance. This amount is equivalent to sampling
for 6 hours at 4 L/min in environments where respirable mass concentration is
4.76 mg/m3 and equals 50% of total dust. However, labs have reported to SKC that
they prefer no more than 2 mg on the filter for analytical reasons. Therefore, SKC
recommends that you work with your lab to determine optimum sample times for
your unique sampling conditions.
1. If required, replace representative sample media used for calibration with new,
preweighed media. See Media Preparation.
2. Record sample start time on label.
3. Clip PPI onto a worker’s collar or lapel in the breathing zone or in the area to be
sampled.
4. Clip sample pump at the worker’s waist or close to the PPI.
5. Use flexible tubing to aach the PPI outlet to the inlet of the sample pump.
6. Turn on pump and record pertinent sample data.
7. After the desired sample time has elapsed, turn offthe pump and record sample
stop time.
8. Reinstate calibration train and verify flow rate. See Calibration.
9. Remove pump and tubing from the impactor.

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Removing the Collection Filter and Impaction Substrates
1. Unscrew and remove the two screws that hold the
inlet plate to the base plate.
2. Lift offinlet plate to expose impaction plate.
3. Use a thin, flat implement to remove impaction sub-
strates and discard them.
4. Lift offimpaction plate to expose base plate.
5. Use forceps to remove collection filter and place in an
appropriate container for shipment to a laboratory.
Transporting Samples and Analysis
Package and transport samples and blanks in a manner that will prevent sample loss
and contamination and send to an accredited laboratory for gravimetric or chemical
analysis.

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Cleaning
For optimum performance, the PPI inlet and the impaction and base plates should
be cleaned after five runs or upon a noticeable buildup of material to remove oil and
other residue built up from frequent sampling. Disassemble the PPI and wash parts
in water with a liquid detergent or soap. Rinse and air-dry all parts thoroughly in a
clean environment.
Do not place any mechanical object in the inlet nozzles.
References
Trakumas, S., Hall, P., Personal Respirable Sampler Containing Four Impactors Arranged in Parallel,
Abstracts of 23rd Annual AAAR Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2004, p. 78
Trakumas, S., Salter, E., “Parallel Particle Impactor - Novel Size-selective Particle Sampler for
Accurate Fractioning of Inhalable Particles,” Journal of Physics: Conference Series 151 (2009), 16 pp.,
012060, www.skcinc.com/instructions/Parallel Particle Impactor Paper.pdf
Reference 2 is an author-created, non-copyrighted version of an article accepted
for publication in the Journal of Physics; Conference Series 151. IOP Publishing Ltd.
is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or
any version derived from it. The definitive publisher authenticated version is avail-
able online. Go to hp://dx.doi.org, enter doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/151/1/012060.
Trakumas, S., “High-flow Personal Respirator Dust Sampler for Increased Sensitivity,” Poster 261,
AIHce 2010, Denver, CO
Trakumas, S., “High-flow Personal Sampler to Monitor Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica at
New Lower TLV,” IOHA 2010 8th Conference Book of Abstracts, Rome, p. 59
Trakumas, S., Salter, E., “High-Flow Personal Sampler to Monitor Exposure to Respirable Crystal-
line Silica at New Lower TLV” PowerPoint Presentation
OSHA Final Rule on Respirable Crystalline Silica, www.osha.gov/silica/
ISO 7708:1995 (2008), Air Quality — Particle Size Fraction Definitions for Health-related
Sampling, www.iso.org, search on 7708
Stacey, P., Thorpe, A., and Echt, A., “Performance of High Flow Rate Personal Respirable Samplers
When Challenged with Mineral Aerosols of Different Particle Size Distributions,” Ann. Occup.
Hyg., 60, 2016, pp. 479-492, hp://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/content/60/4/479.full.pdf
Görner, P., Simon, X., Boivin, A., Bau, S., “Sampling Efficiency and Performance of Selected Thoracic
Aerosol Samplers,” Annals of Work Exposure and Health, 2017, Vol. 61, No. 7, 784-796

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Ordering Information
PPI Samplers, require filter, substrates, and support Cat. No.
Respirable PPI (gold), 2 L/min, aluminum 225-380
Thoracic PPI (blue), 2 L/min, aluminum 225-381
Respirable PPI (orange), 4 L/min, aluminum 225-382
Respirable PPI (red), 8 L/min, aluminum 225-383
Recommended Collection Filters for PPI, required for sampling
Select a filter based on your application.
PVC Filters, 37 mm, 5.0-μm pore size, pk/100 225-5-37
PTFE Filters,* 37 mm, 2.0-μm pore size, with laminated PTFE support,
for metalworking fluids (NIOSH 5524), pk/50 Contact SKC
MCE Filters, 37 mm, 0.8-μm pore size, pk/100 225-5
Filter Supports, required for sampling. Select either cellulose or stainless steel.
Support Pads, cellulose, 37 mm, pk/100 225-27
Support Screen, stainless steel, 37 mm, wide mesh, ea 225-26
Impaction Substrates, four required for each sample
Porous Plastic Discs, 3/8-inch diameter, pre-oiled, ready to use,
disposable, pk/200 225-388
Accessories
Multi-purpose Calibration Jar 225-111
Forceps, stainless steel, with non-serrated flat tips 225-8371
Filter-Keeper, for transporting and storing 37-mm filter samples, pk/10 225-8303A
* Back pressure on PTFE filters can vary within the same lot.
SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy
SKC products are subject to the SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, which
provides SKC’s sole liability and the buyer’s exclusive remedy. To view the complete
SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, go to hp://www.skcinc.com/warranty.
Form 38038 Rev 1901
www.skcinc.com