SKC Sioutas Cascade Impactor User manual

Operating Instructions
863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
Tel: [phone] • www.skcinc.com
Sioutas Cascade Impactor
The patented†personal Sioutas Cascade Impactor consists of four impaction stages
and an after-filter that allows the separation and collection of airborne particles in
five size ranges. The Sioutas Cascade Impactor is used with the Leland Legacy®
Sample Pump (SKC Cat. No. 100-3002) or any other pump capable of maintaining
a constant flow rate of 9 L/min. Particles above each cut-point are collected on a
25-mm PTFE filter in the appropriate stage. Particles below the 0.25 μm cut-point
of the last stage are collected on a 37-mm PTFE after-filter. The Sioutas Cascade
Impactor clips onto a worker’s collar in the breathing zone and the pump clips onto
the worker’s belt. For area sampling, the impactor can be aached to a tripod or
clipped in an appropriate location. The Sioutas Impactor may be used for ambient
outdoor sampling with special provisions. See Sampling. Size-fractionated samples
can be analyzed gravimetrically, chemically, and microscopically.
†U.S. Patent No. 6,786,105

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Performance Profile
Flow Rate: 9 L/min
50% Cut-point at 9 L/min: Stage A 2.5 μm
Stage B 1.0 μm
Stage C 0.50 μm
Stage D 0.25 μm
Recommended
37-mm, 2.0-μm PTFE filter* with PMP support ring
After-filter Type: (SKC Cat. No. 225-1709)
Recommended Filter
for Stages: 25-mm, 0.5-μm PTFE filter* with laminated PTFE
support (SKC Cat. No. 225-3708)
Certification: EPA-ETV has verified the Sioutas Impactor
performance with the Leland Legacy sample
pump. See hp://archive.epa.gov/nrmrl/archive-etv/
web/pdf/vs_skcsioutas.pdf for details.
Wind Velocity: < 5 mph
After-filter Operating
Temperature (maximum): 464 F (240 C) based on PMP support ring
Maximum Particle Load: Varies per stage. See NUATRC Report No. 2 at
www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mleland/aachments/
MLeland_Sioutas2.pdf.
Impactor Material: Inlet/oulet plates and stages are anodized
autoclavable aluminum; O-rings are Buna-N
(Nitrile); filter retainers are acrylic; compression
ring is PTFE
Inlet and Outlet Inlet: 3/8-in OD, 1/4-in ID
Diameters: Outlet: 3/8-in OD, 1/4-in ID
Dimensions: 3.4 x 2.2 in (8.6 x 5.6 cm)
Weight: 5.6 oz (159 gm)
Tubing: 3/8-in ID
* Back pressure on PTFE filters can vary within the same lot.

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Disassembly
The Sioutas Impactor will arrive already assembled with the exception of the filter
retainers, which are included, but packaged separately. Disassemble it to clean
(see Cleaning), to load with filters (see Assembly), or to remove filters after
sampling.
Disassemble the impactor from inlet to outlet. See Figure 1 and follow Steps 1-7.
1
4
Remove thumb nuts. Remove inlet plate.
Lift offtogether accelerator plate A and
collector plate.
Lift accelerator plate A off
collector plate.
Figure 1. Sioutas Impactor, exploded view
Inlet
plate
Accelerator plate A
Collector plate
Accelerator plate B
Collector plate
Accelerator plate C
Collector plate
Accelerator plate D
Collector plate
Threaded
studs
Thumb
nuts
Clip
Outlet
plate and
after-filter
housing

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Media and Impactor Preparation
Equilibrate and pre-weigh the filters in a clean environment according to appropriate
procedures. Record the weight as the pre-sample weight.
Clean the Sioutas Impactor in between samples to remove any residual particles.
See Cleaning.
Assembly
In a clean environment, assemble the Sioutas Impactor from outlet to inlet as
follows:
Caution: Handle all filter material with forceps.
Ensure that the screen and spacer ring (Figure 2) are in place before inserting
filter. The screen prevents the filter from restricting the outlet.
5
6
7
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for stages B-D. Remove O-ring from outlet plate.
See Figure 2.
Remove compression ring from outlet
plate. See Figure 2.
1
Remove O-ring and compression ring
from outlet plate. See Disassembly,
Steps 6 and 7 and Figure 2.
Insert 37-mm after-filter in outlet plate.
Replace compression ring and O-ring.
Figure 2. Outlet plate, exploded view
O-ring
Compression
ring
Spacer ring
Screen
Outlet
plate
Note: Use forceps to carefully insert or remove impaction substrate, after-filter,
and filter retainers.

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Note: Tighten thumb nuts using an
alternating paern. It is important
to the operation of the impactor to
tighten the thumb nuts completely.
One, Two, or Three-stage Sampling
Place desired number of loaded stages (accelerator and collector plate pairs) onto the
outlet plate. Replace the inlet plate, replace and tighten the thumb nuts, calibrate,
and sample.
3
4
Nest a collector plate in top of outlet
plate. Align the marks.
Use forceps to place a 25-mm filter in
collector plate.
Filter
Align
marks
5
6
Filter
Filter
retainer
7
Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for stages C-A,
slide inlet plate into place, and screw on
thumb nuts.
Align
“D” with
mark
Use forceps to place a filter retainer on
top of the filter. Press down firmly
until snug.
Place accelerator plate D (O-ring
side up) on top of collector plate.
Align “D” with mark.

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Calibration
Calibrate pump flow rate with the Sioutas Impactor and representative after-filter
in place. It is not necessary to pre or postweigh representative media. You may also
calibrate with representative filters in all the stages if desired, however, it is not
necessary for proper calibration.
1. Using flexible tubing, connect the outlet of the Sioutas Impactor to the inlet of a
Leland Legacy Sample Pump or other pump capable of maintaining a constant
9 L/min flow rate.
2. Connect the inlet of the Sioutas Impactor to the outlet of a calibrator capable of
calibrating 9 L/min.
3. Calibrate the sample pump to 9 L/min. See calibrator and pump operating
instructions.
Sioutas Impactor in calibration train with Leland Legacy Pump and TSI 4146 Calibrator

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Sampling
• As the particle load on the after-filter increases during sampling, the pressure drop will
also increase. Therefore, use a compensating sample pump such as the Leland Legacy
(SKC Cat. No. 100-3002).
• Back pressure on PTFE filters can vary within the same lot.
• The Sioutas Impactor may be used for ambient outdoor sampling with the following
provisions:
1. Wind velocity is < 5 mph.
2. The impactor plates are not overloaded. See NUATRC Report No. 2 at
www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mleland/attachments/MLeland_Sioutas2.pdf for
information on maximum particle load per stage.
1. Following calibration, remove and set aside the
representative sample media. Replace with new,
preweighed media. See Media and Impactor
Preparation and see Assembly.
2. Turn on the pump and record sample start time
and other pertinent data.
3. After the desired sample time has elapsed, turn
offthe pump and record sample stop time.
4. Remove pump and tubing. Transport samples and
pertinent sampling information to a laboratory for
analysis. See Removing and Transporting the Samples.
Removing and Transporting the Samples
Disassemble the stages. See Disassembly. Using forceps, carefully remove filters
for weighing and analysis. If transporting samples to an offsite laboratory, place
samples in marked, sealed containers and transport.
Clearly indicate on sample containers and chain-of-custody forms the stage from
which each filter was removed.
Package and transport samples in a manner that will prevent sample loss and
contamination.
Analysis
Size-fractionated gravimetric, chemical, and microscopic analyses
Sioutas Impactor in
sampling train

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Cleaning
Clean the Sioutas Impactor in between samples to remove residual particles.
Disassemble all stages (see Disassembly) and O-rings. To remove O-rings, align the
head of a small flat-head screwdriver with the notch in the inner wall of the plate.
Gently lift the O-ring up and out. Wash all parts except filter retainers either in
water with detergent or in isopropyl alcohol. Wash filter retainers only in water
with detergent. Parts may also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. Rinse and dry all
parts thoroughly with compressed air if available. Otherwise, air dry in a clean
environment. Inspect all accelerator plates by holding them up to a light to ensure
that none of the impaction slits are clogged. Impaction slits may be cleaned with
compressed air.
Do NOT use any mechanical object to clear an obstruction from a clogged
impaction slit.
• Additional collector plates can be loaded and ready to use when sampling
at multiple sites. See Accessories for ordering replacement collector plates.
• Handle all filter material and filter retainers with forceps. See Accessories for
ordering forceps.
• The Sioutas Impactor may be used for ambient outdoor sampling with the
following provisions:
1. Wind velocity is < 5 mph.
2. The impactor plates are not overloaded. See NUATRC Report No. 2
at www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mleland/aachments/MLeland_Sioutas2.pdf for
information on maximum particle load per stage.
Tips

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Ordering Information
Description Cat. No.
Sioutas Personal Cascade Impactor 225-370
Pump for Sioutas Impactor Cat. No.
Leland Legacy Sample Pump,#5 to 15 L/min, with Li-Ion battery pack,
CE marked 100-3002
Filters for Sioutas Impactor Cat. No.
After-filter, 37 mm PTFE*‡with PMP support ring, 2.0 μm, pk/50, optional 225-1709
Collection Substrate (filter for 4 stages), 25-mm PTFE* with PTFE support,
0.5 μm, pk/250, required 225-3708
* Back pressure on PTFE filters can vary within the same lot.
‡ Maximum operating temperature is 464 F (240 C) based on PMP support ring.
# Use in non-explosive environments only, not UL Listed for intrinsic safety
Accessories Cat. No.
Tubing, Tygon, 3/8-inch ID, fits Sioutas Impactor and Leland Legacy pump,
10 feet 225-1351
Replacement Collector Plates, set of 4 P55016
Ring/Spacer Set includes 4 filter retainer rings, 9 O-rings, 1 PTFE spacer ring P51917
Filter Retainers only, pk/4 P20151
Forceps, precision stainless steel with serrated tips for inserting filters 225-13-1
Development
Developed by Dr. Constantinos Sioutas of the University of Southern California in
partnership with the Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center
(NUATRC).
References
Misra, C., Singh, M., Shen, S., Sioutas, C., and Hall, P., “Development and Evaluation of a Personal
Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS),” Journal of Aerosol Science, 33, 2002, pp. 1027-1047
Ono-Ogasawara, M., Myojo, T. “A Proposal of Method for Evaluating Airborne MWCNT
Concentration,” Industrial Health, 49, 2011, pp. 726-734
Ono-Ogasawara, M., Myojo, T., “Characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and background
aerosols by carbon analysis; particle size and oxidation temperature,” Advanced Powder
Technology, 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2012.06.013
Singh, M., Misra, C., Sioutas, C., “Field Evaluation of a Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler
(PCIS),” Atmospheric Environment, 37, 2003, pp. 4781-4793
Sioutas, C., “Development of New Generation Personal Monitors for Fine Particulate Matter (PM)
and its Metal Content,” NUATRC Research Report No. 2, 2004, www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mleland/
attachments/MLeland_Sioutas2.pdf
SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy
SKC products are subject to the SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, which
providesSKC’ssoleliabilityandthebuyer’sexclusiveremedy.Toviewthecomplete
SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, go to hp://www.skcinc.com/warranty.

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Form 40086 Rev 1902
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