BioSampler
®
Operating Instructions
SKC Inc.
863 Valley View Road
Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
Form 37084 Rev 1404
Description
The patented* SKC BioSampler is a highly effi cient bioaerosol and biologically
inert airborne particle collection device that traps airborne microorganisms into
swirling liquid for subsequent analysis. The BioSampler is made of glass and
consists of three parts: inlet, nozzle section (with three tangential sonic nozzles),
and collection vessel (Figure 1). The collection vessel can be fi lled with a liquid
collection medium or coated with a sticky medium. The BioSampler can be used
with water or non-evaporating liquids up to 1,000 times more viscous than water
for sampling up to eight hours. The BioSampler requires a high-volume vacuum
pump such as the SKC VAC-U-GO Sampler.
Performance Profi le
Flow Rate: Approximately 12.5 L/min
Medium: Water or more viscous
liquids such as ViaTrap
mineral oil
†
Collection
Effi ciency: Nearly 100% over a
wide range of particle
sizes; decreases to
approximately 90% at
0.5 μm
Pump: High-volume vacuum
pump capable of
achieving sonic fl ow
† May not be suitable for PCR analysis
®
Inlet
(aerosol in)
To pump
Figure 1. BioSampler with 20-ml vessel
(5-ml vessel available)
* U.S. Patent Nos. 5,902,385 and 5,904,752
Sonic Nozzles (3)
1
Operation
Calibration
The BioSampler’s tangential nozzles act as sonic orifi ces. Therefore, if the pump
maintains a pressure drop of 0.5 atm (15 in Hg) or more across the sampler at
normal atmospheric conditions, the fl ow rate will always be the same (about
12.5 L/min) unless one or more of the nozzles become clogged. Figure 2 shows
the recommended calibration set up. Calibration is particularly important when
sampling in areas with non-standard temperature and pressure.
1. Connect a fl owmeter (bubble or dry-gas) to the inlet of the BioSampler.
2. Connect the outlet of the BioSampler (fi lled with collection liquid or coated)
to the inlet of a liquid trap (Cat. No. 225-22) and the outlet of the trap to a
vacuum pump with a vacuum pressure gauge or manometer in line.
3. Adjust the pump until sonic fl ow is achieved (vacuum gauge or manometer
reads between 15 and 30).
4. Read and record fl ow rate, Q
Flow
Meter
L/min.
s
Pressure drop of
0.5 atm (15 in Hg)
Mano-
meter
Liquid
Trap
Figure 2. Calibration of BioSampler
Exhaust
Vacuum
pump
2
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