SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactor Operating Instructions Manual

Operating Instructions

863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA

Tel: [phone] • www.skcinc.com

SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactors (PPI)

The patented† impaction-based SKC Reusable Parallel Particle Impactor

®

(PPI

) Samplers are designed to match precisely the collection effi ciency
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 fi nal silica rule. The thoracic model meets the
requirements of NIOSH Method 5524 for metalworking
fluids and compounds with ACGIH
Constructed of conductive aluminum, these PPI Samplers
may be reused and off er a choice of fl ow rates for maximum
fl exibility in pump options, sample duration, and contaminant
concentration.

Performance Profi le

Sampling Rate: 2 L/min respirable or thoracic and 4 or 8 L/min

respirable

Sample Pump: • Universal XR or AirChek

• Leland Legacy

Sample Time: Dependent on method used. Note: SKC tests indicate that a

Sample Media: 37-mm PVC fi lter, 5.0-μm pore size or

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)

particulate mass of up to 6.8 mg on the four impaction substrates would
not aff ect 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/m

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and equals 50% of total dust. However, labs have reported
to SKC that they prefer no more than 2 mg on the fi lter for analytical reasons.
Therefore, SKC recommends that you work with your lab to determine
optimum sample times for your unique sampling conditions.

37-mm PTFE fi lter,* 2.0-μm pore size (NIOSH 5524) or
37-mm MCE fi lter, 0.8-μm pore size
Use cellulose pad or stainless steel screen for support.

®

thoracic TLV®s.

®

for 8 L/min

®

Series for 2 and 4 L/min

† U.S. Patent No. 7,073,402
* Back pressure on PTFE fi lters can vary within the same lot.

Principle of Operation

Dust enters here

SKC Reusable PPI Samplers are impaction-based
fi lter samplers that perform precise size selection
for either thoracic or respirable dust, depending
on the model. PPI Samplers contain four small

Inlet plate

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

Impaction
substrates (4)

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

Standard 37-mm
collection fi lter
and support pad

impaction substrate contained in each impactor.
Smaller particles continue to the standard
37-mm collection filter for analysis. See

Base plate with
exhaust to pump

www.skcinc.com/prod/225-380.asp and click on
More Information for performance graphs.

Media Preparation

Filters: Condition and weigh fi lters 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 fi lter.

1. Unscrew and remove two screws that hold the inlet
plate to the base plate.

2. Lift off inlet plate to expose impaction plate.

3. Lift off impaction plate to expose base plate.

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4. Using forceps, insert a 37-mm support pad and a 37-mm collection fi lter into the
base plate.

Inserting Impaction Substrates into the PPI

1. Ensure a support and collection fi lter 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

Tip

and a rough/dull side. For optimum particle capture
effi ciency, 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.

Tips

• Use forceps to carefully insert or remove impaction substrate and collection fi lter.
See Accessories for forceps.

• SKC recommends using new impaction substrates for each sample period.

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