TE-10-860X Two Stage Viable Andersen Cascade Impactor Complete System (220V) SKU: TE-10-860X

The TE-10-860X Two Stage Viable Andersen Cascade Impactor is designed for the collection of airborne aerosols containing bacteria or fungi. This precision-machined aluminum impactor features two stages with successively smaller diameter holes that separate particles by size as ambient air cascades through the system. The two-stage configuration is used when only the total particle count is needed for analysis and size distribution is not required.

Operating Principle

The impactor consists of two sampling stages, each containing 200 precision-machined jet orifices. When air is drawn through the sampler, multiple jets of air direct airborne particles onto the surface of the collection plate. This separates viable particles into two size ranges with the 50% cut-off diameter of Stage 1 at 8.0 microns for spherical particles of unit density. The first stage orifices are 1.5 mm diameter and 0.4 mm on the second stage.

Complete System Specifications

• Flow rate: 28.3 SLPM (1 ACFM)
• Particle size separation: Stage 1: 8 µm and above; Stage 2: 0.8 to 8 µm
• Construction: Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy with silicone seals
• Power: 220V AC vacuum pump (international configuration)
• Compatible with standard 100 x 15 mm Petri dishes

System Components

The TE-10-860X includes everything needed for immediate bioaerosol sampling:

• Two-stage aluminum cascade impactor
• Continuous duty vacuum pump providing constant 1 ACFM flow
• Silicone connecting tubing
• Heavy-duty carrying case with custom foam insert
• Certificate of calibration

Collection and Analysis

When 100 x 15 mm Petri dishes containing 20 ml of agar medium are correctly placed on the support posts of each stage, the correct distance between the jet orifices and the agar surface is maintained. After sampling, viable bacterial particulates are incubated and counted or identified, then recorded and related to where they may be deposited in the human lung.

Applications

The Andersen cascade impactor is used to determine the amount of viable pathogens in ambient air, particularly bacteria and fungi. Common applications include:

• Indoor air quality assessments
• Pharmaceutical cleanroom monitoring
• Hospital and healthcare facility air quality
• Food processing environment monitoring
• Research in microbiology and environmental health

System Maintenance

Flow rate is controlled by an adjustable valve on the pump and periodic calibration is recommended. The aluminum construction allows for easy cleaning and sterilization between sampling events. The design ensures virtual elimination of particle bounce and re-entrapment.