CIS Inhalable Sampler -- PM_2.5, PM₁₀, Respirable

Download the latest version of the instruction manual.
Click here and then click on manual # 28.
Download the Characterization Report on Foam Size Selectors

Applications

An inhalable sampler collects the fraction of airborne material that can enter the nose and mouth during breathing, and is therefore available for deposition anywhere within the respiratory tract. The inhalable sampling convention is an internationally defined standard (ISO 7708) that forms the basis of measurement methods in use in the UK and other European countries, where it has replaced previous methods based on sampling "total" dust.

Historical

Paradoxically, lapel mounted 37mm filter cassettes currently used for "total" dust sampling actually capture less dust than an inhalable sampler¹. Their inadequate performance is further degraded in any sort of velocity field. The multilaboratory study has soundly proven the inadequacy of so called total samplers and the distinct superiority of the CIS.

Flow Rates

The instrument shown is known in continental Europe as the GSP Sampler and was perfected in Germany. Of the eight samplers tested, the CIS (GSP) ranked first in order of precision at wind velocities of 0.5 and 1 meter/sec².

The CIS utilizes a 37mm fiberglass filter mounted in a reloadable cassette. The standard flow rate is 3.5 lpm. The pressure drop across the filter at this flow rate is 6 cm of H₂O.

Foam Size Selectors

Recent work at the Health and Safety Executive in the U.K. (H.S.E.) by Kenny and Stancliffe³ has perfected the characterization of particle penetration through porous foam plugs as specifically adapted to the C.I.S. It is now possible to choose a specific cassette and foam insert for PM₁₀ (Thoracic), Respirable, or PM_2.5 sampling. The complete details of this careful study may be downloaded (see top of page); the report also serves as instructions for the use of these inserts.

A general model describing the application of Porous Foam Plugs to aerosol sampling has previously been published by Vincent et al.⁴

1. "Methods for Determination of Hazardous Substances", Health and Safety Laboratory, 14/2. HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, January 1997.
   
2. "A Collaborative European Study of Personal Inhalable Aerosol Sampler Performance", L.C. Kenny et al., Am. Occup. Hyg. Vol 41; No. 2, pp. 135-153, 1997.
   
3. "Characterisation of Porous Foam Size Selectors for the Conical Inhalable Sampler," L.C. Kenny et al., HSE report IR/L/A/97/19. (Downloadable, above)
   
4. "Porous Plastic Foam Filtration Media: Penetration Characteristics and Applications in Particle Size-Seletive Sampling." Vincent et al. J. Aerosol Sci., Vol. 24, No. 7, pp. 929-944, 1993.