Versatile air sampler for monitoring airborne microorganisms

productnews Versatile air sampler for monitoring airborne microorganisms The new MD8 AirPort air sampler from Sartorius utilizes a gelatin membrane filter to monitor microorganisms and viruses in the atmosphere to ensure occupational safety and environmental protection in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, beverage and hospital sectors. Constructed of water soluble gelatin and a cyrolite holder, the disposable gelatin membrane filters have a nominal pore size of 3 microns and come with a standard 80 mm diameter. The maximum operating temperature is 30 °C at a relative humidity of 85%. After a sample is taken the gelatin membrane filter is placed directly onto an agar plate. The gelatin dissolves on the moist surface so that the microorganisms come into direct contact with the nutrients. The plates are then incubated and the colonies counted to check the level of viruses or microorganisms in the atmosphere. The solubility of the gelatin membrane filter allows for application in rapid microbiology, virus sampling and in measuring high bacterial concentrations. According to the manufacturer the properties of the membrane filters enable bacterial retention levels of nearly 100% for bacillus subtillis niger and 99.94% for coli phage contaminants. The system can be used for validation and to meet regulatory standards in critical biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications, as well as to ensure occupational safety and environmental protection in factory settings.

Filtration+Separation

The system has an integrated impeller wheel to ensure control of the sample air flow, which can be taken at a flow rate of 30 l/m, 40 l/min or 50 l/min. The sample volume is pre-set at 25 litres up to 1000 litres, although this can be altered by the end user to suit their own requirements up to a maximum sample volume of 2000 litres. The total sampling time with one battery charge is approximately 4.5 hours at a maximum sample rate of 50 l/min. It takes the same amount of time to recharge the portable unit. The air flow, sample rate and other operational parameters can be saved by the end user after shutdown by using the in-built electronics in the system. This should save calibration time upon reuse. The device weighs 2.5 kg and is 300 mm long, 135 mm wide and has a depth of 165 mm. Contact: Sartorius Ltd, Longmead Business Centre, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9QN, UK. Tel: +44 1372 737 100; Fax: +44 1372 729 972; Website: www.sartorius.co.uk

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