Particle counter

Particle Counter

A particle counter is an instrument used for detecting and counting physical particles in the air, liquids, or on surfaces. Primarily, these devices are crucial in environments where particle concentration needs to be controlled and monitored, such as cleanrooms, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities, especially in the pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and food industries.

Overview

Particle counters operate by measuring the size and distribution of particles in a sample. They can categorize particles based on their diameter, counting and recording the number of particles of different sizes. This information is vital for ensuring that the environment meets the required cleanliness standards, such as those specified in ISO 14644-1 for cleanrooms.

Types of Particle Counters

There are several types of particle counters, each designed for specific applications:

Airborne Particle Counters

These devices measure the concentration of particles in the air. They are widely used in cleanroom monitoring, air quality assessment, and filter testing. Airborne particle counters can be portable for spot checks or stationary for continuous monitoring.

Liquid Particle Counters

Liquid particle counters are used to analyze the cleanliness of various liquids, including water, pharmaceuticals, and hydraulic fluids. They are essential in ensuring the purity of products and processes in industries where contamination control is critical.

Surface Particle Counters

Surface particle counters are designed to assess the cleanliness of solid surfaces. They are often used in manufacturing environments to ensure that products meet stringent quality standards.

Working Principle

Particle counters work on different principles, depending on the type of particle being measured and the medium. The most common methods include:

• Light Scattering: A laser beam illuminates particles, and the scattered light is measured. The intensity and angle of the scattered light provide information about the size and number of particles.
• Light Blocking (Obscuration): Particles passing through a light beam reduce its intensity. The amount of light blocked is proportional to the size of the particle.
• Condensation Particle Counters: These counters detect ultrafine particles by enlarging them through condensation, making them detectable by light scattering or blocking methods.

Applications

Particle counters are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Cleanroom monitoring in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Air quality assessments in hospitals and office buildings
• Filter testing and certification
• Drinking water analysis
• Automotive paint and coating processes

Standards and Regulations

Several standards and regulations govern the use of particle counters, ensuring that they provide accurate and reliable data. The most notable include:

• ISO 14644-1: Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments
• ISO 21501-4: Calibration and validation procedures for airborne particle counters
• USP <789>: Particle counting in pharmaceutical solutions

Conclusion

Particle counters are indispensable tools in industries and environments where particle contamination can significantly impact product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. By providing precise and reliable measurements, they help maintain clean and controlled environments, contributing to the advancement of technology, health, and safety standards.

Particle counter Resources
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