Air Particle Counter Solution
——Comprehensive Solution Analysis for Air Particle Counters
I. Introduction to the Particle Counter Market
In industries with extremely high cleanliness requirements, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, precision electronics, and healthcare, the number and size distribution of airborne suspended particles are critical variables affecting product quality and process stability. The Air Particle Counter is the core instrument for measuring the number and size of airborne particles. Major particle counter brands on the market include Lighthouse (USA), Beckman Coulter (USA, including the Met One series), TSI (USA), PMS (Particle Measuring Systems, USA), and Climet (USA). Among these, TSI and Lighthouse are leaders in global technology accumulation and brand influence. PMS excels in ultra clean environment detection, while Climet is renowned for its exceptionally low calibration failure rate and low total cost of ownership (TCO).
II. Working Principles of Particle Counters
Air particle counters are primarily based on two technical principles: the light scattering principle (Optical Particle Counter, OPC) and the condensation nucleus principle (Condensation Particle Counter, CPC).
1. Light Scattering Principle (Optical Particle Counter)
The optical particle counter is the most widely used particle counting technology. Its core working principle is that particles in the air scatter light when illuminated, and the intensity of the scattered light is proportional to the particle's surface area—the larger the particle, the stronger the scattered light.
The specific workflow is as follows:
l Light from a source (laser or conventional tungsten lamp) is focused by a lens group into the measurement chamber, forming a "sensitive volume";
l As the sample airflow passes through the measurement chamber, each particle quickly traverses the sensitive volume, scattering the incident light once and generating an optical pulse signal;
l The scattered light signal is collected by a lens group and sent to a photodetector (photomultiplier tube or photodiode), where it is proportionally converted into an electrical pulse signal;
l The electrical pulse signal is amplified and discriminated by electronic circuits, and the counting system performs counting and particle size analysis—the number of electrical pulses corresponds to the number of particles, and the pulse amplitude corresponds to particle size.
Particle counters with laser light sources can detect particles as small as 0.1μm, while conventional light sources are generally suitable for particles above 0.3μm. Modern particle counters are typically equipped with multiple particle size channels, allowing simultaneous monitoring of particles in different size ranges.
2. Condensation Nucleus Principle (Condensation Particle Counter)
For ultrafine particles (nanoscale), optical scattering methods are difficult to use directly. The Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) solves this problem through a physical amplification principle.
Its working principle is: the nanoparticles to be measured are guided through a vapor atmosphere saturated with a working fluid (such as butanol or water). The particles act as condensation nuclei, causing the vapor to condense on their surfaces, "growing" the nanoparticles to micrometer size, which are then precisely counted using an optical light scattering detector. TSI has decades of innovation in CPC technology, and its 3750 series CPC is recognized as the benchmark for nanoparticle counting. PMS has introduced the NanoAir™ 10 nm Air Particle Counter, which combines the sensitivity of a CPC with the ease of use of a traditional cleanroom particle counter, achieving 10 nm detection sensitivity at a 2.8 LPM sample flow rate.
III. Overview of Major Brand Particle Counter Products
1. Lighthouse (USA)
Founded in 1982, Lighthouse has been focused on clean environment monitoring for over 40 years and is one of the world's leading companies in cleanroom particle counter market share. Its product line covers handheld, portable, remote, and high flow particle counters:
l Handheld Series: For example, the Handheld 3016 IAQ offers up to 6 simultaneous particle size channels, a 3.8 inch color touchscreen, cumulative and differential particle count data, temperature and humidity data, and can store up to 3,000 particle data records. The 3013 model is a 3 channel lightweight design with a battery life of over 8 hours.
l High Flow Portable: The Apex Z50 offers a 0.5–25μm particle size range, 100 LPM high flow sampling, a 7 inch color touchscreen, a sealed chemical resistant housing, advanced self diagnostics, and hot swappable smart batteries. Data can be wirelessly transmitted to a computer or server for use as a wireless real time sensor.
l High Sensitivity Benchtop: The Solair 1100 has 0.1μm sensitivity, 1 CFM (28.3 L/min) flow rate, uses long life laser diode technology, and is designed for ISO Class 1 to 9 cleanroom operations. The Lighthouse 1100 benchtop model provides 8 channel simultaneous monitoring with a measurement range of 0–1,000,000 particles/cubic foot.
l Remote Particle Counters: For example, the Remote Active Count series features isokinetic sampling probes, built in flow control, and alarm functions to ensure 28.3 L/min sample flow stability.
2. Beckman Coulter – Met One Series
Beckman Coulter's Met One series is an industry benchmark for cleanroom particle detection, consistently dedicated to stable testing of airborne particles in various grades of cleanrooms (areas) in pharmaceutical plants.
l Handheld HHPC Series: The MET ONE HHPC+ handheld particle counter weighs only 1.5 lbs and enables one handed operation, suitable for filter leak detection in microenvironments and workstations, and cleanroom classification verification. Its unique charging base allows convenient data retrieval via Ethernet or USB, while ensuring the instrument is fully charged and ready. The MET ONE HHPC 6+ is a six channel design widely used in high tech cleanroom environments such as semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturing.
l Portable 3400+ Series: The MET ONE 3400+ series sets a new standard for pharmaceutical cleanroom classification and environmental monitoring, featuring a 10 inch high resolution LCD touchscreen operable with gloves, a stainless steel housing and sealed design to meet routine disinfection needs. The series supports automated SOP control and sampling point mapping; after sampling, location icons turn green for clear progress tracking.
l Remote 6000 Series: The MET ONE 6000 remote air particle counter provides continuous particle monitoring with ISO 21501 accuracy, using a long life laser diode for reliable continuous monitoring, and flexibly supports multiple particle size sensitivity configurations at 0.1 CFM or 1.0 CFM flow rates.
3. TSI (USA)
TSI has deep technical expertise in particle counting technology, with a product line covering handheld, portable, remote, and condensation particle counters:
l Handheld AeroTrak Series: The 9303 is a basic three channel model with a particle size range of 0.3–25μm, flow rate 2.83 L/min, housed in a rugged, lightweight high impact injection molded shell weighing only 1.3 lbs. The 9306 is an advanced six channel model with a 3.7 inch color touchscreen, Windows CE interface, optional temperature/humidity probe, and storage capacity of 10,000 data records. All AeroTrak handheld particle counters comply with ISO 21501 4.
l Portable 9550: The AeroTrak 9550 offers 50 L/min high flow sampling and is compatible with TSI ventilation probes for simultaneous measurement of air velocity, temperature, and humidity, providing a complete solution for cleanroom certification. It supports TRAKPRO™ Lite Secure software for enhanced data integrity functionality compliant with ALCOA+ principles, meeting GMP regulatory requirements.
l Portable 9550: The AeroTrak 9550 offers 50 L/min high flow sampling and is compatible with TSI ventilation probes for simultaneous measurement of air velocity, temperature, and humidity, providing a complete solution for cleanroom certification. It supports TRAKPRO™ Lite Secure software for enhanced data integrity functionality compliant with ALCOA+ principles, meeting GMP regulatory requirements.
4. PMS (Particle Measuring Systems, USA)
PMS is the world's largest particle counter manufacturer and pioneered laser particle counting technology. Its products have significant technical advantages in ultra clean environment monitoring:
l Lasair Series Air Particle Counters: The Lasair® III 110 is a true 0.1μm particle counter based on laser diode technology, with 1.0 CFM flow rate and a three year laser warranty. The Lasair® Pro is suitable for portable or remote applications and supports 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 1 requirements.
l NanoAir™ 10 Nanoparticle Counter: A revolutionary product combining CPC sensitivity with the ease of use of traditional particle counters, achieving 10 nm detection sensitivity at a 2.8 LPM sample flow rate, with a size 83% smaller than comparable products, designed for monitoring ultra clean micro environments such as Equipment Front End Modules (EFEM) inside tools.
l Remote Particle Counters: The IsoAir® Pro features a built in vacuum pump and PoE support, an award winning remote particle counter design. The Airnet® II mobile particle sensor complies with ISO 21501 4 and EU GMP Annex 1.
l HandiLaz® Mini II Handheld: Ergonomically designed, lightweight and easy to use, suitable for rapid cleanroom monitoring.
l Multi point Sampler AM II: A 16/32 position aerosol manifold that allows a single stationary particle counter to monitor multiple locations sequentially.
5. Climet (USA)
Climet has been operating since 1962 as a division of Venturedyne Ltd., specializing in the research and production of air particle counting technology. The company holds dozens of multi jurisdiction patents in the fields of particle counting and microbiological sampling, with each manufactured instrument incorporating at least one of these innovations.
l Portable/High Flow Series:
CI 150 Series (28.3 L/min): 4 particle size channels (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0μm), battery life 5 6 hours, built in thermal printer;
CI 450 Series (50 L/min): 4 channels (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0μm), battery life 4.5 5.5 hours, generates automatic pass/fail reports for FS 209E, ISO 14644, and EU GMP Annex 1;
CI 750 Series (75 L/min): The world's first 75 LPM particle counter, 4 channels (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0μm), completes 1 cubic meter sampling in 13.3 minutes;
CI 1050 Series (100 L/min): 4 channels (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0μm), completes 1 cubic meter sampling in 10 minutes.
All portable series feature a unified compact design (22×21.6×24.1 cm, net weight 5.0 kg), equipped with colour LCD touchscreen, four level user password authority (meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11), built in printer, and RS 232/Ethernet/USB communication interfaces.
l Remote Continuous Monitoring Series:
CI 3100 Trident OPT Series: The world's first particle counter with a built in vacuum pump and PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) support. Upgraded in July 2024 with automatic altitude compensation (-200 to 8,000 feet) to ensure flow rate remains within ±5% regulatory limits; automatic network time synchronization to avoid regulatory recording violations; equipped with a 360° full view sampling status light ring. Standard 2 channel sizes (0.5μm and 5.0μm), 1 CFM flow rate, fully VHP compatible;
CI 3100 RS Remote Sensor Series: Requires external vacuum source, supports 4 20mA or RS 485 Modbus output, 1 CFM standard flow, VHP compatible.
l Microbial Samplers:
CI 95A Series: Active impaction microbial sampler, compatible with 90mm standard Petri dishes or RODAC plates, offering 25 LPM, 1 CFM, or 100 LPM flow options. Polished stainless steel housing effectively prevents particle and microorganism adhesion, reducing cross contamination risk, and is compatible with VHP and other common inactivation treatments.
IV. Particle Counter Solution Architecture
Layer 1 (Core): Particle counter main unit – includes laser sensor, air pump/vacuum pump (powered airflow system), signal processing board, power supply, display, etc.;
Layer 2 (Accessories): Isokinetic sampling probe, sampling tubing, diluter, dryer, calibration filter, tripod, temperature/humidity probe, etc.;
Layer 3 (System): Data management software, LIMS integration, environmental monitoring system (EMS), etc.
V. Hardware Solution:
1. Overall Hardware System Architecture
The hardware system of an air particle counter can be divided into four functional modules:
2. Airflow System
The airflow system provides the physical foundation for the particle counter's sampling action, drawing the sample air from the environment through the sensor and exhausting it.
2.1 Sampling Inlet Components
2.2 Flow Control Components
2.3 Power Components
2.4 Filtration & Exhaust Components
3. Optical Sensor System
The optical sensor system is the "heart" of the particle counter, responsible for particle detection and size discrimination.
3.1 Light Source Components
3.2 Scattered Light Collection Components
3.3 Photodetection Components
4. Circuit & Control System
4.1 Signal Processing Circuits
4.2 Main Control & Computing Unit
4.3 Power Supply & Battery Module
4.4 Communication & Data Interfaces
5. Mechanical Structure & Auxiliary Components
5.1 Housing & Enclosure
5.2 Human Machine Interface
5.3 Auxiliary Sensors (Optional)
6. Brand Hardware Comparison
Other particle counter brands include: Rion, Kanomax, Grimm, PAMAS, Spectro, HCT, Fluke, IQAir, Particles Plus, Topas, STAUFF, etc.
6. Core Power / Airflow System
Sampling Pump: The Power Core of a Particle Counter
In actual operation of a particle counter, the "sampling air pump" is the key component that ensures the gas passes through the detection area at a constant flow rate. Flow stability directly affects counting accuracy and repeatability. A high performance pump must simultaneously meet stringent requirements: stable flow, low pulsation, low noise, and long life – all crucial for achieving high precision, low false alarm measurements.
Among the many sampling pump solutions, the MOOG AMP45 stands out as a widely used benchmark product in the industry due to its outstanding performance.
Product Overview
The MOOG AMP45 belongs to Moog's AirMax™ P45 series – a single stage, high pressure, brushless DC blower. It features a highly integrated design that combines the drive electronics with the motor body, delivering excellent pressure and flow output in a compact size. It is widely used in high end particle counters, medical ventilators, and industrial vacuum systems.
Key Technical Features
l Efficient Brushless Motor: Three phase brushless DC motor with integrated drive electronics, high efficiency, low heat generation.
l Flexible Speed Control: Supports 0 5V analog voltage or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals for precise stepless speed regulation, easy integration with various particle counter systems.
l Real time Speed Feedback: Provides Tach Out (tachometer output) signal for real time monitoring of fan status, facilitating fault diagnosis and closed loop control.
l Compact & Lightweight: Small footprint, weight only 310g, ideal for space constrained portable or miniaturised particle counters.
l Long Life & High Reliability: Uses long life ball bearings and special lubricants, with ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection, maintaining stability under continuous operation.
l Innovative Airflow Structure: Uses a novel cavity design that isolates the airflow path from the motor stator and rotor, effectively preventing moisture and dust from entering the motor interior, significantly extending service life.
Market Status & Alternatives
In recent years, the supply of sampling pump core components (such as rare earth permanent magnets for synchronous motors, power electronics) has become heavily dependent on rare earth materials (e.g., neodymium, dysprosium). China's rare earth export controls directly affect upstream raw material supply and production costs, leading to discontinued parts, extended lead times, and price increases for the MOOG AMP45, significantly impacting the particle counter supply chain. As a result, many mature alternative solutions have emerged in the market. Among these, the TKFAN BA8050 offers the best alternative.
l Same physical dimensions as the original
l Supports PWM or 0 5V speed control
l Identical function and performance, directly compatible with existing systems, effectively ensuring continuity and stability of equipment manufacturing.
Compared to the AMP45, the BA8050 offers additional advantages:
l Higher airflow: BA8050 maximum output 26 28 CFM, while AMP45 is 25 CFM.
l OEM/ODM customisation: TKFAN can provide customisation services per customer needs; already offers 28.3 L/min, 50 L/min, 100 L/min solutions, as well as sensored and sensorless options.
l Faster service and response: TKFAN brings together top industry talents; provides solutions in 7 10 days, prototyping in 1 2 months, mass production in 2 3 months; can continuously optimise products within 3 7 days per customer feedback.
l High cost effectiveness: 1/2 or even 1/3 of the price.
l Easier mounting: In addition to bottom screw holes, the BA8050 features three aluminium alloy screw holes on the outer perimeter for more convenient installation.
l Replacing the AMP45 with the BA8050 is not merely a component substitution – it represents a strategic upgrade from technological dependency to supply chain independence. In the face of uncontrollable international trade risks, proactively offering a fully validated, domestically produced high performance alternative not only solves the immediate delivery crisis but also enhances product supply chain resilience and long term market competitiveness.
VII. Core Accessories Solutions (by Brand)
A complete air particle counting solution requires not only the main unit but also various accessories configured according to specific applications. Below are typical accessory solutions from each brand.
1. Sampling System Accessories
1.1 Isokinetic Sampling Probe
The isokinetic sampling probe is the most basic sampling accessory, ensuring that the airflow velocity at the sampling inlet matches the ambient airflow velocity. Lighthouse supplies isokinetic sampling probes as standard for all models, connecting via Teflon tubing to the sampling inlet to help reduce counting errors for small particles. PMS offers isokinetic probes for IsoAir® Pro that can be mounted directly to the inlet or remotely positioned via stainless steel rigid tubing or flexible tubing. Beckman Coulter's MET ONE 3400+ series includes an ISO probe and stand as standard. Different flow rates (2.83, 28.3, 50, 100 L/min) require matching probe sizes. Climet provides stainless steel isokinetic probes, isolator probes, and shielded isokinetic probes.
1.2 Sample Tubing
For multi point sampling, a manifold allows a single counter to sequentially sample from multiple locations. Beckman Coulter's MET ONE manifold system allows a single 3400 series counter to monitor up to 32 points. PMS's AM II 16/32 aerosol manifold enables continuous multi position monitoring. Lighthouse also offers 6 position and 32 position manifold controllers. Climet provides sample tubing custom cut to user specified lengths.
1.3 Remote Sampling Head
Climet offers remote sampling heads for isolators, RABS, and biosafety cabinets, available in vertical or bottom port configurations.
2. Sample Conditioning Accessories
2.1 Aerosol Diluter (High Pressure Gas Diffuser)
When particle concentrations are too high, a diluter reduces the concentration entering the counter to protect the sensor. TSI offers various dilution solutions, including dilution bridges and the turntable thermal diluter 379020A with adjustable dilution ratio, no tools or recalibration needed, and a built in heater to avoid volatile compound condensation. Universal dilution systems compatible with TSI and other major brands are also available. Climet provides pharmaceutical grade, autoclavable high pressure gas diffusers for particle sampling in high pressure inert gases such as nitrogen and CO₂.
2.2 Aerosol Dryer (Dehumidifier)
High humidity significantly affects measurement accuracy. TSI offers complete sampling, drying, and dilution aerosol solutions, including diffusion dryers, sheath flow dryers, etc. The TSI 3795 NPET nanoparticle emission tester includes a water trap and silica gel dryer to remove moisture.
3. Calibration & Verification Accessories
3.1 Zero Count Filter (Calibration Filter)
Lighthouse includes a zero filter (0.2μm) as standard for zero checks and line purification. Climet provides tested and certified ISO Class 3 zero count filters.
3.2 Flow Calibrator
TSI offers the 4048 flow calibrator, an essential accessory for CPCs and filter testers, with a flow range of 0 200 L/min, used to verify internal pump flow.
3.3 Calibration Services & Standards
All major brands recommend annual calibration. Lighthouse recommends annual calibration by certified service providers. TSI offers two service levels: "Clean & Calibrate" and "Repair, Clean & Calibrate". All mainstream products comply with ISO 21501 4 and are calibrated using NIST traceable PSL microspheres.
Climet is renowned for its exceptionally low calibration failure rate – internal studies and customer TCO feedback indicate its failure rate is an order of magnitude lower than major competitors. In regulated industries, a single calibration failure triggering a deviation investigation costs on average $8,000 12,000, so Climet's low failure rate significantly reduces hidden quality costs.
4. Environmental Monitoring Expansion Accessories
4.1 Temperature/Humidity Sensor
Lighthouse offers optional RH/Temp probes with measurement ranges 0 100% RH (±3% RH) and -20 80℃ (±0.5℃). TSI's AeroTrak 9550 is compatible with ventilation probes for simultaneous air velocity, temperature, and humidity measurement. Beckman Coulter's MET ONE 6000 remote counter offers optional RH/Temp probes. Climet's CI 3100 series offers optional RH/Temp probes.
4.2 Pressure Sensor
Lighthouse offers an optional pressure sensor with ±1000 Pa range, ±1% accuracy.
4.3 Alarm Tower
Climet offers the CI 309A stainless steel alarm tower for CI 3100 Ethernet particle counters, used with DataPro 3 software.
4.4 Barcode Scanner
Climet provides an RS 232 barcode scanner for easy input of location IDs and other information into the particle counter.
5. Data Processing & Output Accessories
5.1 Data Management Software
Lighthouse: LMS Express and LMS Express RT real time monitoring software, supports data download and analysis from Apex, Solair, and handheld counters, compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.
TSI: TRAKPRO™ Lite Secure software, supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles, meets GMP regulatory requirements.
PMS: DataAnalyst software, supports 21 CFR Part 11, manages particle counter data simply and cost effectively.
Climet: Supports LIMS friendly sample data file push to network. CI 3100 Trident series supports Ethernet Modbus or CSV file upload, easily integrated into standard environmental monitoring systems and LIMS software.
5.2 External Printer & Storage Accessories
Lighthouse offers built in printers on some models (e.g., 3016+/5016+).
TSI AeroTrak 9550 supports integrated printer for direct report printing.
Climet portable series (CI 150/450/750/1050) all include built in thermal printers as standard. Climet also offers spare/replacement USB memory keys.
5.3 Carrying Case
Climet provides rugged hard shell carrying cases for portable particle counters and microbial samplers.
VIII. Typical Application Scenarios
Air particle counters are used across a wide range of fields with strict cleanliness requirements:
l Cleanroom Certification & Classification: Classification and periodic monitoring per ISO 14644 1 or GMP. Lighthouse supports FS 209E, ISO 14644 1, EU GMP Annex 1 report formats; TSI 9550 generates pass/fail reports per these standards; PMS products comply with EU GMP Annex 1 and ISO 14644; Climet series generate automatic pass/fail reports for FS 209E, ISO 14644, and EU GMP Annex 1.
l Pharmaceutical Environmental Monitoring: Routine environmental monitoring in aseptic filling rooms and production lines. Beckman Coulter MET ONE series and Climet (whose CI 95A microbial sampler meets ISO 14698 1) are widely used for GMP compliance monitoring in pharma.
l Semiconductor Manufacturing: Real time monitoring of 0.1μm level ultra clean environments during wafer production. PMS leads in semiconductor ultra pure environmental detection.
l Filter Leak Testing & Validation: Integrity testing of HEPA/ULPA filter systems. Climet's V Probe filter scanning probe easily identifies leak points.
l Ambient Air Monitoring: Urban air quality monitoring, long term ultrafine particle (UFP) observation.
l HVAC System Assessment: Evaluation of particulate filtration efficiency in ventilation and air conditioning systems.
IX. Summary
Air particle counters serve as the "eyes" of clean environment monitoring. The two major technical principles – light scattering and condensation nucleus – cover detection needs for both micrometre and nanometre particles. The five major brands – Lighthouse, Beckman Coulter, TSI, PMS, and Climet – each have their strengths: Lighthouse offers a comprehensive product line and user friendly interfaces; Beckman Coulter's Met One series is a benchmark in the pharmaceutical industry; TSI leads in condensation particle counting and nanodetection; PMS excels in ultra pure environment monitoring and ultra high sensitivity detection; Climet, with over 60 years of industry expertise, dozens of pioneering technologies, an exceptionally low calibration failure rate, and the lowest total cost of ownership, is the preferred choice for users seeking long term reliability and compliance.
A comprehensive particle counting solution goes far beyond the main unit – from isokinetic sampling probes to aerosol diluters, from dryers to calibration devices, from data management software to environmental sensors – the proper configuration of accessories directly determines measurement accuracy, reliability, and applicability. As pharmaceutical GMP and semiconductor processes continue to raise environmental requirements, particle counters and their supporting solutions will continue to evolve toward higher sensitivity, greater intelligence, and more systematic integration.
