Cleanroom Air Sampler FKC-1 – AELAB

The AELAB FKC-1 Microbial Air Sampler is an impactor-type instrument for viable air monitoring in cleanrooms and controlled environments. The device draws air at a defined flow of 100 L/min and deposits airborne microorganisms onto agar surfaces for incubation and colony enumeration, supporting contamination control and qualification activities across pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, and biotechnology facilities.

⚙ Design & Construction

The AELAB FKC-1 comprises an upper impactor assembly with a perforated sampling head, sampling seat, and pump, and a lower base incorporating the controller and batteries. The Aluminum exterior presents a smooth, non-porous surface that can be sterilized and disinfected prior to sampling. The inlet features multiple precision orifices that distribute the jet pattern, reducing puffball superposition and improving count accuracy on 90 mm Petri dishes.

🔬 Working Principle / Testing Method

The impactor accelerates intake air so that viable particles impinge onto agar in a standard 90 × 15 mm culture dish. The FKC-1 maintains equal-flow (isokinetic) sampling with an inlet impact speed of 0.38 m/s, matching typical cleanroom airflow. After sampling a defined volume (0.001–9.999 m³), plates are incubated to obtain CFU counts, quantifying microbial concentration as CFU per cubic meter of air.

💡 Key Advantages

• Isokinetic accuracy: AELAB FKC-1 regulates inlet velocity at 0.38 m/s to reflect true cleanroom airflow during viable air sampling.
• High sampling throughput: Fixed 100 L/min flow supports time-efficient monitoring during qualification and routine EM rounds.
• Standardized consumables: Uses common 90 mm agar plates for broad media compatibility and validated recovery.
• Count integrity: Multi-hole impactor head minimizes colony coalescence for more reliable CFU enumeration.
• Portable operation: DC 16.8 V rechargeable system provides approximately 4 h runtime for field or room-to-room surveys.

🔗 Connectivity & Integration

The AELAB FKC-1 integrates into microbiological environmental monitoring by pairing with incubators and colony counting workflows. Results are recorded as sampled volume and subsequent CFU counts on the plate. The instrument is compatible with SOP-driven EM programs and trending in LIMS or quality systems using manual data entry from plate counts.

🧠 Model Insight

Model FKC-1 centers on equal-flow impact sampling for viable particle capture. The perforated head geometry and controlled 100 L/min flow stabilize jet impaction across the 90 mm agar surface. The instrument’s cylindrical form factor (φ120 × 325 mm; 4.0 kg) and Aluminum build facilitate handheld or tripod-based use in clean zones.

🧪 Testing Applications

• Pharmaceutical cleanroom viable air monitoring during qualification and routine EM.
• Hospital sterile area surveillance for airborne pathogens.
• Food and beverage QC area monitoring for hygienic zoning.
• Biotechnology R&D spaces and small-scale production suites.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

The AELAB FKC-1 supports viable air sampling methods commonly used in cleanroom environmental monitoring programs. Use according to site SOPs and applicable regulatory guidance; verify calibration and media recovery per quality procedures.