SubscribeNo separate instrument required to test microbial content in compressed gasses
According to ISO 14698 Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments--Biocontamination control, Part 1: General principles and methods, when designing a sampling plan you should you consider the "impact of operations, personnel, and equipment in zones at risk, which contribute to contamination". This means that you should not only monitor critical components of your controlled environment such as personal attire, manufacturing equipment and room ambient air but also compressed gasses.
Biotest has announced the introduction of the RCS Compressed Gas (CG) Adapter for detecting the microbial content of compressed gasses in any area where specific microbial counts must not be exceeded. Used in conjunction with the validated RCS Plus, RCS High Flow or RCS Isolator Microbial Air Samplers, the CG-Adapter provides a simple yet effective measurement of high & low concentrations of microbes in isolators and laminar flow environments, as well as in sterile and aseptic production lines.
The RCS CG-Adapter consists of a diffuser, reduction nozzle and tube connection, where the compressed gas pipeline can be connected to the adapter. As gas flow enters the Adapter through the connection tube, the velocity of the volume flow is restricted by the reduction nozzle. The conduit of the air stream then expands in the diffuser allowing the gas to arrive inside the attached RCS Air Sampler almost pressure free. Excess air from the compressed gas line flows over the protection cap of the RCS Sampler through the small gap between the diffuser and protection gap, thus preventing turbulence in laminar flow applications. Also, along with the rotor and protection cap of the RCS Air Sampler, the Adapter can be autoclaved.
January 2006