Are you considering a new particle counter for your cleanroom? There are a number of options that might be right for you. Before reading through the pros and cons of each particle counter, we recommend you create a list of what you are looking for in your particle counter. On this list, we recommend you note the practical things you need in a particle counter – outside of its ability to measure particle count and size (but we’ll get to that).
Handheld Particle Counter
A handheld particle counter is a small particle counter that is easily moved for spot checks in a cleanroom.
Pros:
- Since the particle counter can be easily moved, it’s useful in the process of classifying a cleanroom. It can be moved all throughout the cleanroom to get the average particle count easily.
- Handheld particle counters usually have a localized display on the particle counter, so you can see the results without leaving the cleanroom. Since you’re entering and exiting the cleanroom less, it lowers your contamination risk.
- Newer handheld particle counters can come with a lot of connectivity and data organization options.
- It’s easier and more affordable to use a handheld particle, as they are widely available.
- Since it’s small, it has a ton of flexibility around its usage. This also makes it easier to use.
- They have a wide range of applications, including indoor air quality.
- A handheld particle counter will also usually tell you the temperature and relative humidity.
Cons:
- Since the handheld particle counter is small, it does not force airflow. Thus, due to the lower airflow, it can take longer than other particle counter options to produce a reading.
- A handheld particle counter is designed for spot checks, so it does not integrate well into a real-time system.
Conclusion
A handheld particle counter is an affordable option for those who need a mobile option or have a desire for spot-checking. But it doesn’t serve well as a permanent particle counter in a large cleanroom that could benefit from a real-time monitoring system.
Remote Particle Counter
A remote particle counter is a particle counter that is not designed to be moved, which continually sends readings to an external source.
Pros:
- Remote particle counters are typically small and designed to fit seamlessly into your cleanroom or machine.
- They are more affordable than a portable particle counter.
- They have a ton of integration options, so they can integrate into a system you already have established.
- Remote particle counters also tend to have a wide variety of communication options, so you can get results in a way that works for you.
- They are ideal for stationary larger systems.
- You don’t have to move them aside from annual calibrations.
Cons:
- A remote particle counter is only able to monitor one location easily since it does not move. If you are able to integrate a system of them, they work well with large systems.
- Typically, remote particle counters report data remotely, so they don’t have a local display. If you need to know the readings while you’re in the cleanroom, then it might not be the right choice for you.
- Unless the remote has an internal pump, a remote particle counter will need an external vacuum to create airflow.
- Remote particle counters usually need infrastructures built around them, such as pre-existing communication, power, vacuum lines, and other systems, so premeditation is often required.
Conclusion
If you have an established system in a cleanroom where the configuration does not change, then a remote particle counter might be the best choice for you. If you are not equipped to create a system of particle counters but have a number of locations that need to be monitored, then you might go in a different direction.
Portable Particle Counter
A portable particle counter is larger than a handheld particle counter but more mobile than a remote particle counter.
Pros:
- The portable particle counter is ideal for classifying a cleanroom, as they are designed to be highly accurate, create a vacuum, and be mobile.
- A portable particle counter also has a localized display so you are able to see the particle counts without leaving the cleanroom, which can alert you immediately of contamination risk.
- These forms of particle counters are also designed in depth to have connectivity and data organization options.
- Portable particle counters are designed to have flexible usage and are typically very user-friendly and ergonomic.
- You can move portable particle counters throughout the day, allowing you to keep accurate readings throughout your cleanroom.
- They do not need established infrastructure, although they can integrate to pre-existing systems
- There is minimal set-up involved with a portable particle counter.
- They usually have the highest airflows of all particle counters, giving a quicker volume sampled.
Cons:
- Because of the flexibility and adaptability of a portable particle counter, they are often more expensive than the remote particle counter or the handheld particle counter.
Conclusion
In just about any situation, a portable particle counter can offer you fast, accurate readings in a self-contained space. While they are larger and more expensive than the other two options, they come with a wide range of adaptability and versatility.
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