A Remote Start Sampler is a specialized air quality monitoring device used in critical environments like cleanrooms, laboratories, and pharmaceutical facilities. It allows users to control sampling operations remotely, typically up to 54 feet from the controller, minimizing human interference and maintaining environmental integrity.
Equipped with features like HEPA filtration, precise flow rate control (1 CFM), and a NEMA 4X enclosure, it ensures accurate and reliable particulate collection for compliance with ISO standards. Ideal for monitoring ISO 5 environments, it offers efficiency, safety, and flexibility in critical operations.
A Remote Start Sampler operates by drawing air through a sampling head containing collection media (typically 100mm TSA plates) at a controlled flow rate of 28.3 SLPM (1 CFM). The user activates the system via a remote control switch housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure, which can be positioned up to 54 feet from the sampling area.
Once initiated, the vacuum pump in the controller unit pulls air through the sampling dome (with a 0.007″ slit width), capturing airborne particles on the collection media. The integrated timer allows for precise sampling durations between 1 second and 59 minutes 59 seconds.
After sampling, the HEPA-filtered exhaust (99.97% efficient at 0.2 microns) ensures no contamination is released back into the environment
| Component | Material/Features | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling Head | Aluminum and stainless steel; TSA-compatible | Guides airflow and collects particulates on 100mm TSA plates. |
| Control Unit | Aluminum, blue/white powder-coated. Timer: 1 sec. to 59 min | Houses electronics and adjustable sampling settings. |
| Remote Control | NEMA 4X enclosure; Start/Stop/Reset buttons | Operable up to 54 feet from the sampling site. |
| HEPA Filter | 99.97% efficient at 0.2 microns | Filters out contaminants from exhaust air. |
Remote Start Technology enhances monitoring by providing the convenience of sampling from a distance and reducing the risk of contamination. These samplers offer remote control capability up to 54 feet, eliminating the need for the operator to be near the sampling area.
With precise timing settings (from 1 second to 59 minutes 59 seconds) and a flow rate of 1 CFM, this technology guarantees accurate and consistent results, especially in critical environments like ISO 5 cleanrooms and laboratories.
The HEPA filter (99.97% efficiency) prevents contamination, ensuring clean and reliable monitoring while also ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as USP <797> and ISO 14644.
Modern remote start samplers are designed with precise flow rate specifications to ensure accurate and reliable sampling. The R2S model, for instance, operates at a standardized flow rate of 28.3 SLPM (Standard Liters Per Minute), equivalent to 60 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) or 1 CFM (Cubic Foot per Minute). This standardized flow rate aligns with industry requirements for particulate monitoring in controlled environments.
Extended Control Distance: The ability to position control units at significant distances (up to 54 feet) from the actual sampling head provides tremendous operational flexibility.
Weatherproof Housing: NEMA 4X enclosures for control switches ensure durability and protection against environmental factors that could compromise sampling integrity.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive control systems with simple Start/Stop/Reset functions allow for straightforward operation even by personnel with minimal training.
Remote start samplers excel in monitoring ISO 5 (formerly Class 100) cleanrooms, where continuous air quality verification is essential. These environments require particulate counts below 3,520 particles per cubic meter (≥0.5μm), making reliable sampling technology crucial for compliance and quality assurance.
Within laboratory settings, laminar flow hoods create controlled environments for sensitive procedures. Remote start samplers can be strategically positioned to monitor these spaces without disrupting the laminar flow patterns or introducing additional contamination risks from manual intervention.
The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on isolator systems to maintain sterile conditions for drug preparation and testing. Remote start samplers provide an ideal monitoring solution by allowing control from outside the isolator while sampling occurs within the critical space.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Accessibility | Operate the sampler from up to 54 feet away using an intuitive in-line switch. | Minimizes human presence near critical environments, reducing contamination risks. |
| Precise Flow Rate Control | The standardized flow rate of 28.3 SLPM (1 CFM) ensures accurate sampling. | Meets regulatory and industry standards for consistent environmental monitoring. |
| Durable Build | Made with aluminum, and stainless steel, and housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure for protection. | Ensures long-lasting performance, even in harsh or sensitive conditions. |
| HEPA Filtered Exhaust | Removes particles larger than 0.2 microns with efficiency of 99.97%. | Prevents contamination during sampling to maintain environmental integrity. |
| Programmable Timer | Adjustable timer allows sampling durations between 1 second and 59 minutes 59 seconds. | Enables accurate and consistent monitoring over defined periods. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Supports compliance with standards like ISO 14644, USP <797>, and FDA guidelines. | Ensures industry standards are met, minimizing inspection or audit risks. |
| Operational Efficiency | Allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations with reduced manual intervention. | Saves time, optimizes resources, and enables better staff allocation. |
| Integration-Friendly Design | Compatible with modern data logging systems, IoT integration, and automation platforms. | Future-proof solution for smart monitoring, ensuring scalability and adaptability to evolving technologies. |
| Minimized Contamination Risks | Requires no manual intervention near the sampling environment during operations. | Improves data integrity while maintaining sterility in sensitive setups like cleanrooms and isolators. |
For pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, FDA regulations require stringent environmental monitoring. Remote start samplers support compliance with these requirements by providing reliable, documented air quality data while minimizing contamination risks during the sampling process.
The ISO 14644 series establishes international standards for cleanroom environments. Part 1 specifically addresses air cleanliness by particle concentration.
Requiring regular monitoring which remote start samplers are designed to facilitate efficiently.
United States Pharmacopeia chapters covering sterile compounding (<797>) and hazardous drugs (<800>).
Specify environmental monitoring requirements that can be effectively addressed using remote start sampling technology.
When implementing remote start sampling technology, several factors must be considered:
To maintain accuracy and reliability, regular calibration and maintenance procedures are essential:
Remote start sampling technology contributes to higher data integrity by:
From an operational perspective, remote sampling offers significant advantages:
When evaluating remote start sampling systems, consider these key factors:
While implementing advanced sampling technology represents an investment, the benefits often justify the expenditure:
Since 1992, Applied Physics Corporation has been a leading global provider of precision contamination control and metrology standards. We specialize in airflow visualization, particle size standards, and cleanroom decontamination solutions for critical environments.
