Description
Count-Cal Precision Particle Count Standards
Count-Cal Precision Particle Count Standards eliminate the time, equipment, and contamination risks associated with serial dilutions and manual tare weighing. Formulated for validating liquid optical particle counters (LPCs), each bottle contains monodisperse polystyrene microspheres suspended at a verified concentration of 3,000 particles/mL ±10% in an ultra-clean aqueous matrix.
Packaged in single-use 25 mL bottles, these standards are designed for direct-from-bottle sampling. This approach eliminates sample-transfer vessels, background-cleaning blanks, and operator-induced pipetting errors.
Count-Cal standards support pharmaceutical manufacturers of parenteral drugs and ophthalmic solutions that require regular interim verification of particle counters under USP <788>, USP <789>, EP, and JP guidelines. They are also suitable for semiconductor ultrapure water (UPW) testing facilities.
Key Features
- Direct-from-bottle sampling: Eliminates serial dilutions, volumetric glassware preparation, and secondary transfer containers, reducing background particulate contamination.
- Dual-certified metrology: Particle diameter and concentration are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Pharmaceutical regulatory support: Designed for daily and interim verification workflows under USP <788>, Particulate Matter in Injections, and USP <789>, Particulate Matter in Ophthalmic Solutions.
- Ultra-clean diluent: Prepared in 0.2 µm membrane-filtered deionized water with trace dispersing agents to inhibit particle agglomeration and container-wall adherence.
- Single-use format: Supplied as a six-pack of 25 mL bottles, ensuring a fresh, unopened standard for each test.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Particle material | Monodisperse polystyrene/polymer microspheres |
| Available diameters | 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, and 70 µm |
| Certified concentration | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% |
| Carrier diluent | Ultra-clean, 0.2 µm filtered deionized water |
| Particle density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1.59 at 589 nm and 25 °C |
| Size distribution | Peak standard deviation below 3% CV |
| Packaging | Six single-use 25 mL bottles, 6 × 25 mL |
| Traceability | Particle size and count traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials |
| Storage temperature | 2 °C to 8 °C; do not freeze |
Part Number and Variant Selection
| Part number | Nominal diameter | Certified diameter peak | Size distribution | Count concentration | Packaging | Primary application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APCC02-PK | 2 µm | 2.0 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | UPW and microelectronics fluid testing |
| APCC05-PK | 5 µm | 5.010 ± 0.035 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | Fluid power and hydraulic contamination |
| APCC10-PK | 10 µm | 10.00 ± 0.08 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | USP <788> primary threshold testing |
| APCC15-PK | 15 µm | 15.02 ± 0.15 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | Sensor resolution and channel thresholding |
| APCC20-PK | 20 µm | 20.0 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | Particle counter volumetric calibration |
| APCC25-PK | 25 µm | 25.0 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | USP <788> large-particle threshold testing |
| APCC30-PK | 30 µm | 30.0 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | Liquid particle counter validation |
| APCC50-PK | 50 µm | 50.2 ± 0.3 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | USP <789> ophthalmic particulate testing |
| APCC70-PK | 70 µm | 70.0 µm | <3% CV | 3,000 particles/mL ±10% | 6 × 25 mL | Upper-channel coincidence and size cutoff |
Applications
- USP <788> and USP <789> interim testing: Verify light-obscuration particle counters between formal semiannual calibrations and document calibration stability.
- LPC count-accuracy verification: Check sensor counting efficiency, sample-volume calibration, and flow-rate accuracy without manual dilution.
- Semiconductor UPW systems: Benchmark online and batch liquid particle monitors installed in high-purity water and chemical lines.
- Filter-retention qualification: Conduct single-pass and multipass challenge tests to assess filter rating and particle-passage efficiency.
Handling and Storage
Storage
Store bottles upright at 2 °C to 8 °C. Do not freeze. Ice-crystal formation can damage the suspension and cause irreversible particle clumping.
Gentle agitation
Before sampling, gently invert the bottle 15 to 20 times or roll it horizontally on a smooth surface. Do not shake vigorously, since turbulent agitation can introduce microbubbles that may be detected as particles by light-obscuration counters.
Single-use protocol
Sample directly from the bottle using the particle counter’s suction wand or draw tube. Discard any remaining suspension after the testing session to minimize contamination during subsequent use.
Product relationship
Available Through Applied Physics
Applied Physics supplies and supports quotation of this product. Product branding and manufacturer information, where stated on the product page or supporting documentation, remain authoritative.
Applied Physics portfolio: Particle
COUNT PRECISION STANDARD
Count-Cal targets liquid-particle counting accuracy
Certified concentrationCount accuracyVolumetric calibrationCoincidence evaluationLiquid particle counter
Use Count-Cal when the procedure depends on a defined particle concentration or counting response. It is not a deposited wafer standard for surface inspection.
Catalog relationship: Available Through Applied Physics
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