New device offers a convenient way to monitor compressed air for viable particles

New SAS Super Pinocchio CR available from Cherwell Laboratories.

Specialist cleanroom microbiology solutions company offers the new SAS Super Pinocchio CR compressed air sampling device.

This updated version of the Pinocchio II compressed air sampling device can be fully dismantled for easy cleaning and decontamination — a process made more simple and effective by the device being manufactured in stainless-steel.

The Pinocchio CR provides a controlled method for bioburden monitoring of compressed air and other gases and can be included in an environmental monitoring program. It is ideal for use in manufacturing facilities where compressed air monitoring is falling under increasing regulatory scrutiny.

To ensure continuity with other environmental monitoring programs, the Pinocchio CR uses the same method of active air sampling as the rest of the SAS range of portable units. Using the multipoint impaction method of active sampling, air is aspirated through a perforated cover (a sampling head) and any particles present are impacted on to the agar surface of a contact plate or 90-mm Petri dish for subsequent culture.

This totally portable system, which is now more compact than the current Pinocchio II, does not require power and, therefore, can be used in high risk areas. Set up is simple as the Pinocchio CR is easily attached to an air or gas line, and a regulating valve controls the pressure delivered to the sampler. Airflow from the compressed supply is regulated through a flow meter before passing through its traditional SAS sampling head, with the unit capable of sampling 100 L/min.