The RESPICON is a multi-stage, virtual impactor that traps airborne particles onto three individual collection filters. The mass of deposited particles is determined by comparing the filter weights before and after sampling.

Airborne particles corresponding to the inhalable fraction are drawn into the RESPICON through a ring-gap sampling inlet via a conventional personal sampling pump. Coarse particles pass straight through to the lower collector while other particles are aerodynamically separated onto the appropriate filter.

The first virtual impactor stage separates out and collects the particles smaller than 4 μm. The second stage collects particles below 10 μm, while the third stage collects the remaining particles. The inherent design advantages of virtual impaction allow the RESPICON to avoid many of the sampling problems common to conventional impactors. You can normally sample for an extended period of time without the concern of overloading. Particle bounce losses are eliminated and there is no need for messy grease traps.