Ultrasonic Personal Air Sampler (UPAS)

Occupational hygienists are excited about the UPAS. Using gravimetric sampling, UPAS is a game-changer in the way occupational dust can be measured on a person.

The Problem with Traditional Air Samplers

Gone are the days of having to clip a noisy and heavy pump onto your waist, wrap an inconvenient hose around your body and attach a filter near to your chin.

The physical burden of the dust monitors, (noise, visual aesthetic, and weight) makes them difficult to wear for extended periods;

• Traditional personal air samplers are relatively heavy (>0.5 kg in total),
• Noisy (emitting >60 dB from the pump).
• And they can be expensive too (typically costing >£1500 each).

How is the UPAS Different?

Ultrasonic pumping technology provides substantial reductions in size, weight, noise, and cost along with increased durability over traditional sampling equipment.

• At only 190g, the UPAS is light enough to be comfortably worn within the breathing zone.
• It is much quieter too. It emits just <40 dB at 20 cm when worn directly in the breathing zone.
• You can pick up a UPAS for around £1000.

Reliable Steady Flow Rate

In addition to being quiet and energy-efficient, the mass flow sensor enables the device to maintain a constant sampling flow rate and measures changes in pressure drop across the filter media, giving the UPAS the advantage of having a reliably steady flow rate over time.

Other competitive pumps must have their flow checked before/after each sample run to ensure that the flow was maintained at the correct flow. Note that some test standards/methods require this anyway even though the UPAS maintains the flow rate on its own.

Data Collection

The UPAS is a self-contained, filter-integrated sampler. Ultimately the filter is pretty standard. However, the log files hold additional information that provides details of the sample, time stamps, GPS, temperature, humidity and pump flow control throughout the sample.

The UPAS collects all of this data during the sample session and logs that to a file the can be exported over Bluetooth or extracted directly from the micro SD card that is part of the UPAS hardware.

App for Easy Access

The UPAS app is primarily a method to program the UPAS and set up the sample parameters along with various options for initiating the sample (now, at a future time, or next press of the start button). It can be quickly programmed from any tablet or phone to fit the users’ needs across various applications. Collected data can be uploaded wirelessly to a phone or computer with the UPAS app. Data is easily accessible while keeping the UPAS deployed.

Less Maintenance

Because it is designed with no moving parts, it requires less time for overall maintenance and service.

Variable Particle Size Measurement

Depending on the user requirements, there are typically 3 particle sizes of interest, the smallest being PM 2.5 and largest being PM 10. Examples of dust emulate from wood, flour, metals, and silica.

The UPAS has different inlets to size-select the particles you want to collect. Those inlets are also sized differently for different flow rates.

How are Samples Calculated?

The process of gravimetric sampling is uncomplicated. In all gravimetric samples, the weight-stable filter media must be pre-weighed before a sample is made. After the sampling period, the filter is post-weighed which calculates the difference in weight. Most users work with a local laboratory to perform this task and report the measurement value.

Dust samples are collected onto 37mm filters, which is the recommended method for almost all government standards.

What’s Included When You Buy the UPAS?

The UPAS comes configured for PM 2.5. The price includes 2 x filter cartridges and a spare o-ring kit.

FAQs

Q. What makes the UPAS beneficial over other personal dust samplers?

A. The hassle-free tubeless design allows the UPAS to fit directly onto a person with no tubes or tape required. It is silent and light enough to be worn directly in the  breathing zone. Therefore it is easy to wear while performing daily activities. Data is easily accessible via a smartphone while keeping the UPAS deployed.

Q. Who uses the UPAS?

A. The UPAS is perfect for occupational hygienists who assess exposure levels to occupational dust. The UPAS can be worn by any worker that is exposed to airborne workplace dust. The data can be evaluated by health and safety managers to reveal worker’s exposure levels to occupational dust.