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The Air Sampling Equipment

The Mycometer start package include everything needed to take samples according to the Mycometer Air Sampling Protocol.

The air sampling start package:

  • A trolley
  • A DVP pump
  • A tripod stand
  • A manifold with one or two rotameters
  • A handheld Makita leaf blower
  • A battery charger
  • 2 timers

A 4–5-hour proficiency course (to obtain a certification number) is included. The course is mandatory.
Be aware that the lithium batteries cannot be shipped outside Denmark and is not a part of the start package.

The pump

Sampling is conducted using one or two membrane filters, which can cause significant back-pressure, necessitating a strong pump. We recommend and sell the DVP pump, a powerful rotary vane pump capable of providing optimal flow rates required for sufficient sampling volumes.

If you already have a pump, ensure they offer a minimum flow rate of 10 liters per minute (LPM). However, higher flow rates are generally preferable. The DVP pump can easily achieve 25 LPM with a single filter and 17-18 LPM with two filters simultaneously (necessary for running FAI samples).

Note! pump flow rates given by manufacturers are measured without filters, so a pump rated at 15 LPM may deliver substantially less when filters are attached due to back-pressure.

If you have doubts as to whether the pump you have will be sufficient, write to us on info@mycometer.com and we will try to help you.

The tripod stand and the manifold

The tripod is stable and easy to work. The manifold including rotameters comes in three variations:

  1. The manifold (1:1) for only one filter contains 1 rotameter, 1 filter holder, 1 pump inlet. To be used if only using Mycometer air Fungi or Mycometer air Allergen.
  2. The manifold (2:1) for two filters contains: 2 rotameters, 2 filter holders and 1 pump inlet. To be used for Mycometer air FAI tests.
  3. The manifold (2:2) for two filters contains: 2 rotameters, 2 filter holders and 2 pump inlets. To be used for Mycometer air FAI tests, if you instead of one strong pump have two weaker pumps (one for each filter).

The rotameters

As a rule, rotameters cannot be used without Mycometer calibration. Factory-set rotameters are typically calibrated for operation without the flow resistance of a filter, leading to inaccurate readings when a filter is used. This principle applies in both directions: a Mycometer-calibrated rotameter is also unsuitable for sampling without a Mycometer MCE filter.

A Mycometer calibrated rotameter should have a label on the side of the rotameter. Don’t use rotameters without this label unless you are using a primary calibration unit.

The blower

To standardize the protocol used for activated air sampling, the small handheld Makita blower is recommended. If another type is used it should be tested that it can give a wind speed between 3,2-3.8 meter per second at two meters.

Use the Makita LXT models DUB 182, 183, 185z, and 186z and use without the rubber nozzle.
For speed settings:
Models DUB 182 and 183: Use speed setting 3.
Models DUB 185z and 186z: These are more powerful models; use speed setting 2.

Please note that batteries cannot be shipped internationally from Denmark, so you will need to
obtain them locally. Tip: Choose batteries with a higher Ah rating (from 3 to 9 Ah) for longer use
between charges.