The new Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) cleaning system from Copley Scientific provides an integrated solution for the post-test ultrasonic washing and drying of the ACI, an instrument widely used throughout the pharmaceutical industry for inhaled product testing. Thorough, reproducible and controlled cleaning and drying is an essential element of good impactor practice, which in turn underpins data integrity. The ACI cleaning system simplifies and semi-automates this manually intensive process, improving productivity, reducing operator-to-operator variability and potentially extending impactor life.  

Cascade impactors such as the ACI are precision-engineered instruments. The accuracy of the results they deliver relies on their appropriate use and maintenance. Regular cleaning and drying ensures that the performance critical nozzles are debris-free prior to testing and helps to maintain optimal performance. Ultrasonic cleaning is a widely used and highly effective technique, if applied correctly.

The ACI cleaning system includes a purpose designed carrying rack, an ultrasonic cleaning bath, a rinse bath, a suction aspirator and drying oven. The carrying rack has designated apertures for all parts of the impactor including the inlet cone, induction port and pre-separator. It allows the safe transport of an ACI and is ideal for storing impactors when not in-use. The cleaning bath and oven both have a number of controlled variables for repeatable, automated operation. Together these modules provide an easy-to-use integrated system that occupies just 1.8 m of valuable bench space.