GK2.69 Thoracic Cyclone: NIOSH 5524 Compliant Sampler: ALUMINIUM

The GK2.69 is the reference standard for Thoracic Particulate sampling. It is the exact cyclone specified in NIOSH Method 5524 for sampling metalworking fluids (MWF). Depending on the flow rate, it can be configured to measure the Thoracic fraction (PM10 equivalent for lung penetration) or standard PM10, providing critical data for industries involving wet machining and mist generation.

Key Benefits

• NIOSH 5524 Validated: The required hardware for legally defensible sampling of Metalworking Fluids (MWF).

• Dual-Mode Operation:

  • Thoracic (PM10): 1.6 LPM (Standard PM10 cut)

  • Thoracic (PM4): 4.2 LPM (Matches Thoracic convention) Note: The snippet lists PM4/PM10. Standard Thoracic cut is typically 10µm 50% cut, but "Thoracic" in hygiene often refers to the fraction penetrating the larynx. The GK2.69 is cited for Metalworking fluids at 1.6 lpm for Thoracic particulate mass. (Self-Correction based on snippet: The snippet explicitly says "Particle Size Cut PM4 / PM10 at 4.2LPM / 1.6 LPM". I will stick to this data.)

• Versatile Media Support: Configurable for both 37mm and 25mm filter cassettes.

• Robust Construction: Available in Aluminum or Stainless Steel to resist corrosion from acidic or caustic mists.

Technical Overview

Thoracic dust is the fraction of particles that passes the larynx and enters the lungs. The GK2.69 was developed to match the EPA PM10 curve at 1.6 LPM but is most famous for its application in measuring Metalworking Fluids (drilling/cutting oils). At 1.6 LPM, it provides the aerodynamic selection necessary to assess the risk of occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in machinists.

Typical Use Cases

• Automotive & Aerospace Manufacturing: Sampling oil mists in CNC machining centers.

• Cotton Dust Monitoring: Assessing thoracic cotton dust fraction.

• General PM10 Personal Sampling: Personal exposure to coarse environmental dusts.

• Epidemiology: Studies on lung-penetrating aerosols that are larger than the respirable fraction.

Why Choose This Cyclone?

If you are monitoring metalworking fluids, you cannot use a standard respirable cyclone; you must measure the Thoracic fraction as per NIOSH guidelines. The GK2.69 is the mandated tool for this job. Its proven aerodynamics ensure you are capturing the specific droplet sizes that cause respiratory illness in machining environments.