BGI PM2.5 Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCC™)

EPA-Designated PM2.5 Fractionator for FRM and FEM Air Samplers

The Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCC™) is the industry-standard particle size separator for regulatory PM2.5 monitoring. Designed to replace the legacy WINS (Well Impactor Ninety-Six) impactor, the VSCC utilizes advanced cyclonic technology to achieve a precise cut-point of 2.5 micrometers at a flow rate of 16.67 LPM.

Officially designated by the U.S. EPA as a Federal Reference Method (FRM) equivalent, this component is essential for environmental agencies and researchers seeking compliant, low-maintenance particulate sampling.1 It is available in two distinct configurations: the VSCCA for general commercial FRM samplers (such as Thermo Partisol™ or Rupprecht & Patashnick hardware) and the VSCCB specifically engineered for the BGI PQ200 platform.2

Key Benefits

• Maintenance-Free Operation: Unlike the older WINS impactor which required frequent cleaning and filter oil application, the VSCC operates without grease or oil. This eliminates the risk of sample contamination and significantly extends the interval between cleaning cycles (up to 30-90 days depending on loading).

• Direct WINS Replacement: The unit is designed with identical physical dimensions to the WINS impactor, allowing for a drop-in replacement in existing sampling stands without the need for tools or adapters.

• Regulatory Compliance: Fully designated under U.S. EPA 40 CFR 50 Appendix L (Paragraph 7.3.4), ensuring data validity for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reporting.3

  
  

  
  

• Superior Separation Efficiency: The "Very Sharp Cut" profile ensures a steeper efficiency curve compared to standard impactors, reducing the carryover of particles larger than 2.5 µm into the sample stream.

Technical Overview

The VSCC™ functions as an inertial separator.4 When the sample air stream enters the cyclone body tangentially at 16.67 liters per minute (LPM), it creates a vortex.5 Particles larger than the 2.5 µm cut-point are forced to the outer walls by centrifugal force and drop into the grit pot. Only the PM2.5 fraction remains in the air stream and exits upwards to the 47mm filter holder for analysis.

Model Compatibility:

• Model VSCCA: Universal design for most FRM samplers, including the Thermo Scientific Partisol™ (2000/2025) and R&P Mass™ series.6

  
  

  
  

• Model VSCCB: Specialized geometry for direct integration into the BGI PQ200 and PQ200A Audit Samplers.7

  
  

  
  

Typical Use Cases

• Regulatory Compliance Networks: National and state-level monitoring stations reporting to EPA AirNow or European databases.

• Chemical Speciation: Collecting pure PM2.5 samples on Teflon or Quartz filters for subsequent lab analysis (ions, metals, carbon) without oil contamination from upstream impactors.

• Air Toxics Monitoring: Suitable for heavy metal and semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) sampling where equipment inertness is critical.

• Continuous Monitoring: Used as a pre-separator inlet for continuous analyzers (e.g., TEOM, Beta Attenuation Monitors) to prevent large particles from entering the measurement cell.

Why Choose This Cyclone?

The VSCC™ represents the evolution of sampling technology. By moving away from impactor-based separation, operators reduce their consumable costs (no impactor oil or filters) and minimize downtime. Its simplified physics—relying on aerodynamics rather than sticky surfaces—ensures consistent performance regardless of temperature or humidity shifts. It is the definitive choice for maintaining data integrity in Federal Reference Method sampling.

Specifications

• Measured Components:

  Physical separation of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter < 2.5 µm).

• Applications:

  U.S. EPA Federal Reference Method (FRM) sampling, chemical speciation studies, continuous monitor inlets, indoor air quality research.

• Certifications:

  U.S. EPA Designated (RFPS-0498-116); Compliant with 40 CFR 50 Appendix L.8

• Measurement Principle:

  Inertial Cyclonic Separation (Aerodynamic sizing).