As the demand for high-performance filtration solutions grows across industries – from cleanrooms and pharmaceuticals to automotive and HVAC – accurate and reliable filter performance evaluation has become increasingly critical. At the heart of these evaluations is the need to characterize airborne particle size distributions before and after the filter under test. The TSI® 3340A Laser Aerosol Spectrometer (LAS) is a trusted instrument in filter testing setups, delivering high-resolution particle sizing and concentration data essential for assessing filtration efficiency.
Versatility Across Filter Testing and Beyond
While the 3340A LAS is a staple in HEPA and ULPA filter testing, its capabilities extend well beyond. It is routinely used to evaluate the efficiency of air cleaners and for performing indoor and outdoor air quality assessments. Researchers also rely on it for source apportionment studies, where accurate size distributions help distinguish between different particle origins.
Counting Efficiency and Size Range
This versatility stems from its unique ability to measure both submicron and supermicron particles across a broad <0.1 to 7.5 micrometer size range—a combination rarely found in a single instrument. A key advantage is its exceptional counting efficiency curve, with a D50 that enables detection of smaller particles than many comparable optical spectrometers. This allows the 3340A to detect particles with greater sensitivity and precision, particularly in the submicron range critical for evaluating filtration efficiency and identifying the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Combined with its 100 high-resolution size channels, users gain deep insight into aerosol dynamics, enabling precise and reliable filtration performance assessments across a wide range of applications.
High-Speed, High-Resolution Data
The 3340A LAS delivers a complete size distribution in as little as one second, allowing for real-time monitoring and dynamic testing scenarios. This rapid sampling capability is ideal when evaluating filters under varying flow rates or environmental conditions, or when testing electret-based media, where time-resolved behavior matters.
Applications in Filter Testing
- Penetration and Efficiency Analysis
The 3340A LAS can be placed upstream and downstream of a filter to provide accurate, size-resolved particle concentration data. This enables detailed fractional collection efficiency (FCE) and penetration profiles, helping identify the MPPS, critical for validating filter performance. - HEPA and ULPA Filter Testing
The 3340A is widely used for HEPA filter testing in both R&D and manufacturing settings. Its precise detection of particles around the MPPS makes it ideal for confirming that filters meet high-efficiency requirements. It complements other TSI filter test systems and supports both regulatory testing and internal QA processes. - Air Purifier and Cleaner Evaluation
As air purifiers become increasingly popular in residential, commercial, and healthcare settings, the 3340A LAS offers a reliable method to quantify their effectiveness. The high-resolution data it provides allows for performance benchmarking across a wide range of particle sizes, from combustion particles to allergens.
A True Workhorse for the Modern Lab
Whether used in filter development, performance validation, regulatory compliance, or air quality research, the 3340A stands out for its robust design, fast measurement speed, and broad particle size range. Its NIST-traceable calibration and ISO 21501-1 compliance ensure confidence in every measurement—making it a true workhorse in any aerosol lab.
Why the 3340A LAS is the Right Choice for Advanced Filter Testing & Aerosol Research
From HEPA filters and medical masks to air purifiers and environmental studies, the TSI® 3340A Laser Aerosol Spectrometer delivers the accuracy, speed, and flexibility needed for today’s demanding filter testing and aerosol research applications. Its ability to seamlessly handle both sub- and supermicron particles—combined with fast, high-resolution data output—makes it a key tool for professionals who demand clarity and confidence in their particle measurements.