Welcome to SMA
Microbial Air Sampling Systems
VAI®’s Environmental Control Monitoring Division (ECMD) addresses the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, semiconductor, & electronics industries with a complete range of facility wide viable environmental monitoring equipment. VAI’s viable air monitoring equipment is designed to sample a quantifiable amount of air for viable contamination using our patented Sterilizable Microbial Atrium (SMA®) and a standard media plate. A SMA Atrium® is a 316L Stainless Steel capture device that is connected to a controlled vacuum source, such as the SMA OneTouch® ICS. Air is directed from the environment to impact onto a media plate contained inside of the Atrium. The media plate is then incubated and tested to determine the number of viable organisms per cubic foot or liter of air. SMA OneTouch ICS© and SMA OneTouch© Command Systems are used to control calibrated and timed vacuum sequences to connected SMA Atriums. The SMA OneTouch ICS features computerized air monitoring and a touchscreen interface. SMA OneTouch Command Systems are made up of SMA©Digital Display Control Centers (DDC) and SMA OneTouch ICS Control Panels. Both systems allow you to start, stop, and monitor the sample cycle from within a controlled environment while locating the flow center and vacuum pump in a non-controlled environment. The SMA OneTouch ICS and SMA OneTouch Command Systems are both available in Isolator configurations which provide non-aspiration of possible contaminates from the exterior to the Isolator.
SMA Atrium
​SMA Atriums are Stainless Steel collection devices that connect to the SMA OneTouch® Integrated Control System (ICS), SMA® Digital Display Control Center (DDC), or SMA MicroPortable® Air Sampler. When partnered with one of these viable monitoring instruments the SMA Atriums direct air from the environment to impact onto a media plate. The media plate is then evaluated to determine the amount of viable contamination in the environment. SMA Atriums are the preferred test method of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, semiconductor, and electronics organizations around the world for determining the level of viable contamination in their facilities. SMA Atriums are available in multiple configurations, including a wall mountable configuration with a specifically designed bracket and Atrium base. The SMA Atrium Easy2GripTM top has a concave edge designed to make the Atrium easy to handle.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to SMA Viable Monitoring Equipment
• Constructed of 316L Stainless Steel
• Completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO)
• Used with standard media plates (90 or 100 mm) with 18, 25, or 32 mL fill levels
• Available with 1/4 or 1/2 inch sieve diameters
• Requires a vacuum source to operate
• Operate at an air flow of 1 CFM (28.3 LPM)
• Compact size allows the SMA Atriums to be located near critical filling processes where space is limited
• Non-turbulent design causes no disruption in unidirectional air flow, which allows placement in the most critical areas (e.g. RABS)
• Available with a concave, Easy2Grip design
SMA Remote Atrium
SMA Remote Atriums are designed to sample in places where the use of the standard SMA Atrium® is either impractical due to size and space limitations, or the actual procedure of replacing the media plate would interfere with the manufacturing process. The SMA Remote Atrium extension tube attaches to 1⁄4 inch Hytrel® tubing. SMA Remote Atriums can be used with VAI’s Isokinetic Probe which provides a secure attachment point near the point of sample and improves air flow efficiency. The Isokinetic Probe and tubing can be located near critical filling processes where space is limited.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to SMA Viable Monitoring Equipment
• Constructed of 316L Stainless Steel
• Completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO)
• Used with standard media plates (90 or 100 mm) with 18, 25, or 32 mL fill levels
• Requires a vacuum source to operate
• Operate at an air flow of 1 CFM (28.3 LPM)
SMA OneTouch ICS
The SMA OneTouch Integrated Control System (ICS) is a computerized, automated viable air monitoring system that controls calibrated, precise air sampling through individual or multiple SMA Atriums®. SMA Atriums are Stainless Steel collection devices that direct air from the environment to impact onto a media plate. The media plate is then evaluated to determine the amount of viable contamination in the air sample. The SMA OneTouch ICS strictly regulates the air flow rate throughout a sample cycle. The system automatically alarms the operator visually and audibly if the sample becomes compromised or is aborted. In addition, the SMA OneTouch ICS continuously monitors the air flow rate while sampling and will alert the operator if the flow rate deviates from the established 1 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) flow rate. The SMA OneTouch ICS has a touchscreen interface that incorporates facility floor plans and SMA Atrium locations for sample monitoring. User accounts have access levels which limit their access to specific functionality. VAI also offers the SMA OneTouch ICS for Isolators. This SMA OneTouch ICS configuration includes all the aforementioned benefits, provides secure sampling inside an isolator, and redirects air flow during Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) sterilization.
Features & Benefits
• Installation requires minimal tubing and wiring which simplifies installation into new and existing facilities
• Integrated with existing facility monitoring and data collection systems using industry standard networking
• Provides system-wide viable monitoring capabilities from a single interface
• Remotely monitored using a variety of handheld, tablet, and computer-based devices
SMA Digital Display Control Centers (DDC)
SMA Digital Display Control Centers (DDC) are used to control calibrated and timed vacuum sequences to individual or multiple SMA Atriums®. In addition, the DDC provides strict regulation of air flow (1 CFM) and will visually and audibly alarm the operator if the proper air flow is not maintained. SMA DDCs can be used in conjunction with SMA OneTouch® Control Panels. These devices allow you to manage different aspects of the sample cycle from within a controlled environment while locating the DDC and vacuum pump in a non-controlled environment.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to SMA OneTouch Control Panels and SMA Atriums
• Cabinets are constructed of 304 Stainless Steel
• Disinfect using select VAI® products
• Connect to an external facility control system (e.g. SCADA)
• Meets North American (ETL) and European Community (CE) safety standards
• Available with 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 sampling locations
SMA Digital Display Control Centers (DDC)
For Isolators
SMA Digital Display Control Centers (DDC) for Isolators are used to control calibrated and timed vacuum sequences to individual or multiple SMA Atriums® within an isolator system. In addition, the DDCs for Isolators provide strict regulation of airflow (1 Cubic Feet per Meter) and will visually and audibly alarm the operator if the proper air flow is not maintained. DDCs for Isolators assure the non-aspiration or return of possible contaminates from the exterior environment to the isolator system by providing connections for a purge pump. DDCs for Isolators can be used in conjunction with SMA OneTouch® Control Panels. These devices allow you to manage different aspects of the sample cycle from within a controlled environment while locating the DDC and vacuum pump in a non-controlled environment.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to SMA OneTouch Control Panels and SMA Atriums
• Cabinets are constructed of 304 Stainless Steel
• Disinfect using select VAI® products
• Connect to an external facility control system (e.g. SCADA)
• Meets North American (ETL) and European Community (CE) safety standards
• Available with 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 sampling locations
SMA OneTouch Control Panels
SMA OneTouch Control Panels are used in conjunction with SMA® Digital Display Control Centers and SMA Atriums®. SMA OneTouch Control Panels allow you to start, stop, and monitor the sample cycle from within a controlled environment while locating the SMA Digital Display Control Center and vacuum pump in a non-controlled environment.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to a SMA Digital Display Control Center
• Constructed with a Stainless Steel bezel and clear PVC laminate face that are completely sealed for disinfection purposes
• Disinfect using select VAI® products
• Allows sampling from multiple Atriums simultaneously or independently
• Meets North American (ETL) and European Community (CE) safety standards
• Available with controls for 1, 2, 3, or 5 Atrium sampling sites
Welcome to SMA
MicroPortable Air Sampling Systems
VAI®’s Environmental Control Monitoring Division (ECMD) addresses the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, semiconductor, and electronics industries with a complete range of portable viable environmental monitoring equipment. VAI’s viable air monitoring equipment is designed to sample a quantifiable amount of air for viable contamination using our patented Sterilizable Microbial Atrium (SMA®) and a standard media plate. A SMA Atrium® is a 316L Stainless Steel capture device that is connected to a controlled vacuum source, such as the SMA MicroPortable ICS® or SMA MicroPortable® Air Sampler. Air is directed from the environment to impact onto a media plate contained inside of the Atrium. The media plate is then incubated and tested to determine the number of viable organisms per cubic foot or liter of air. In conjunction with an SMA Atrium, SMA MicroPortable® Air Samplers are used for the automated collection of microorganisms in the air. These viable air samplers are battery powered, compact, and lightweight which allows them to be easily moved to desired air sampling points.
SMA MicroPortable ICS
The SMA MicroPortable® ICS provides continuous air monitoring for viable particles at quality control sample points. The SMA MicroPortable ICS regulates air flow through a SMA Atrium®. A SMA Atrium is a Stainless Steel device that directs air from the environment to impact onto a media plate. The media plate is then tested to determine the amount of viable contamination in the environment. The SMA MicroPortable ICS is battery powered and compact, which allows it to be easily moved to desired air sampling points. It combines the sampling capability of the SMA Atrium with calibrated air flow and a touchscreen interface. The SMA MicroPortable ICS provides strict regulation of air flow and will alarm the operator if the air flow deviates beyond the acceptable range. The system also monitors and indicates a variety of operational parameters including the sample’s volume and elapsed time. The SMA MicroPortable ICS is a networked device that may be remotely accessed by operators and administrators. The device can export event history to a removable USB flash drive. Event history includes sampling and calibration events.
SMA MicroPortable Air Samplers
SMA MicroPortable Air Samplers are used for the automated collection of microorganisms in the air. These viable air samplers are battery powered, compact, and lightweight which allows them to be easily moved to desired air sampling points. They also make it easy to start and cancel a sample cycle. SMA MicroPortable Air Samplers incorporate the same multi-orifice sampling methods as the standard SMA Atrium which allows continuous viable air sampling. Furthermore, they allow you to program, save, recall, and view two sample volume amounts and view air flow in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) or Liters Per Minute (LPM).
Features & Benefits
• Constructed with 316L Stainless Steel
• Disinfect using select VAI products
• SMA Atriums can be completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO)
• Battery powered and can operate for 8 hours before requiring a 45 minute recharge
• Meets North American (ETL) and European Community (CE) safety standards
• Includes a battery, battery charger, cover, SMA Atrium top (1/4” 25 mL), and lid
Welcome to SMA
Compressed Air/Gas Sampling Systems
VAI®’s Environmental Control Monitoring Division (ECMD) addresses the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, semiconductor, & electronics industries with a complete range of compressed air/gas viable environmental monitoring equipment. VAI offers both the automated SMA® Compressed Air/Gas Sampler, and the manual SMA® Compressed Air/Gas Atrium for the collection of microorganisms in compressed air and gas lines. The SMA® Compressed Air/Gas Sampler is used for the automated collection of microorganisms in compressed air and gas lines. It monitors and regulates air flow, has a programmable timer, and can sample compressed air/gas lines up to 100 psi at 1 CFM. SMA Compressed Air/Gas Atriums are used for the manual collection of micro-organisms in compressed air/gas lines with either a rotameter or a pressure regulator valve.
SMA Compressed Air/Gas Sampler
The SMA Compressed Air/Gas Sampler is used for the automated collection of microorganisms in compressed air and gas lines. It monitors and regulates air flow, has a programmable timer, and can sample compressed air/gas lines up to 100 psi at 1 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). The instrument can sample compressed air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Contact VAI before sampling any other gases (e.g. oxygen). The SMA Compressed Air/Gas Sampler incorporates the same multi-orifice sampling methods as the standard SMA Atrium® that allows continuous monitoring of compressed air/gas lines. The instrument has a safety mechanism that releases pressure when incoming gas pressure exceeds 100 psi. Furthermore, it allows you to view air flow in CFM or Liters Per Minute (LPM).
Features & Benefits
• Sampling head and hose can be completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO)
• Disinfect using select VAI® products
• Meets North American (ETL) and European Community (CE) safety standards
• Includes a battery, battery charger, gasket, Stainless Steel pressure hose, and 0.2 micron filter
SMA Compressed Air/Gas Atriums
SMA Compressed Air/Gas Atriums are used for the manual collection of microorganisms in compressed air/gas lines to determine the level of viable contamination. A SMA Compressed Air/Gas Atrium is a 316 Stainless Steel capture device that is connected to a compressed air source. It has an extension tube that attaches to 1⁄4 inch Hytrel® tubing. Air is directed from the compressed air source to impact onto a media plate contained inside of the Atrium. The plate is then incubated and tested to determine the level of any present viable contamination. Air flow calibration and timing must be performed manually using separate instruments. To regulate air flow, install a pressure regulator valve at the point of sample or use our SMA-ROT-SS-60C rotameter.
Features & Benefits
• Easily connected to sample points with sterile 1/4 inch Hytrel® tubing
• Constructed of 316L Stainless Steel
• Completely sterilized by steam, heat, or ethylene oxide (ETO)
• Used with standard media plates (90 or 100 mm) with 18, 25, or 32 mL fill levels, at a flow rate of 1 CFM
• Does not require a vacuum source to operate
• Exhaust air is released from underneath the Atrium without affecting the sample in progress
• Compact size allows them to be located near filling processes where space is limited
• Available as a complete top and bottom assembly
• Vents from the bottom which eliminates the need for additional vacuum connection ports or tubing
Welcome to SMA
Air Sampling Systems
VAI®’s Non-Viable Environmental Monitoring systems are used for continuous or intermittent monitoring of particle counts in cleanrooms and critical environments. VAI offers a complete line of SMA MicroParticle ICS particle counters to meet the needs of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, semi-conductor, and electronics industries. SMA MicroParticle ICS® particle counters provide unmatched environmental control by incorporating the latest innovations in particle counting technology, and by integrating several features not found in other particle counters. Unique and innovative features that are exclusive to SMA MicroParticle ICS instruments include, but are not limited to, advanced multi-processing, real-time meter, annotations, advanced power management, compliant reporting, data storage, and sample management. SMA MicroParticle ICS instruments are available in several models: Handheld, Table Top, and Wall Mounted. The facility wide SMA MicroParticle ICS Remote Particle Counter System (RPCS) integrates cleanroom ready Remote Particle Counters, specially designed software, and vacuum Control Centers into a complete facility particle monitoring system.
SMA MicroParticle ICS
Handheld, Table Top, and Wall Mount
The SMA MicroParticle ICS Handheld, Table Top, and Wall Mounted Particle Counters are used to measure particle counts in cleanrooms and controlled environments. They simultaneously measure six particle size channels, as well as temperature and relative humidity. The Handheld, Table Top, and Wall Mounted Particle Counters operate at a flow rate of 0.1 CFM (2.83 LPM). All three models have a color touch screen with user friendly software. Users can view data including records and reports. Data can be transferred to a facility monitoring system, printer, USB, or compatible software. Data is transferred via Ethernet, USB, Wireless RS 485 and RS 232 ports. The Handheld and Table Top models can be operated by battery power or plugged directly into a charger. The Wall Mounted model must be connected to facility power. All three models have identical software and sampling capacity. However the Handheld model has the additional Real Time Meter Feature which allows users to pinpoint sources of contamination. This feature displays a bar graph that rises and falls with the increase of pulses counted per second, per channel. The closer the instrument is to the source, the higher the indication appears on the bar graph. The SMA MicroParticle ICS Particle Counters are fast, efficient, and accurate. Advanced Processing allows for many operations to take place simultaneously, even while the instrument is sampling.
Features & Benefits
• Measures particles from 0.3 to 25 μm
• Variable Binning with 6 channel sizes
• Flow rate is 0.1 CFM (2.83 LPM)
• Can be remotely controlled and monitored via web browser
• ISO 21501-4 and JIS B9921 compliant
• Large, easy-to-use, icon driven color touchscreen
• Advanced power monitoring features minimize power consumption and increase system life
SMA MicroParticle ICS
Remote Particle Counter Systems (RPCS)
SMA MicroParticle ICS Remote Particle Counters are used to measure particle counts in cleanrooms and controlled environments. Remote Particle Counters simultaneously measure 2 particle size channels, 0.5 and 5.0 μm, with a flow rate of 1.0 CFM (28.3 LPM). Remote Particle Counters are available in stainless steel, surface mount and flush mount enclosures. Remote Particle Counters are only one piece of the SMA MicroParticle ICS System. The RPCS integrates multiple Remote Particle Counters, Vacuum Pumps, and Controllers into one System managed by the RPCS Software. The Remote Particle Counter data is processed by the SMA MicroParticle ICS Software which presents the information in a regulatory compliant, user friendly interface. The RPCS Software generates reports, such as Audit Trail, Status, Measurement Log, Alarm History, Limit Change History, Notes, and Trends. Customer specific reports can also be created to match facility requirements.
Features & Benefits
• Flow rate is 1.0 CFM (28.3 LPM)
• Measures 2 channels of simultaneous data, 0.5 to 5.0 μm particles
• MODBUS, TCP/IP, RS485, and RS232 connections
• Concentration limit of 500,000 per ft3
• Complies with ISO 21501-4 and JIS B9921 standards