Tac-7C® Biological Aerosol Detector
The Tac-7C® UV-based biological aerosol detector measures the biofluorescence and diffractive scattering produced by aerosol particles as they pass through an intense ultraviolet beam. It is used to monitor environmental particulates and classify them as being of either biological or non-biological origin, and to alarm if there is a sudden increase in the bioaerosol level within a particular particle size range. It was developed by Research International for homeland security, public health and military applications.
Tac-7C tracks background levels of airborne non-biological and biological materials and provides an alarm if there is a rapid increase in the aerosol background. It can also be configured to activate other equipment such as an air sampler. It does not identify the specific type of biological material detected, and for that reason it is correctly characterized as an aerosol “trigger.”
Operation may be monitored remotely using Windows-based software provided with the unit, and changes may be made to its operating characteristics as desired. Signals may be transmitted wirelessly between the Tac-7C and a monitoring PC or other equipment using BioLink™ Bluetooth transmitters and receivers, or via RS-232 cables.
DOWNLOAD DATA SHEET • REQUEST QUOTE
Specifications
Tac-7C Specifications
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating principle | Monitoring of 280nm UV-stimulated particle scattering and biofluorescence using photon counting electro-optics. Alarm decisions are based on algorithms that consider bioaerosol statistical behavior, bio-fluorescence intensity and particle size. |
| Particle size range | 1 to 15 microns in four size ranges. Respirable aerosolized bacteria, spores, viruses, and toxins. Biofluorescence intensity in each size range is monitored and reported. |
| Interferents | Interferent resistant to diesel smoke, pollen, silica dust. |
| Detection limit | 100 ACPLA in most natural environments, 20-30 ACPLA under laboratory test conditions. |
| Sampling rate | 1.2 liter per min of ambient air nominal. |
| Consumables | None |
| Time to alarm | 15 second average, 30 seconds maximum. 15-minute trailing history is used in alarm protocols. |
| Alarms | Red LED and >100dB piezoacoustic alarm, plus serial link digital alarm output. |
| Communication | RS-232 or wireless BioLink; pre-programmed for use with sampler. |
| Serial data output | Alarm, particles per liter of air in each size bin; percentage of particles that are biological; relative biofluorescence compared to scattering intensity for each size bin. |
| Operating time | Essentially unlimited if powered externally, or 24+ hours on UBI 2590 rechargeable battery. |
| Operating life | Air pump: 30,000 - 40,000 hours. UV light source: greater than 10,000 hours. |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to 50°C. Operation to 60°C is permitted up to a total time of 1,000 hours. |
| Humidity | 0 to 95% non-condensing |
| Power | Less than 6 watts at 18 VDC to 36 VDC. Uses BA-5590 primary battery or UBI 2590 rechargeable battery. AC mains or vehicle power can be used with proper converter. |
| Start-up time | 1 minute. |
| Data storage | Onboard removable SD-type data card. Stores more than 5 years of aerosol data. |
| Size | 16 x 18 x 28 cm without inlet air stack attached 16 x 18 x 39 cm with inlet stack attached 16 x 15 x 39 cm without side handle |
| Weight | 3.5 kg without battery / 4.5 kg with battery |
| Package | EMI-resistant aluminum shell construction. |
Research International reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
