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Air Sampling Filters

Of the more than 2,200 airborne hazards listed in the SKC Guide to OSHA/NIOSH/ASTM Air Sampling Methods, over 500 are collected by filters. About 80% of a filter surface is porous. An air sampling filter may contain millions of pores smaller than the diameter of a human hair (which is about 30 microns) or even cigarette smoke (about 0.5 micron). Pore size, like the filter itself, depends on the application requirements. All SKC filters are manufactured following strict tolerances to meet NIOSH, OSHA, and EPA specifications.

Filter Selection Guide

Filter/Cassette Compatibility Chart

Air Sampling Filters

Preloaded Filters

Filter Accessories

Search for Methods for SKC Filters

About Filter Materials and Applications

  • Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) for metals, welding fumes, asbestos, and other fibers

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) for silica, chromates, and gravimetric analysis of respirable and total dusts

  • PTFE or Polytetrafluorethylene for PM10, pesticides, acid aerosols, and solvents
  • Fiberglass for gravimetric analysis of pesticides, isocyanates, and air pollutants

  • Quartz, heat-treated to remove trace organic impurities; for monitoring trace levels of organic pollutants


Filter/Cassette Solvent Compatibility Chart

Download Cassette/Filter Solvent Compatibility Chart (PDF)

Tech tips Logo. Tech Tips for Filters. Of the more than 1,700 airborne hazards listed in the SKC Guide to OSHA/ NIOSH/ASTM Air Sampling Methods, over 500 are collected by filters. About 80% of a filter surface is porous. An air sampling filter may contain millions of pores smaller than the diameter of a human hair (which is about 30 microns) or even cigarette smoke (about 0.5 micron). Pore size, like the filter itself, depends on the application requirements. All SKC filters are manufactured following strict tolerances to meet NIOSH, OSHA, and EPA specifications

If sampling in high humidity conditions, it is important to know the water sorbing characteristics of the filter medium you are using. Moisture sorption by the filter or the cassette is one of the most common causes of weight instability in weight-type analyses. Using hydrophobic materials can reduce water sorption problems, however, these materials may not be suitable for some applications. Use the following information as a general guide to the water sorbing characteristics * of various filter materials and cassettes.

Very Low Moisture Sorption
  • PVC membrane
  • Aluminum cassette
  • Stainless steel cassette


Low Moisture Sorption
  • Glass fiber filter
  • Quartz fiber filter
  • PTFE membrane
  • Polycarbonate membrane
  • Greased Mylar impaction substrate
  • Greased aluminum foil impaction substrate
High Moisture Sorption
  • Cellulose fiber
  • Cellulose ester membrane


Very High Moisture Sorption
  • Polyurethane foam (PUF)
  • Polystyrene cassette

* Filter coatings and manufacturing variables also affect water sorbing characteristics.

  • Use only the filter material and pore size specified by the method.
  • In gravimetric filter determinations, do not overload the filter.
  • Place the cassette inlet in a downward position.
  • For respirable dust, use a cyclone.
    For inhalable dust, use the IOM sampler.

Filter cassette, exploded view
  • Closed-face filter sampling requires a 2 or 3-piece cassette with the inlet section in place and only the small sealing plug removed.


  • Open-face filter sampling requires a 3-piece cassette with the inlet section removed.


  • When support pads are specified, place the pad behind the filter so that the air passes over the filter first.

Filter/Cassette Solvent Compatibility Chart

Download Cassette/Filter Solvent Compatibility Chart (PDF)


Custom Filters Available
For specific applications, SKC will manufacture filters to meet your specific requirements. Download the Custom Filter Order Form in PDF format. Complete the form and fax it to your SKC representative, contact your SKC representative, or call the SKC Sales Department at 724-941-9701 for more information.

Custom Filters Order Form (PDF)

This page was last modified February 6, 2013
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