Compensator AIM

Overview
The Volume and Resistance Compensator (VRC) is designed to align flow resistance and flow-rate rise-time profiles between a full-resolution cascade impactor and an abbreviated impactor to ensure comparable aerosol generation conditions. It is particularly relevant for aerodynamic particle sizing workflows where start-up kinetics influence results, such as passive dry powder inhaler testing.

Key benefits

• Compatible with all types of abbreviated impactors
• Easily adjustable to match different test set-ups and configurations
• Improves parity between test methods to enhance APSD comparability
• Resistance and volume compensation engineered using established laboratory expertise

How it works
Differences in total volume and flow resistance between full-resolution and abbreviated impactors can alter flow-rate rise-time profiles, introducing variability. The VRC is connected inline between a critical flow controller (TPKi Series only) and an abbreviated impactor to refine the flow-rate rise-time profile of the AIM apparatus, reducing variability and supporting equivalence in aerodynamic particle sizing measurements.

Applications

• Abbreviated Impactor Measurement (AIM) workflows
• Comparative APSD measurement between full-resolution and abbreviated impactors
• Testing of passive dry powder inhalers where start-up kinetics affect outcomes

Features / Technical specifications

• Function: matches flow resistance and flow-rate rise-time profiles between full-resolution and abbreviated impactors
• Compatibility: suitable for use with all types of abbreviated impactors; designed for inline connection with critical flow controllers (TPKi Series only)
• Adjustment: easily adjustable to accommodate different test set-ups and configurations
• Purpose: improves parity between test methods to enhance comparability of aerodynamic particle sizing data
• Typical use-case: AIM batch release testing and QC applications after a full APSD profile has been established in development