Abbreviated Impactor Measurement (AIM)

The concept of Abbreviated Impactor Measurement (AIM) is founded on the basis that once the full Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution (APSD) profile of the product has been established in development using a full-resolution cascade impactor (and the process validated) then for product batch release testing and QC applications, it is possible to use simpler but highly sensitive metrics, solely to determine if the product is fit for purpose. This is known as Efficient Data Analysis (EDA).

Fast Screening Andersen (FSA)

Fast Screening Andersen (FSA)

The Fast Screening Andersen (FSA) is an AIM version of the standard Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) suitably modified to provide a reduced stack plus filter (F) suitable for either:

Quality Control (FSA-QC) – Stages 0 (or -1, or -2A) and F are used in conjunction with a Stage X, having a cut-off diameter as close as possible to the Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol, as determined during full resolution cascade impactor testing.

Product Development (FSA-HRT) – stages with cut-off diameters are available at 5.0 and 1.0 μm for MDI applications at 28.3 L/min. Also, for this flow rate and higher flow rates (60 and 90 L/min) stages having traditional ACI cut-points of 4.7 and 1.1 μm are available primarily for DPI applications

Related Services

Related News & Resources

Copley introduces new tool to support evolving inhaler testing practice

2nd November 2022

Find out more

Matching Impactor Rise-Time Profiles With A Volume and Resistance Compensator

View download

Flow Rate-Rise Time Profiles from Model Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) Testing of Abbreviated Impactor Systems Compared with Their Full Resolution Counterparts Initial Experimental Data

View download