DIN EN 15051 Inhalable Fraction Measurement of Particulate Powders
The DIN EN 15051 standard is designed to measure the inhalable fraction of particulate powders, which is crucial for assessing their potential respiratory health risks. This service ensures compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements by accurately quantifying the portion of particles that can be inhaled into the lungs.
The inhalable fraction refers to the percentage of airborne particles that are small enough to pass through the upper respiratory tract and deposit in the lower respiratory system, including the bronchi and alveoli. The measurement is essential for industries handling nanomaterials and particulates as they need to ensure their products do not pose significant health risks.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to DIN EN 15051, providing precise measurements of inhalable fractions using advanced equipment such as cyclone separators and gravimetric analysis. The process involves collecting a sample of the particulate powder, passing it through a cyclone separator set at specific cut-off sizes, and then weighing the retained material.
The standard defines the inhalable fraction as particles with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 5 micrometers (μm). This size range is critical because these particles are more likely to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. The test parameters include temperature control, humidity levels, and a consistent airflow rate to ensure accurate results.
For quality managers and compliance officers, this service ensures that products meet regulatory requirements such as those set by OSHA or other national standards. R&D engineers can use the data to refine formulations and processes, while procurement teams can verify the safety of raw materials before incorporation into final products.
The precision of our measurements is paramount in ensuring accurate risk assessments. Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment such as cyclone separators with a known cut-off size and gravimetric balances for precise weighing. The process involves:
- Sampling the particulate powder
- Cleaning the sample to remove contaminants
- Passing the cleaned sample through a cyclone separator set at 5 μm
- Weighing the retained material and calculating the inhalable fraction based on the total mass of the original sample.
Our reports provide detailed information about the particle size distribution, including the percentage of particles within the inhalable range. This data is invaluable for ensuring compliance with safety standards and for conducting risk assessments.
| Parameter | Measurement Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamic Diameter | 0.5 μm to 10 μm | ±2% |
| Mass of Sample | 0.1 mg to 5 g | ±1% |
The results are reported in percentage terms, indicating the proportion of particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. This information is critical for various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and environmental protection.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| DIN EN 15051-1 | General principles for the determination of inhalable fraction |
| DIN EN 15051-2 | Test methods for the determination of inhalable fraction |
The DIN EN 15051 standard is widely recognized and used in various industries to ensure the safety of particulate powders. Our laboratory ensures that all tests are conducted in accordance with these standards, providing reliable results.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of nanomaterials testing. Our advantages include:
- Expertise in handling delicate samples and ensuring minimal sample loss during processing.
- Use of advanced equipment such as cyclone separators with high precision cut-off sizes.
- Accurate weighing using gravimetric balances that meet the highest standards.
- Precision in temperature control and humidity management to ensure consistent results.
- Comprehensive reporting including detailed particle size distribution analysis.
- Compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements.
We pride ourselves on providing reliable, accurate, and timely testing services. Our team of experienced analysts ensures that every test is conducted with the highest level of expertise and attention to detail.
Use Cases and Application Examples
The DIN EN 15051 inhalable fraction measurement is applicable in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, environmental protection, and manufacturing. Here are some real-world examples:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Ensuring that drug formulations do not contain harmful particles small enough to cause respiratory issues.
- Cosmetics Industry: Verifying the safety of cosmetic products by ensuring they do not release inhalable particles during use.
- Environmental Protection: Monitoring air quality and identifying potential sources of inhalable particulate matter in the environment.
- Manufacturing: Ensuring that manufacturing processes do not generate excessive levels of inhalable particles, which could pose health risks to workers.
| Industry | Application | Risk Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | Drug formulation safety | Avoiding respiratory issues in patients. |
| Cosmetics | Safety of cosmetic products | Avoiding inhalable particles during use. |
| Environmental Protection | Monitoring air quality | Identifying and mitigating sources of harmful particulate matter. |
| Manufacturing | Worker safety in manufacturing environments | Avoiding inhalable particles that could cause respiratory issues. |
These applications highlight the importance of accurate inhalable fraction measurement and compliance with international standards like DIN EN 15051. Our laboratory is equipped to handle these tests with precision and reliability, ensuring the safety of products and environments.
