Particle Counter Standards – 3K/4K Series

Description

3K/4K Series Technical Specifications

How to Select the Correct Particle Counter Standard

Start with the nominal particle diameter required by the instrument procedure or measurement method. The catalog table links that diameter to one 3K/4K part number and its stated particle concentration. Diameter is the primary selection attribute because each SKU represents a defined particle-size reference; concentration is a related product attribute that varies with the selected variation.

If your procedure specifies 0.3 μm, select CRM3K300. If it specifies 1.0 μm, select CRM3K1000. If it specifies 10 μm or 100 μm, select CRM4K10 or CRM4K100 respectively. For all other requirements, select the matching row from the table. Where an instrument manual, quality procedure, or internal SOP does not define the required particle diameter, confirm the applicable requirement before placing an order.

Before ordering: Confirm the nominal diameter, required quantity, stated concentration, storage conditions, and compatibility with your instrument documentation and procedure. Our team can provide technical product information to help you review the available catalog options.

Particle Counter Standards for Laser Particle Counter Calibration

Particle counter standards provide a defined particle-size reference for calibration and performance-verification activities involving laser particle counters. The 3K/4K Series is supplied as monodisperse polystyrene particle suspensions for airborne or liquid particle dispersion systems and is identified for laser particle counter applications.

A defined nominal particle diameter, a stated concentration, and accompanying traceability documentation give laboratories and controlled-environment teams a documented reference point when evaluating particle-counter performance. The product does not replace the instrument manufacturer’s calibration procedure or a facility’s established quality-system requirements; use the standard in accordance with the applicable instrument instructions and documented method.

Typical application contexts include laser particle counter calibration, particle counter performance verification, cleanroom contamination monitoring, laboratory measurement activities, and airborne or liquid particle dispersion systems where the documented procedure supports use of the selected standard.

NIST-Traceable Particle Standards and Documentation

The particle diameters for the 3K/4K Series are stated to be traceable to the standard meter through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A Certificate of Calibration and Traceability to NIST is supplied with the standards.

Metrological traceability is a documented relationship between a measurement result and a specified reference through an unbroken chain of calibrations or comparisons; it does not by itself establish that a particular standard is fit for every instrument, method, or application. [1] Review the supplied documentation, your instrument requirements, and your procedure before use.

Monodisperse Polystyrene Particle Suspensions

Each 3K/4K Series standard contains monodisperse polystyrene particles suspended in water. The aqueous suspension includes a trace amount of surfactant to inhibit agglomeration and promote stability. The product is supplied as a low-residue suspension to help minimize background interference in the stated laser particle counter application.

Polystyrene particle standards may also be referred to as polystyrene microsphere standards or polystyrene latex (PSL) particle standards. On this page, the primary selection terms remain nominal particle diameter, catalog number, and particle concentration, because those are the attributes that determine the purchasable variation.

Storage and Handling

Unless otherwise stated in the supplied product documentation, refrigerate the standard at 2–8 °C when not in use. Do not freeze. Store the container upright, keep it tightly sealed, and mix the suspension by gentle inversion by hand or with a vortex mixer before use, as appropriate for the documented procedure.

The stated minimum stability is 12 months. Storage, handling, opening history, and use conditions can affect the condition of a suspension, so follow the instructions supplied with the applicable product and maintain your own laboratory documentation where required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 3K/4K Series particle counter standards?

3K/4K Series particle counter standards are monodisperse polystyrene particle suspensions used as defined particle-size references for laser particle counter calibration and performance verification. They are available in 33 nominal particle diameters from 0.1 μm to 100 μm.

What nominal particle diameters are available?

The series includes 0.1–1.6 μm submicron and near-micron options, followed by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 μm options. The complete 33-diameter list, catalog numbers, concentrations, prices, and add-to-cart controls are shown in the catalog table above.

What is the difference between 3K and 4K catalog numbers?

In this series, 3K catalog numbers cover nominal particle diameters from 0.1 μm to 1.6 μm. 4K catalog numbers cover nominal particle diameters from 2 μm to 100 μm. Each catalog number identifies one diameter and its corresponding stated concentration.

Is a 1.0 μm particle counter standard available?

Yes. CRM3K1000 is the 1.0 μm variation. Its stated concentration is 1 × 10⁹ particles/mL. Select CRM3K1000 in the catalog table to review the current price and add the variation to your cart.

Are the 3K/4K Series particle standards NIST traceable?

The product documentation states that the particle diameters are traceable to the standard meter through NIST and that a Certificate of Calibration and Traceability to NIST is supplied with the standards.

Can I order multiple particle diameters?

Yes. Use the individual Add to Cart control in each catalog row to add the particle-diameter standards required for your procedure. Review the corresponding catalog number and particle concentration before adding each variation.

How should the particle standards be stored?

Refrigerate the standards at 2–8 °C when not in use, do not freeze, store them upright, and keep containers tightly sealed. Mix by gentle inversion by hand or with a vortex mixer before use, following the supplied product documentation.

Select Your Particle Counter Standard

Choose the nominal particle diameter required by your procedure, confirm the corresponding catalog number and particle concentration in the table, then add the required variation or multiple variations to your cart.

For technical product-information assistance before ordering, contact Cleanroom Metrology with the instrument model, the nominal particle diameter requested by your procedure, and the catalog numbers you are considering.