Mixed Cellulose Ester Membrane Filters

The standard filter for most aerosol sampling in industrial hygiene applications, mixed cellulose ester (MCE or MEC) membrane filters are comprised of pure, biologically inert mixtures of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate. MCE membranes are naturally low in metal background and are compatible with dilute bases and acids and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. MCE filters are hydrophilic and autoclavable.

• Meet NIOSH and OSHA method specifications for monitoring airborne metals, and other fibres
• Biologically inert
• Complete dissolution and clearing
• Purity — low artifacts
• Minimal interference in fibre counting
• Standard digestion procedures
• Gridded filters for fibre counting
• Ideal for air monitoring, AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy analysis), ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis) and transmitted light microscopy applications
• NIOSH is using MCE membranes to study nanoparticle morphology and elemental makeup

Airborne Metals — NIOSH 7300, OSHA ID121, 125G

SKC MCE membranes meet NIOSH specifications for the collection and analysis of airborne metals. MCE is easily digested by dilute nitric acid which makes it ideal for atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. Specifically Part number 225-19 is most commonly used with the IOM and the specifications match those referenced in a significant number of MDHS’s.

Asbestos Fibres — NIOSH 7400, OSHA ID160

MCE pore structure collapses when exposed to acetone vapour and offers minimal interferences in fibre counting. This makes it highly suitable for the collection and analysis of asbestos and other fibres. See Preloaded MCE filters for asbestos.

Additional applications include monitoring for some pesticides and fluorides. See the Sampling Solutions for further applications.

MCE Filters

Diameter (mm)	Pore Size (µm)	Support Pad included †	Notes	Pack Size	Part Number
13	5.0	No	Use with Mini-Sampler	100	225-8050
25	0.45	No		100	225-1911
25	0.8	No	Use with IOM Sampler	100	225-1930
25	0.8	Yes	Use with IOM Sampler	100	225-19
25	0.8	No	Black grid, principally used for asbestos sampling in UK	100	225-1913
25	1.2	No	Cellulose, ashless, recommended for use with the Button Sampler	100	225-1912
25	1.2	No	Black grid, low asbestos fibre background	100	225-1917
37	0.45	Yes		100	225-9
37	0.45	No		100	225-1914
37	0.8	Yes		100	225-5
37	0.8	No		100	225-1939
37	0.8	No	Black grid	100	225-334
37	5.0	No		100	225-1938
47	0.45	No		100	225-506
47	0.8	No		100	225-504

† Filter supports available

Matched-weight MCE Filters for Gravimetric Determination

Matched-weight MCE filter pairs are certified as matched in weight to within 50 µg. Load the filters into a cassette; the top filter collects the contaminant, the bottom filter acts as a control. No preweighing or conditioning is required. After sampling, both filters are weighed and the difference between weights is the sample weight. Note these are not in preloaded cassettes.

Diameter (mm)	Filter Specifications	Pack Size	Part Number
37	MCE, 0.8 µm, matched-weight within 50 µg, filter pairs only.	50 Pairs	225-532
47	MCE, 0.8 µm, matched-weight within 50 µg, filter pairs only.	50 Pairs	225-531

Pre-loaded MCE Filters

All SKC preloaded filters include filter supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes which require a SureSeal Cassette Opener.

Diameter (mm)	Pore Size (µm)	Description	Pack Size	Part Number
25	0.8	3-piece clear plastic, banded	50	225-3100
25	1.2	3-piece black conductive polypropylene (goblet style with extension cowl), banded	50	225-507
37	0.45	3-piece black conductive, banded	50	225-1924
37	0.45	4-piece clear styrene, banded, BestChek® quality tested for low asbestos fibre background. Certificate of Analysis included	50	225-1925
37	0.45	4-piece black conductive cassette, banded, BestChek® quality tested for low asbestos fibre background; Certificate of Analysis included	50	225-1926
37	0.8	2-piece clear styrene, banded	50	225-508
37	0.8	3-piece clear styrene, banded	50	225-3-01
37	0.8	3-piece clear styrene, not banded	50	225-3-01NB
37	0.8	2-piece clear styrene; filter sealed to Solu-CAP cellulose acetate dome insert to eliminate sample loss for metal analysis	50	225-8517
		SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25, 37 and 47 mm SureSeal cassettes	Each	225-13-5B

Preloaded Matched-weight MCE Filter Cassettes

All SKC preloaded filters include supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes that require a SureSeal Cassette Opener.

Diameter (mm)	Cassette Description	Filter Specifications	Matched Weight	Pack Size	Part Number
25	2-piece clear styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE with support	within 50 µg	50	225-525
37	3-piece clear styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE	within 100 µg	50	225-3-02
37	2-piece clear styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE	within 50 µg	50	225-502
37	3-piece clear styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE	within 50 µg	50 10	225-503 225-528A
		SureSeal Cassette Opener			225-13-5B

Nano-Neat MCE Filter Cassettes

Ultra-pure for sampling workplace chromium. Cassettes are tinted purple for easy identification. Each box contains a Certificate of Conformance. All SKC preloaded filters include supports and are in SureSeal leak-free cassettes that require a SureSeal Cassette Opener.

Diameter (mm)	Cassette Description	Filter Specifications	Pack Size	Part Number
25	2-piece purple styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat	50	225-8402
25	3-piece purple styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat	50	225-8404
37	2-piece purple styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat	50	225-8408
37	3-piece purple styrene, banded	0.8 µm MCE, Nano-Neat	50	225-8410
		SureSeal Cassette Opener		225-13-5B