Patent ID: 7452394
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: B01D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for collecting and separating particles and microorganisms present in ambient air, the device comprising means for sucking air into a centrifugal enclosure having means for retaining particles or microorganisms and means for exhausting of the sucked-in air, wherein the enclosure is removably mounted on the device and forms a receptacle for transporting collected particles and microorganisms, and wherein the enclosure comprises a small volume cylindrical chamber having volume less than about 200 cm 3 , in which the particles and microorganisms conveyed by the sucked-in air are set into rotation about the axis of the enclosure and are separated from the sucked-in air by centrifuging against the inside wall of the enclosure, said enclosure co-operating with the air suction means to constitute a self-contained, portable assembly that can be manipulated using only one hand.