Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) 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

Description

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 Filter

Diameter (mm) Pore Size (µm) Support Pad included † Notes Pack Size Part Number
13 5 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
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 No 100 225-1938
47 0.45 No 100 225-506
47 0.8 No 100 225-504
† Filter supports available

Matched-Weight MCE Filter 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 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 0.8 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
Cassette Opener, stainless steel, suitable for 25, 37, and 47-mm filter cassettes.
Required for all SureSeal Cassettes.

Pre-Loaded 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
225-527
12
37 3-piece clear styrene, banded 0.8 µm MCE within 50 µg 50 225-503
225-528
12
Cassette Opener, stainless steel, suitable for 25, 37, and 47-mm filter cassettes. 225-13-5B
Required for all SureSeal Cassettes.

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
Cassette Opener, stainless steel, suitable for 25, 37, and 47-mm filter cassettes. 225-13-5B
Required for all SureSeal Cassettes.