High dynamic range image captured during the Drug Delivery to the Lungs (DDL) 2007 conference (Edinburgh, Scotland)
For new inhalation projects coming into our lab, the Next Generation ImpactorTM (NGI) is our impactor of choice for aerodynamic particle size testing. There are two primary reasons for this preference: 1) Use of the NGI is somewhat more efficient than the Andersen cascade impactor (ACI) due to easier assembly and disassembly; and 2) The industry seems to be moving in that direction. For consistency, we still use ACIs for a few older projects, such as those that were initiated prior to the market introduction of the NGI.
Cascade impaction has seen a long history of device innovation, so it’s natural to see one technology fade in favor of another.1 How are the cascade impactor nozzles arranged in your lab — vertically or horizontally? Place your vote in the poll below, and we’ll get an informal read on status of the transition from ACI to NGI.
References
1. Marple, V.A., “History of Impactors – The First 110 Years”, Aerosol Sci. Technol., Vol 38, March 2004, 247 – 292.
