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
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.
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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
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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 styrene, 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 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 
Cassette Opener, stainless steel, suitable for 25, 37, and 47-mm filter cassettes.
Required for all SureSeal Cassettes.Each 225-13-5B 
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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, for opening 25 or 37 mm SureSeal cassettes 225-13-5A 
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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
10225-503
225-528A SureSeal Cassette Opener, for opening 25 or 37 mm SureSeal cassettes Each 225-13-5B
