In the vast landscapes of industrial operations—from cement manufacturing to mining and chemical processing—there’s something invisible that poses a serious threat every day: respirable dust. These microscopic airborne particles, often smaller than 10 microns, can enter deep into the lungs, causing long-term respiratory issues, reduced worker efficiency, and even legal consequences if not managed properly.
Thankfully, industries now have a powerful ally in controlling and understanding this threat: the Serrax Respirable Dust Sampler APM 560 (DFC). Built for accuracy, durability, and ease of use, this instrument is designed to help industrial environments monitor air quality and protect workers more effectively than ever.
In this blog, we’ll explore why respirable dust matters, how the APM 560 (DFC) works, and why industries across India are choosing Serrax for dust monitoring solutions.
What is Respirable Dust and Why Is It Dangerous?
Respirable dust refers to particles small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, typically those under 10 microns in diameter (PM10 and smaller). These particles can be released through:
- Crushing, drilling, and blasting in mining
- Cement grinding and bagging operations
- Dust-generating processes in pharma and chemical industries
- Sandblasting and polishing in construction or foundries
Once inside the lungs, these particles don’t just disappear. They can cause:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Silicosis
- Bronchitis and asthma
- Lung cancer (with long-term exposure)
This makes dust monitoring not just a regulatory obligation, but a moral one—to protect the workforce and sustain a healthy industrial ecosystem.
Enter the Solution: Serrax Respirable Dust Sampler APM 560 (DFC)
The Serrax Respirable Dust Sampler APM 560 (DFC) is designed specifically for industrial environments that demand precision dust sampling with minimal intervention and maximum reliability.
Let’s break down what makes this sampler stand out:
Rugged & Reliable Design
The APM 560 comes enclosed in a sturdy powder-coated aluminium cabinet, purpose-built to withstand tough environmental conditions like dust, moisture, and vibrations. This housing protects all the critical components: the blower, cyclone, filter holder, and Digital Flow Controller (DFC), ensuring stable performance even during prolonged operations.
Digital Flow Controller (DFC): Set It and Forget It
What makes the APM 560 a smarter choice is its Digital Flow Controller (DFC). Unlike traditional samplers that lose accuracy as filters become loaded, the DFC:
- Automatically maintains a constant flow rate
- Uses a differential pressure sensor to detect resistance
- Adjusts electronically to maintain precision
- Auto-shuts off if the flow rate drops below safe limits
This intelligent system saves you from constant manual intervention while maintaining data integrity over long sampling periods.
Accurate & Efficient Particulate Separation
Respirable dust isn’t just about collecting any particle—it’s about separating and analyzing particles under 10 microns, the ones most harmful to lungs.
The APM 560 uses a cyclone separator with a D50 cut-off at 10 microns, ensuring:
- Particles >10 microns are collected in a cup (not analyzed)
- Particles <10 microns are trapped on the filter paper (analyzed)
- Accurate data for PM10 to PM0.1 range
This precision helps industries stay compliant with standards like CPCB (India) or OSHA (USA).
Real-Time Flow & Time Monitoring
Key measurement parameters are visible instantly through:
- Glass Manometer Tube graduated in m³/min for accurate flow reading
- LCD Totalizer displaying sampling time up to 9999.99 hours
- User-programmable timer with a range of 0–24 hours
Operators can start a sampling session and walk away confidently, knowing the instrument will handle the job without compromise.
Heavy-Duty Blower with VFD Control
Dust sampling can be energy-intensive, especially over long durations. That’s why the APM 560 is equipped with a:
- 3-phase brushless blower (noiseless, maintenance-free)
- Operated via VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) for efficiency and speed control
- Supports 28+ hours of continuous sampling on standard 220V AC power
It’s the ideal setup for long shifts and extended environmental studies.
Filter Holder & Cyclone Assembly
The filter holder is made of casted aluminium with precision-finished rubber gaskets to prevent any leakage, ensuring only the right particles get through. Its durable structure ensures long life and dependable operation in dusty industrial zones.
Real-World Applications: Who Should Use the APM 560?
This instrument is specifically engineered for industries where dust exposure is a real and daily threat. If you work in any of the following sectors, the Serrax Respirable Dust Sampler APM 560 (DFC) could be a game-changer for your air quality monitoring strategy:
Industry | Use Case |
Mining & Quarrying | Monitoring silica dust exposure during drilling and blasting |
Cement & Construction | Tracking PM10 levels near crushers, bag filters, and grinding units |
Pharmaceuticals | Ensuring cleanroom environments meet particulate thresholds |
Metallurgical Plants | Measuring airborne dust near smelters and conveyor belts |
Occupational Safety Departments | Conducting exposure assessments for workers |
Research Labs | Collecting ambient respirable dust samples for analysis |
Why Choose Serrax?
At Serrax Technologies, we don’t just manufacture instruments—we deliver trust, reliability, and full-circle support. Here’s why industrial users prefer us:
- Made in India with globally benchmarked standards
- Precision calibration support and training
- Durable build quality for harsh industrial environments
- Responsive customer service and technical assistance
- Full documentation for regulatory compliance
We’ve built the APM 560 (DFC) to serve industries not just for now, but for the long haul—helping them breathe easier, act smarter, and stay compliant.
Final Thoughts: A Breath of Fresh Air, Literally
Airborne respirable dust might be invisible, but its impact is painfully real. With increasing focus on workplace safety and environmental compliance, it’s no longer enough to estimate or assume air quality. You need real data. And that’s exactly what the Serrax Respirable Dust Sampler APM 560 (DFC) delivers—reliably, intelligently, and efficiently.
Whether you’re an HSE manager in a cement plant or an environmental officer conducting field surveys, this instrument empowers you with the insights needed to take action—before the dust settles.
Want to Know More?
Looking to bring safer air monitoring to your operations?
👉 Visit: www.serrax.in
📧 Email: info@serrax.in
📞 Call: +91-8851906679
Let’s build a cleaner, safer industrial future—one breath at a time.