Sampling cover assembly for particle monitoring system

Abstract

The present application relates to a sampling cap assembly for a particle monitoring system, preferably a microbial gas (e.g., air) sampler or airborne particle counter. The present application also relates to a particle monitoring system comprising such a sampling cap assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a sampling cover assembly for a particle monitoring system (preferably a microbiological gas (eg air) sampler or an airborne particle counter). The present application also relates to a particle monitoring system comprising such a sampling cover assembly. Background Art

[0002] In a range of cleanrooms and manufacturing environments requiring low particle levels, such as cleanroom environments for electronics fabrication or semiconductor fabrication or measuring instrumentation, and germ-free environments for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and biological products, such as sterile pharmaceutical products, monitoring of sample fluids (liquids, or more commonly gases such as air) is frequently performed for the purpose of assessing contaminants, for classification and for monitoring purposes.

[0003] For the purpose of monitoring fluids (e.g., gases such as air) in such contexts, particle monitoring systems are known and include microbial or reactive gas (e.g., air) samplers and particle counters. Microbial or reactive gas (e.g., air) samplers and airborne particle counters are beneficial because they allow the user to sample a quantitative amount of gas (e.g., air) and determine the risk of contamination (microbial flora) of a sterile product in the surrounding environment.

[0004] EP0964240A1 discloses an example of a microbial gas (e.g., air) sampler and a method for sampling, detecting, and / or characterizing particles, for example, via the collection, growth, and analysis of live biological particles (such as microorganisms). The device includes an integrated sampler and an impact surface (such as a receiving surface of a growth medium in a petri dish) for collecting biological particles. The collected particles are then typically incubated to grow live particles and then analyzed by different techniques, including visual inspection, microscopy, fluorescence or autofluorescence, ATP detection, or other techniques.

[0005] A particle counter, another type of particle monitoring device, typically pumps the gas to be monitored through a measurement system. A laser beam is directed into the gas flow, and particles that cross the laser beam will generate a signal detected by a photomultiplier tube. The output of the photomultiplier tube has several amplifiers with different gain stages, which allows the number of particles and particle size to be distinguished based on the evaluation of the signal (more specifically, the evaluation of the signal amplitude).

[0006] The present invention relates to a particle monitoring system, wherein a sampling section for performing a sampling process on a sample fluid (preferably a gas, such as air) comprises a particle collector or a particle counter, or the present invention relates to a particle monitoring system wherein the sampling section comprises a combination of a particle collector and a particle counter. The monitoring procedures and techniques of the particle monitoring system themselves are not affected by the present invention, are well known throughout the industry, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0007] US2021 / 0214121A1 discloses an air sampler device for a particle monitoring system. The air sampler device includes a base plate on which a petri dish is to be placed, and a top plate, which is placed on the base plate to surround the petri dish and is an example of a sampling cover assembly. A vacuum tube is attached to the air port of the base plate. Then, air is sucked into the sampler device through a hole in the top plate so that the air hits the test medium contained in the petri dish, which is contained between the top plate and the bottom plate in the air sampler device. The air leaves through the air port. At the end of the test cycle, the top plate is removed from the base plate, the petri dish is removed, and the top plate is replaced. Then, the petri dish can be analyzed to determine the cleanliness level of the surrounding environment.

[0008] The entire device disclosed in US2021 / 0214121A1 is made of metal so that the device can be sterilized by heat, steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) or ethylene oxide (ETO). Because the petri dish has a diameter of about 9 cm (3.5 inches), the top plate has a slightly larger diameter of 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) and is therefore relatively heavy. In addition, the outer surface of the top plate is flat and smooth and difficult to be grasped by people wearing gloves in a clean room. US2021 / 0214121A1 suggests providing the top plate with concave side walls along the periphery of the top plate to create a more certain contact between the user's fingers and the side walls of the top plate and achieve a weight reduction of about 20% for the top plate.

[0009] This solution is still relatively bulky, heavy and difficult to clean because it requires complex and energy-consuming sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves, which are not available at every location. Outsourcing the autoclave process is expensive and requires a considerable inventory of sterilized and used materials to maintain continuous operation.

[0010] There are also solutions where the entire top plate or air sampler device for the particle monitoring system is made of plastic material and is designed for single use applications. These solutions generate a lot of waste and are still bulky and therefore cannot be easily stacked and therefore require a large storage space for storing the material.

[0011] Finally, current sampling covers or top plates of air sampler devices for particle monitoring systems used for environmental monitoring are not optimized for robotic and automated applications, which is a trend in the industry to reduce labor and improve safety and quality standards.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sampling cover assembly for a particle monitoring system, preferably a microbiological gas (eg air) sampler or an airborne particle counter, which solves at least some of the problems associated with existing solutions. Summary of the invention

[0013] In order to solve the above indicated problem, the present invention provides a sampling cover assembly for a particle monitoring system as defined by claim 1, and a particle monitoring system as defined by claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the sampling cover assembly for a particle monitoring system are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention particularly provides a sampling cover assembly for a particle monitoring system, which includes: a support frame, which is configured to be releasably attached to a sampling section of the particle monitoring system and defines a space surrounding an impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish, placed on the sampling section; and a sieve, which is configured to be removably mounted on the support frame to close the open side of the space above the impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish, the sieve being provided with a fluid opening, which is arranged to guide the fluid toward the impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish, placed on the sampling section during operation of the particle monitoring system.

[0015] The sampling cover assembly of the present invention consists of a single-use sieve (preferably made of plastic material) and a reusable support frame compatible with a corresponding environmental particle monitoring system to reduce waste levels by reducing the size of the single-use part (i.e., the sieve), by avoiding the need for cleaning and high-pressure sterilization of the single-use part, and by reducing the cleaning requirements of the reusable support frame because its geometric complexity is reduced (thereby allowing adequate cleaning using less complex cleaning equipment and procedures)).

[0016] It also reduces the weight of parts to be handled, as the support frame and the screen can be handled separately, and / or it reduces the material inventory for continuous operation.

[0017] Since the screen is not provided with a supporting frame, it can be flat in its entirety, which reduces volume and therefore packaging, and thereby helps to make environmental monitoring more sustainable.

[0018] The sampling cover assembly of the present invention also provides a compatible air sampling cover solution for both manual and automated use.

[0019] Preferably, the support frame and the screen are made of different materials.

[0020] Preferably, the support frame is made of a material capable of withstanding autoclaving for sterilization, preferably a metallic material, preferably stainless steel, and the screen is made of a disposable material, preferably a plastic material.

[0021] Preferably, the support frame and screen are configured to releasably engage with each other, preferably in a form-locking engagement.

[0022] Preferably, the support frame and the screen are configured to be engaged by movement in an axial direction of the support frame and / or by lateral movement in a radial direction of the support frame.

[0023] Preferably, the support frame and screen are provided with matching centering features for defining the mounting position, preferably matching tapered surfaces and / or one or more matching projections and recesses.

[0024] Preferably, the support frame is configured to move along the body of the sampling section of the particle monitoring system between a position where the support frame defines a space surrounding an impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish, placed on the sampling section and a position providing access to the sampling section.

[0025] Preferably, the screen is provided with one or more lateral protrusions, preferably in the form of one or more lugs, allowing gripping of the screen for the purpose of positioning it at the supporting frame.

[0026] Preferably, the screen is provided with a plurality of radial ribs distributed around its circumference to increase rigidity against deformation.

[0027] Preferably, the support frame is an annular body, preferably having one or more lateral projections and / or recesses, preferably in the form of peripheral shoulders or grooves.

[0028] Preferably, the screens are configured to join with other screens to form a self-supporting stack.

[0029] Preferably, the screen and / or the supporting frame is provided with a data tag comprising an identifier, preferably of an electronically readable type.

[0030] Preferably, the sieve is formed so that, when the sampling cover assembly is mounted on the sampling section and the sieve is in a mounted position on the support frame, the surface of the support frame facing the space is shielded from contact with the fluid which, during operation of the particle monitoring system, is directed through the fluid opening toward an impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish, placed on the sampling section.

[0031] Preferably, the sampling cover assembly includes an impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish.

[0032] The present application also relates to a particle monitoring system comprising such a sampling cover assembly as defined herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred but non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached exemplary schematic diagram, in which:

[0034] Figure 1a , 1b and 1c in perspective ( Figure 1a ), perspective cross-section diagram( Figure 1b ) and section elevations ( Figure 1c ) shows exemplary and schematic representations of a first embodiment of a sampling cover assembly, each representation being combined with a sampling section of a particle monitoring system;

[0035] Figures 2a to 2h In perspective ( Figure 2a , 2c , 2d, 2f and 2g) and perspective cross-sectional views ( Figure 2b , 2e and 2h) showing an exemplary and schematic representation of a series of characteristic stages of an air monitoring process using a sampling cover assembly according to a first embodiment, each representation being combined with a sampling section of a particle monitoring system;

[0036] Figure 3a and 3b In perspective ( Figure 3a ) and a perspective view in which the screen is separated from the support frame ( Figure 3b ) shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a second embodiment of a sampling cover assembly; and

[0037] Figures 4a to 4c Perspective view of a sieve turned upside down ( Figure 4a ), perspective view of the assembled state ( Figure 4b ) and perspective cross-section ( Figure 4c ) shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a third embodiment of a sampling cover assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The particle monitoring system and sampling cover assembly of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with various embodiments, whereby it will be appreciated that features of the embodiments may be combined with one another.

[0039] Figures 1a to 1cAn exemplary and schematic representation of a first embodiment of a sampling cover assembly 1 according to the invention is shown in combination with a sampling section 3 of a particle monitoring system (not shown). It is noted that the sampling section 3 is not part of the invention but a component of a particle monitoring system known per se. The sampling cover assembly 1 is in any case designed to be compatible with a corresponding sampling section 3 to provide the functionality described below.

[0040] A sampling cover assembly 1 for a particle monitoring system comprises a support frame 2 configured to be releasably attached and fixed to a sampling section 3 of the particle monitoring system and to define a space 5 (as described above in connection with the prior art) surrounding an impact and collection surface (such as a petri dish 4) placed on a base 3a of the sampling section 3. Although in the following, the present sampling cover assembly will be described with a petri dish as the impact and collection surface, it will be understood that any impact and collection surface may be used in place of the petri dish.

[0041] The sampling cover assembly 1 also includes a screen 6 formed as a separate and distinct member from the support frame 2 and configured to be removably mounted at the support frame 2 to close (or "cover") the open side of the space 5 above the petri dish 4. The screen 6 is provided with an array of fluid openings 7 arranged to direct a fluid that may support bacterial contaminants and / or other particles toward a growth or test medium contained in a petri dish 4 placed on the sampling section 3 during operation of the particle monitoring system. After impacting the medium in the petri dish 4, the fluid is directed toward the periphery of the screen 6 and from there through the gap 16 between the support frame and the petri dish to the outlet port 3b of the sampling section (the flow of the fluid is driven by the reduced pressure generated by the vacuum pump downstream of the outlet port 3b).

[0042] In the prior art, the support frame and the sieve are formed integrally. According to the present invention, by separating the support frame 2 and the sieve 6, the support frame 2 and the sieve 6 are made of different materials. In particular, the support frame 2 is a reusable component and is made of a material that can withstand high pressure sterilization for sterilization, preferably made of a metal material, preferably made of stainless steel. The sieve 6 is preferably a disposable component made of a disposable material (preferably a plastic material). The selection of plastic material is not particularly limited. Suitable plastic material can be, for example, selected from the list consisting of: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); polypropylene (PP), such as propylene homopolymer, propylene random copolymer or heterophasic propylene block copolymer; polycarbonate (PC); polystyrene (PS), such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS); polyamide (PA); and polyester.

[0043] However, the concept of separating the support frame 3 and the screen 6 is applicable to the concept in which the screen is also reusable. In any case, the separation of these two components reduces the volume of the disposable part (i.e., the screen) of the sampling cover assembly 1, while a considerable part (i.e., the support frame) is reusable.

[0044] The support frame 2 and screen 6 are configured to releasably engage with each other, preferably but not necessarily in a form-locking engagement.

[0045] The support frame 2 and the screen 6 are configured to engage by movement in the axial direction of the support frame 2 and / or by lateral movement in the radial direction of the support frame 2. In an embodiment, the screen 6 is provided with an annular ridge 8 which projects downwardly from the downwardly facing side and is formed to engage with a matching circular groove 9 recessed in the upper surface of the support frame 2.

[0046] The support frame 2 and the screen 6 may also be provided with matching centering features for defining the mounting position, preferably matching tapered surfaces and / or one or more matching protrusions and recesses. When the screen is pulled / pushed towards the support frame by the flow of gas (e.g. air) in use, a particularly tight connection or engagement is not necessary, but may be implemented depending on the circumstances.

[0047] The screen 6 may also be provided with an inner wall extension 10 which extends downwardly so as to shield substantially the entire inner peripheral wall of the support frame 2 facing towards the space 5. Such an extension (not shown) may be formed by a relatively thin strip of sheet material formed integrally with the screen and reduces or avoids exposure of the inner peripheral wall of the support frame to contaminants in the fluid, thereby allowing the support frame to be reused before having to be cleaned and optionally sterilized again.

[0048] The form, number and arrangement of the openings 7 on the upper side of the sieve 6 are not particularly limited as long as they satisfy the function of directing the desired flow of the fluid toward the culture medium in the petri dish 4. In an embodiment, the openings 7 are in the form of radially elongated slits directed toward the center of the sieve. The surface in which the openings are formed is in the form of a recessed groove-like portion 11 surrounded by an elevated peripheral edge 12. The lower side of the peripheral edge 12 accommodates and forms an annular channel 13 for directing the fluid through the gap between the support frame 2 and the petri dish 4 to the outlet port 3b.

[0049] like Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the raised peripheral edge 12 of the screen 6 is provided on its upper side with a number of radial ribs 14, which are distributed around the circumference to increase the rigidity of the screen against bending deformations, in addition to the effect of the raised peripheral edge 12, while allowing a reduction in the material thickness of the wall itself. This allows: the screen can be gripped and carried by a gripper tool of a robot.

[0050] The support frame 2 is particularly designed to have a relatively simple geometry with a mainly flat and preferably uninterrupted continuous smooth surface and only minimal recesses or sharp edges. Therefore, the support frame 2 can be easily cleaned even without special autoclave equipment to remove contaminants that potentially adhere to it, while the more complex structure of the screen 6 with slots, openings, ribs, etc. does not allow cleaning with such simple equipment and requires autoclaving or similar processes if reuse is desired.

[0051] In an embodiment, the support frame 2 is an annular body, preferably with one or more small lateral projections and / or recesses, preferably in the form of peripheral shoulders or shallow grooves 15, to avoid the support frame from sliding through the gripper of the robot or gloves in the case of manual handling. For ease of implementation, the support frame 2 preferably has a substantially vertical surface that is wide enough along the periphery to allow easy and reliable gripping. The support frame 2 is designed to be fixed to the base 3a of the sampling section 3. This can be achieved, wherein the support frame 2 and the base 3a are provided with matching centering and engagement features for defining a releasable mounting position. Compared with the releasable connection between the sieve and the support frame, if the support frame 2 will be held in place for several replacement cycles of the sieve 6, the releasable connection between the base 3a and the support frame 2 should be more rigid, because the reusable support ring 2 does not need to be cleaned between each sampling cycle.

[0052] According to the present invention, the packaging volume of the material inventory is also reduced in several aspects by separating the support frame 2 and the screen 6. First, the disposable single-use screen 6 can be relatively flat (because the support frame is no longer part of it during storage and handling), and the screen 6 can be configured to join with other screens 6 to form a self-supporting stack.

[0053] Furthermore, the relatively flat sieve 6 can be provided with a relatively simple rigid primary packaging for a single use sieve, so as to allow automated and robotic use. There will be a functional synergy between the packaging and the single use sieve for robotic and automated use. The rigid packaging will allow the sieve to be kept sterile until the last moment before its use.

[0054] Secondly, the reusable support frame can be provided in smaller quantities depending on the cleaning cycle or handling time. Since the cleaning procedures of the components are less demanding, the components can be cleaned on-site at most places of use even without dedicated autoclave equipment. Therefore, the cleaning cycle time does not have to take into account the time and procedures involved in the handling, especially when the cleaning process is outsourced, i.e. sent to an external service provider for cleaning.

[0055] Figures 2a to 2h In perspective ( Figure 2a ,2c , 2d, 2f and 2g) and perspective cross-sectional views ( Figure 2b , 2e and 2h) show an exemplary and schematic representation of a series of characteristic stages of an air monitoring process using a sampling cover assembly according to a first embodiment, each representation being combined with a sampling section of a particle monitoring system.

[0056] To begin the air monitoring process, a petri dish 4 (with a growth or test medium, such as agar medium) is placed on the base 3a of the sampling section 3 of the particle monitoring system (e.g., air sampling system). This stage is shown in Figure 2a and Figure 2b The petri dish 4 can generally be positioned manually or automatically using a robot.

[0057] Next, the reusable support frame 2 is also positioned on the base 3a of the sampling section 3 so as to surround the petri dish 4 with a gap 16 (see Figures 2c to 2e ). The support frame 2 can generally be positioned manually or automatically using a robot.

[0058] In the next step, the disposable sieve 6 is positioned on the reusable support frame 2 (see Figures 2f to 2h ). The disposable sieve 6 can generally be positioned manually or automatically by a robot, wherein Figure 2f Indicates an example in which a sieve 6 is gripped by a gripper tool 17 of such a handling robot (not shown). The rigidity of the disposable sieve 6 and, if necessary, the use of a rigid package (not shown) as a primary package for the disposable sieve 6 will allow for automated and robotic use of the proposed solution by using a gripper 17. The primary package can be a unit package or a package of several sieves 6. In the second case, the design of the sieves will preferably allow them to be easily stacked and picked up one by one by the gripper tool 17.

[0059] Once the sieve 6 is placed on top of the support frame 2, the fluid sampling system is ready to start, and a vacuum pump (not shown) is started to suck fluid (air) through the holes 7 of the sieve 6, and the contaminant particles entrained in the fluid flow are ejected by kinetic energy onto the surface of the culture medium in the petri dish 4, and remain on the culture medium surface. The sucked fluid is forced outward and upward at the peripheral wall of the petri dish 4, and is further guided and turned downward by the annular channel 13 of the sieve 6, and is guided to the outlet port 3b through the gap 16 between the inner peripheral wall of the support frame 3 and the petri dish 4, to finally leave through the port 3b of the air sampling system (see also Figure 1c ).

[0060] In a preferred variant, the sieve 6 and / or the support frame 2 and optionally the gas (e.g. air) sampling system are provided with a data tag comprising an identifier (preferably of an electronically readable type) attached to an accessible outer surface of the respective component, possibly with a unique data matrix, for ensuring unambiguous traceability of the tests performed. Such traceability readings should be compatible with both manual and automatic use.

[0061] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the support frame 2 and screen 6 are provided with matching centering features for defining the mounting position, in this case matching tapered surfaces 18. Figure 3b In the embodiment of the present invention, both the reusable support frame 2 and the disposable sieve 6 are designed with a tapered shape at the matching contact surfaces to facilitate the positioning of the disposable sieve on the support frame 2 even in the case of automatic handling.

[0062] In this second embodiment, the sieve 6 is preferably provided with one or more lateral protrusions 9, preferably in the form of one or more lugs (only one is shown), allowing gripping (e.g. by a gripper on a robot arm) of the sieve 6 for the purpose of positioning it at the support frame 2 without contacting the recess in which the opening 7 is provided and without introducing bending forces on the sieve itself.

[0063] exist Figures 4a to 4c In the third embodiment shown in , the support frame 2 and the screen 6 are provided with matching centering features for defining the installation position, in this case, one or more matching protrusions 19 are provided, which are in the form of a plurality of ribs arranged on the lower side of the screen 6, and the plurality of ribs are distributed in an annular arrangement around the recessed portion with the opening 7 to engage with the inner peripheral wall of the support frame 2 when turned upside down. In a further variant (not shown), a matching recess may be provided to cooperate with the protrusion to define and fix a specific installation position.

[0064] In a third embodiment, the reusable support frame 2 is in the form of a substantially straight cylinder. This form is preferred because it further facilitates the cleaning process without the need for specific equipment. The inner diameter of the support frame or ring can be sized to fit tightly around the periphery of the base 3a of the sampling section 3 so that the support frame 2 is configured to move between an elevated position and a lowered position along the body of the base 3a of the sampling section 3, in which the support frame 2 defines a space 5 surrounding a petri dish 4 placed on the sampling section 3, and the lowered position provides access to the sampling section 3. This arrangement allows the support frame 2 to be maintained on the sampling section 3 while facilitating unimpeded loading of the petri dish 4 when the support frame 2 is moved to the lowered position. In the elevated position, a sieve can be placed on top of the support frame to cover the petri dish for sampling operations.

Claims

1. A sampling cover assembly (1) for a particle monitoring system, comprising: a support frame (2) configured to be releasably attached to a sampling section (3) of the particle monitoring system and defining a space (5) surrounding an impact and collection surface, preferably a petri dish (4), placed on the sampling section (3); and A sieve (6) configured to be removably mounted at the support frame (2) to close the open side of the space (5) above the impact and collection surface, preferably the petri dish (4), the sieve (6) being provided with a fluid opening (7) arranged to direct the fluid towards the impact and collection surface, preferably the petri dish (4), placed on the sampling section (3) during operation of the particle monitoring system.

2. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting frame (2) and the screen (6) are made of different materials.

3. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support frame (2) is made of a material capable of withstanding autoclaving for sterilization, preferably a metal material, preferably stainless steel, and the screen (6) is made of a disposable material, preferably a plastic material.

4. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The support frame (2) and the screen (6) are configured to releasably engage with each other, preferably in a form-locking engagement.

5. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The support frame (2) and the screen (6) are configured to be engaged by movement in an axial direction of the support frame (2) and / or by lateral movement in a radial direction of the support frame (2).

6. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The support frame (2) and the screen (6) are provided with matching centering features for defining the mounting position, preferably matching tapered surfaces and / or one or more matching protrusions and recesses.

7. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The support frame (2) is configured to move along the body of the sampling section (3) of the particle monitoring system between a position in which the support frame (2) defines the space (5) surrounding the impact and collection surface, preferably the petri dish (4), placed on the sampling section (3) and a position providing access to the sampling section (3).

8. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The screen (6) is provided with one or more lateral projections (9), preferably in the form of one or more lugs, allowing gripping of the screen (6) for the purpose of positioning it at the supporting frame (2).

9. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The screen (6) is provided with a plurality of radial ribs (14) distributed around its periphery to increase rigidity against deformation.

10. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The support frame (2) is an annular body, preferably having one or more lateral projections and / or recesses, preferably in the form of peripheral shoulders or grooves.

11. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The screen (6) is configured to engage with other screens (6) to form a self-supporting stack.

12. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The sieve (6) and / or the supporting frame (2) are provided with a data tag comprising an identifier, preferably of an electronically readable type.

13. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The sieve (6) is formed so that, when the sampling cover assembly (1) is mounted on the sampling section (3) and the sieve (6) is in the mounted position on the support frame (2), the surface of the support frame (2) facing the space (5) is shielded from contact with the fluid, which is guided through the fluid opening (7) towards the impact and collection surface, preferably the petri dish (4), placed on the sampling section (3) during operation of the particle monitoring system.

14. The sampling cover assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The sampling cover assembly (1) comprises an impact and collection surface which is preferably a petri dish (4).

15. A particle monitoring system comprising the sampling cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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