Rapid-C+

Revolutionary real-time air microbial detector

Rapid-C+ combines innovative biofluorescence-based particle counting with established active air microbial sampling. The system detects viable particle counts (VPC) and total particle counts (TPC) in real time while simultaneously collecting samples on agar plates for microbial identification. This enables immediate detection of contamination events, faster root-cause investigation, and minimized production interruptions—while fully supporting an Annex 1-compliant contamination control strategy.

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Innovation. Tradition. A revolutionary combination.

The Rapid-C+ distinguishes viable particles from inert particles in real time. The system detects airborne microbes such as bacteria, yeasts, molds, and spores within seconds, including a time stamp. 

This gives users immediate feedback on contamination events and allows them to respond while the batch is still running. At the same time, the Rapid-C+ captures particles on standard agar plates, which can then be incubated and identified. This combination combines the speed of real-time detection with the informative value of classic CFU/m³ values — a unique all-in-one solution for environmental monitoring. 

Continuous monitoring and immediate alerts when microbial contamination is detected allow contamination events to be limited in time. This means that in the event of an incident, you can retain unaffected sub-batches and block only the affected time windows. 

In addition, real-time data supports faster release, especially when there are no elevated VPC levels. This significantly reduces production downtime and investigation times while improving process knowledge.

The fully automatic monitoring method of the Rapid-C+ reduces manual interventions in cleanroom class A to a minimum. This reduces the introduction of contamination by operating personnel. The system is H2O2-compatible and has been validated according to USP '1223', Ph.Eur. 5.1.6, and PDA TR No. 33. 

The Rapid-C+ facilitates the implementation of a contamination control strategy in accordance with EU GMP Annex 1 by enabling both continuous real-time monitoring and classic active air sampling. 

Via Ethernet and REST API, process data can be integrated into production and quality systems and alarms can be adjusted to defined limit values. This makes the real-time airborne germ detector an integral part of digital, qualifiable monitoring architectures. 

Rapid-C+ Feature highlights

Bio-fluorescent particle counter (BFPC)

Real-time differentiation between biological and inert particles

PlairGrid Software

Minute-by-minute data storage, alarm configuration, and status reporting

Easy integration

Connection to production equipment and systems via Ethernet and REST API interface

MBV

Multi-Jet-Impaktor 'C-Catch'

Certified aseptic impactor for continuous sampling on standard agar plates

Primary validation

According to USP ‹1223›, Ph.Eur. 5.1.6 and PDA TR No. 33

Minimal false positive rate

Zero Count ≤ 3 per m³ according to ISO 21501-4

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Three methods – clever combined

All monitoring is performed in the same airflow:

  • Real-time total particle count (TPC)
  • Real-time viable particle count (VPC)
  • Continuous active air sampling enabling CFU counting and identification of potential contamination

C-Catch

C-Catch, the aseptic air sampler from Rapid-C+, integrates seamlessly with any standard agar plate and facilitates air microbial sampling, which is analyzed in real time by the BFPC. This compatibility, combined with its aseptic containment, ensures precise and consistent results and allows the collection of detected microorganisms without cross-contamination.

How BFPC works

Biofluorescence particle counters, such as the Rapid-C+, analyze airborne particles in real time. Biological particles, like bacteria or mold, fluoresce under UV laser light, while inert particles only scatter light. Rapid-C+ accurately detects and classifies viable particles using a UV wavelength suitable for most microorganisms.

Product Specifications

Material
Stainless steel (impactor), metal housing

Dimensions
Length: 500 mm, Width: 265 mm, Height: 300 mm

Weight
30 kg

Optical Analysis
Every minute: VPC, TPC, air volume, instrument status, measurement timestamp

C-Catch
Certified aseptic multi-jet impactor with 85 holes for active air microbial sampling

Continuous Active Air Sampling:
More than 4 hours of sampling time, with minute-precise C-Catch replacement for agar plate exchange

Airflow Rate and Accuracy
5 liters per minute, ±5%

Size Range for Viable Particle Counting (VPC)
0.5 µm to 100 µm

Channels for Total Particle Counting (TPC)
≥0.5 µm, ≥1 µm, and ≥5 µm

Zero Count
≤3 per m³ (ISO 21501-4)

User Interface
PlairGrid Software

Communication
Ethernet / REST API interface with systems and production equipment

Data Storage
24 hours, recorded every minute

Status Reporting
Status value for each main function (airflow, laser, software, environment)

Alarms
Customizable for total particle level, viable particle level, or status values

  • C-Catch
  • C-Clean
  • C-Socket
  • Zero-count filter
  • Isokinetic probe
  • Power cord
  • Network cable

FAQ

The Rapid-C+ is delivered on a half pallet. The packaging dimensions are 800 mm × 600 mm × 655 mm. The instrument weighs 30 kg. Detailed unpacking instructions can be found in the user manual.

The Rapid-C+ is compatible with 90 mm agar plates from various suppliers.

The ability of microorganisms to grow and form colony-forming units (CFUs) is enhanced by using plates from quality suppliers (e.g., Merck).

With the Rapid-C+, individual particles can be measured in the size range of 0.5 to 100 μm. Particles are counted in 0.5 μm, 1 μm, and 5 μm channels.

Want to dive deeper? Our full FAQ section covers many more questions about the Rapid-C+. Take a look — the answer you’re looking for might already be there!

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Brochure


Key information about the Rapid-C+ in 2 pages

Documentation available upon request

STEP FILE

Technical 3D model of the Rapid-C+ for detailed integration into your planning processes

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ROI CALCULATIONS

Rapid-C+ Business Case - Determine the timing of your return on investment

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Requirements specification

Requirements specification (User Requirement Specification, URS) for the acquisition of the Rapid-C+

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