Remote particle counters are fixed units installed right inside your cleanroom at critical locations. Unlike handheld instruments that operators carry from spot to spot every so often, remote counters can work around the clock, continuously measuring airborne particles in real time. This means you get constant vigilance over the cleanroom environments with minimal human intervention and an automatic data collection system that notifies when these environmental conditions exceed set alarms setpoints.
These counters detect particles based on how they scatter light, as the particles are too small for the naked eye to detect, lasers are used to flag when particles are in the environment which is a trusted method used industry-wide and specified in ISO cleanroom standards. Some remote particle counters come with built-in pumps that pull in air for sampling, while others rely on a controlled vacuum system to pull air samples into the laser beam where the scattered light is detected and based on its intensity it is detected by a photo amplifier that converts the light signal into a voltage that represents the size of the particle.
Real Time Monitoring:
Continuous measurement during aseptic operations means you catch short-term contamination spikes (scattered light) that a once-a-day portable check would miss.
Less Risk of Human Error:
Fixed units reduce the chance of accidental contamination or disturbance from moving equipment in sensitive areas.
Integrated Alerts and Data:
Remote counters can send real-time alerts and feed data directly into your environmental monitoring system and/or building management system or quality control LIMS software, making compliance and response faster and smoother.
Supports Regulatory Requirements:
Continuous particle monitoring has been required in ISO 5 sterile areas for over 20 years and is the go-to approach for capturing and reporting data on environmental changes in aseptic sterile risk zones.
Built-In Pump or Facility Vacuum?
Choosing the Right Remote Counter
Our remote particle counters come in two options:
With Built-In Pump
(ApexRp Series):
These are self-contained and don’t depend on a vacuum system. They’re usually a bit bigger and may require scheduled maintenance of the pump and filters.
Without Built-In Pump
(ApexR Series):
Compact and a little quieter, these models connect to a vacuum infrastructure. They are great if your facility already has a reliable vacuum system in place, with enough header to accommodate the number of remote sensors that will connect to it but you’ll want to validate airflow to ensure accurate sampling.
The best choice varies by your facility’s layout, noise limits, and maintenance preferences.
Making Sure Your Counters Stay Accurate and Compliant
Modern remote counters also monitor their own health — alerting you if the laser or sensors start to degrade, or if communication or vacuum line issues arise. That way, you’re never caught off guard by faulty data.
SmartBracketTM: Smarter Mounting for Data Integrity
Maintaining data accuracy in cleanroom monitoring relies not just on great instruments, but on installing them securely in the right location. Lighthouse’s SmartBracket solves a common problem: when remote particle counters are moved for maintenance, they can be accidentally reinstalled in the wrong place—causing data errors. The SmartBracket eliminates this risk with an integrated location ID chip in the bracket itself, ensuring every counter is always mapped to the correct spot.
Designed for cleanrooms, the SmartBracket conceals vacuum tubing and CAT6 cables for a tidy, easy-to-clean, and water-resistant setup. With three mounting options—direct to the unit, floor-facing for extra cable support, or fully hidden through the wall—it adapts to any facility.
In short: SmartBracket streamlines installations, prevents location mix-ups, and keeps your monitoring accurate and compliant.
Flexible Mounting Options for Your Facility
Lighthouse’s SmartBracket system offers three ways to mount your remote counter, so your installation can be customized to your infrastructure:
Direct Mount:
Vacuum tubing and communication cables connect straight to the ApexR counter itself.
Cable Management with Floor-Facing Mounts:
Cables are routed through floor-facing clips within the bracket before connecting to the unit—ideal for installations where cables run downward and need extra support against tugs or bending.
Through-the-Wall Concealment:
Run cables through the back of the bracket and directly into the wall. This is the preferred option for cleanroom installations where it’s essential to keep all wiring out of sight and out of the path of personnel.
How LWS Supports Your Cleanroom Monitoring
Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions offers a range of remote particle counters designed specifically for pharmaceutical cleanrooms:
- Durable Design: Built to withstand routine cleaning and harsh disinfectants common in pharma environments.
- Flexible Options: Devices equipped with built-in pumps or made to work with your facility’s vacuum system — tailored to your operational needs.
- Seamless Connectivity: Easily integrate with your facility’s monitoring software and alert systems for automated, audit-ready data.
- Expert Support: From installation and validation to training and maintenance, Lighthouse provides the guidance to keep your monitoring program running smoothly and compliant.
For detailed product information and guidance, check out Lighthouse’s white paper on Remote Particle Counters for Pharmaceutical Applications.
Why Continuous Monitoring Makes a Difference
Implementing remote particle counters helps you detect airborne contamination immediately, protect product sterility, and meet strict regulatory expectations while reducing manual workload and potential human errors. It’s a smart, modern approach to ensuring your medicines are safe and your cleanrooms are up to the highest standards.
If you want to dive deeper, here are some helpful resources from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions:
- Explore different airborne particle counters
- Learn why viable air samplers are important
- Get the basics of gas sampling in cleanrooms
Continuous, accurate particle monitoring is a cornerstone of pharmaceutical quality assurance, and remote particle counters are making it easier than ever. With the right technology and support, you can confidently keep your cleanrooms—and the medicines made within them—as safe as possible.