BSNE Sampler – The Standard in Passive Dust & eDNA Collection
Built for harsh environments. Trusted by researchers worldwide.
The Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) is the robust, dependable, cost-effective solution for capturing airborne particles, including dust and environmental DNA (eDNA).
Rugged and economical, the BSNE Sampler is used by scientists the world over thanks to its reliability, simplicity, and dependability.
Custom Products’ BSNE Sampler (Big Spring Number Eight) is a passive, isokinetic, wind-aspirated dust sampler designed to collect 95% of airborne particulates—including aeolian dust and environmental DNA (eDNA)—that enter its opening, regardless of wind speed or direction. Mounted on a vertical pole, each BSNE unit rotates freely to face the wind, ensuring optimal sample capture at any height above 15 centimeters.
Engineered for resilience, BSNE samplers have been field-tested in extreme and remote environments for up to three years with minimal maintenance. As a completely power-free dust collection system, the BSNE requires no batteries, motors, or wiring—making it ideal for off-grid, long-term deployments.
Researchers commonly stack three to five BSNEs per pole to generate a vertical dust distribution profile, allowing for precise measurement of particle transport, erosion, and deposition. This wind-powered dust trap provides quantitative data critical to environmental monitoring and atmospheric studies.
Originally invented by agricultural engineer Donald “Bill” Fryrear, the BSNE has become the standard method for airborne dust collection in environmental science and is now widely adopted for eDNA sampling on every continent.
★★★★★
“The most recommendable sampler for field measurements is the BSNE, because its efficiency varies only very slightly with wind speed”
David Goossens, Z.Y. Offer
Wind tunnel and field calibration of six Aeolian dust samplers
★★★★★
“(W)e found that all three traps preformed similarly but the Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) dust traps trended as consistently one of the most effective, shedding light on the nonhomogeneous nature of airborne eDNA.”
Mark D. Johnson, Robert D. Cox, Matthew A. Barnes
Analyzing airborne environmental DNA: A comparison of extraction methods, primer type, and trap type on the ability to detect airborne eDNA from terrestrial plant communities
★★★★★
“BSNE delivers the best performance”
Shannak, B. Corsmeier, U. Kottmeir, Ch. Al-azab, T. (2014)
A Wind Tunnel Study of Twelve Dust Samplers by Large Particle Size
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BSNE Dust Sampler?
The BSNE Dust Sampler is a highly durable and reliable tool designed for collecting dust samples in various environmental conditions. It is recognized globally for its effectiveness and precision in data collection.
How efficient is the BSNE Sampler?
The BSNE Sampler is 95% efficient at extracting all airborne particulates.
How do you mount the BSNE?
The BSNE has been installed all over the world in every continent. The easiest installation method is rebar driven into the ground and 1/2 inch EMT slid over it. The BSNE is then easily attached to the EMT at the desired height.
How many BSNEs can you mount together?
The BSNE approx. 9″ high, so you can mount one about every foot easily. Three on a pole is recommended but there have been installations with 4 or 5.
How much does the BSNE Sampler cost?
Cost is contingent on quantity, delivery method, and local material costs. Please contact us for a custom quote.
What is the power source for the BSNE?
The BSNE achieves it best-in-class, 95% efficiency without any powered components. As a passive trap, it has no wiring, motors, vacuums, batteries, or other easily broken and expensive parts.
What is the best sampler for eDNA collection
The Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) has been proven in multiple scientific studies to be the best option for environmental DNA (eDNA) collection.
For example: Analyzing airborne environmental DNA