PM 2.5 Test Machine
AEROPRO has added the PM 2.5 Test Machine from MET ONE Instruments to our R&D laboratory and is one of the most advanced and automated Particulate Matter (PM) monitoring machines available in the markets today. The machine known as AEROCET 831, is basically a hand-held mass monitor profiler which is small, lightweight and reliable instrument.
This instrument simultaneously monitors PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 levels in the environment in a time span of one minute and is battery powered. Thus, PM10 measures all particles 10 micrometers (μm) in diameter or less and PM1 measures all particles 1 μm in diameter or less. PM pollution is a mixture of particles of various sizes such as soot, smoke, dirt, and dust. Many pollutant particles that make their way indoors are generated and released into the air from outdoor sources such as power plants, industrial processes, and automobiles. Other particles are generated within the home from activities such as cooking or burning wood in fireplaces. Small particles also include mould and bacteria and larger particles include pollen and dust mite casings. PM can have both short- and long-term health effects, with the smallest particles posing the greatest health risk.
The major applications of this device include filter testing, HVAC applications, remote sampling, monitor industrial and occupational hygiene, indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring, process control monitoring and point source location monitoring.
Basic Working Principle
The AEROCET 831 counts and sizes particles in 7 different size ranges then uses a proprietary algorithm to convert count data to mass measurements-μg/m3 (basically a particle to mass conversion). Fundamentally, the AEROCET 831 calculates a volume for each detected particle then assigns a standard density for the conversion.
The standard density value is augmented by the K-Factor setting to improve measurement accuracy. The AEROCET 831 provides a separate K-Factor setting for each measurement range (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and TSP).
The User interface is composed of a rotary dial, 2 button keypad and LCD display. The AEROCET 831 has two sampling modes: Manual and Continuous. In the Manual mode the machine configures the unit for single sample event and in Continuous mode the machine configures the unit for nonstop sampling.
The LCD Screen displays mass measurement results and the first line displays the Favorite range which is by default the PM2.5. The second line scrolls by using the rotary dial through the remaining ranges. The AEROCET 831 outputs real time data at the end of each sampling. The sample flow rate is factory set to 0.1 CFM (2.83 LPM). Continued use and ambient temperature/pressure variations may cause minor changes in flow which can reduce measurement accuracy and hence a Flow calibration kit is provided with the instrument.