Nanoparticle counter for ambient air monitoring with integrable NAFION^® aerosol dryer

The aerosol pre-dried by the NAFION^® dryer is fed directly to the evaporator unit by the internally adjustable and controlled diaphragm pump, where it is saturated with the working liquid n-butanol. From there, it flows to the base of the evaporator in a spiral trough placed inside the cylinder. The non-evaporated residue is pumped back into the reservoir by a second pump. This actively ensures permanent saturation of the evaporator and, at the same time, prevents deposits from forming on the inner walls.

In contrast to a control with a critical nozzle, contamination of the system cannot lead to a drop in the volume flow. This is especially important for long-term measurements in the ambient air. The user can calibrate the volume flow.

The detection of the condensed particles is done by an optical sensor, which determines the concentrations and size distribution of the condensed particles and thus allows a simple and efficient quality control.

In addition to the usual factory calibration and adjustment of the cut-off according to EN 16976:2024, Palas offers certification of the instrument at the WCCAP (World Calibration Center for Aerosol Physics at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research).

The ENVI-CPC system has a 7" touch display for visualization and control. The system supports a standardized interface with different remote control and network application protocols, e.g., Modbus, Bayern-Hessen protocol. All necessary calculations and evaluations are performed directly on the device. A laptop for monitoring, changing settings, or visualization is not needed.

Comparison measurements

Fig. 1: Counting efficiency curve of the ENVI-CPC measured at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Extensions/Accessories

The ENVI-CPC system can be equipped with a meteorological sensor that monitors temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation type and intensity of the outdoor air. A climate-controlled weather protection enclosure is available.