Ultrafine Particle Counters

Operational Principles of UPC

Ambient aerosols (a) enter the sample pipe (c) to saturator (d). Here they traverse a Butyl Alcohol vapor whereby they become saturated with this vapor. The sample air flow can be configured for high (1.5 l/min) or low flow operation (0.3 l/min) total flow through this saturator.  Next, saturated air flows into the condenser (e) where vapor on the particles crossing this pipe becomes condensed.   Finally these supersaturated particles cross an optical path (f), where these droplets scatter light on a photodiode and their signals are counted at all times and expressed in Particles/cm³ each second (g). These counts are also stored on a data logger card (h) and also transmitted to the RS-232 (i) to an external data acquisition system (p).

The sample airflow is controlled at all times volumetrically and maintained electronically.

The butyl alcohol container is integrated into the unit that helps prevent spillage hazards. A refill port (k) and a level indicator (l) ensure simple handling in the field and there is an internal level controller (m) that prevents the operation without alcohol. The outstream air is filtered (i) which drastically reduces the alcohol odor.

Optional analog sensors, (o) such as temperature, humidity, wind-speed, etc. can be connected to the counter which allows for constant recordings of environmental influences of the obtained results. Data is stored each minute which permits better assessment of the airborne pollutants development.

A built-in battery gives the unit hours of portability in the field and an internal charger automatically recharges the battery when connected to an external power source.

A GRIMM classifier can be connected directly to the counter (5.402 or 5.403), enlarging the counter to a complete Sequential Mobility Particle Sizer.  GRIMM’s 32-bit software is capable of presenting the counter and attached sensor data as well as the system’s status with all its operational parameters.

The Automatic Leak Test system arrangement will verify that all connections of the SMPS are working properly prior to beginning the measurement cycle. This test procedure assures that no leaks or bad connections exist between the counter and the attached classifier.

This leak test is done automatically by the counter and the data is recorded on the data logger card. If the system does not pass this test, it can only be started manually.

Measurement Data- The unit can eliminate particles above a specific particle size by operating with open air inlet or with an impactor. To the right is an example a picture of counts obtained below 800nm.

Power Management System - These counters have an integrated heat exchange system, enabling the units to operate efficiently under field conditions. The automatic control assures proper system conditions at all times during measurement. There is a power loading control for the rechargeable battery (in model 5.403).

Auto-Start Mode - The GRIMM program allows the pre-selection of different date and times for start and stop cycles. Up to 30 different measurement cycles can be pre-selected. The system will start and stop automatically and record these results on the data logger card and the attached PC.

Remote Operation -The UPC or SMPS may be remotely operated via a telephone line by utilizing a modem card. The unit is still operated via the GRIMM software in a PC.

Particle Counter Range (UPC`s)

Model:

5.401

5.402

5.403

Min. Size in nm:

5

5

5

Alcohol tank

Integrated ½ liter tank

Integrated ½ liter tank

Integrated ½ liter tank

Maximum concentration:

10⁷

10⁷

10¹⁰

Count Range (up to):

10⁷ Particles/Liter

10⁷ Particles/Liter

10⁷ Particles/Liter

Lower Sensitivity:

Zero Count

Zero Count

Zero Count

Internal Pump:

No

Yes

Yes

Internal Battery:

No

No

Yes

Internal sheath air pump:

No

Yes

Yes

Classifier attachment:

No

Opt*

Yes

Sensor attachment port:

max. 3 sensors

max. 3 sensors

max. 3 sensors

Sample flow rate:

0.3 and 1.5 l/min

0.3 and 1.5 l/min

0.3 and 1.5 l/min

Sheath air flow rate:

3 liters/minute

3 liters/minute

3 liters/minute

Display:

2 digit LED

2 digit LED

2 digit LED

Datalogger Card:

6Mb limit

6Mb limit

6Mb limit

Modem card:

56kb PCMCIA

56kb PCMCIA

56kb PCMCIA

Operating Temperature:

-4^o to 45^oC

-4^o to 45^oC

-4^o to 45^oC

Housing:

Stainless steel

Stainless steel

Stainless steel

Power:

220/115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Dimensions:

26 x 29 x 11(cm)  10.2 x 11.4 x 8.3 (inches)

Weight:

11.5 kg    25.3lb

*Intended for non-GRIMM classifiers

Contact  

(United States)
GRIMM Technologies, Inc.
PO Box 6358 · Douglasville, GA  30154
1/877-474-6872 (toll-free) · 770/577-0853
770/577-0955 (fax)

GSA Contract: GS-07F-9439S
CAGE: 1ZJP9
 

(Canada)
Grimm Aerosol Canada Inc.
Gil Cossette, P. Eng.
1/877-474-6602 (toll-free)  -  514/928-1715
514-907-5978 (fax)
Email: gilcossette@grimm-aerosol.ca

(Mexico, Central America, South America)

Mauricio Torres

Fraccionamiento Los Candiles
Querétaro, QRO 76190 México
Tel. y Fax. (52) 442 228 2625 y 442 135 00 02
Web:  http://www.comercialaralco.com

Email:  mtorres@comercialaralco.com

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