Blog

Portable Particulate Sensor (PM2.5 / PM10)

Portable Particulate Sensor (PM2.5 / PM10)

Article Details

Last Updated

24 April 2024

Published

06 September 2017

Category

Outdoor

Portable particulate sensor

For more than a decade the Aeroqual portable monitor range has been trusted for accurate and affordable measurement of gaseous pollutants. Now you can use the very same Series 200/300/500 monitors to measure particulate matter (PM) too, thanks to the introduction of the PM2.5 & PM10 sensor head.

Since introducing the portable series of monitors over 15 years ago, the product has become a stalwart of the air monitoring community. Researchers in particular have trusted Aeroqual portable monitors to gather reliable air quality data cost effectively. They have published hundreds of papers featuring scientific work underpinned by our monitors.

What does it measure?

The portable particulate sensor measures:

  • Particles 2.5 microns and less (PM2.5)

  • Particles 10 microns and less (PM10)

The PM sensor head plugs into Aeroqual’s existing range of Series 200/300/500 monitors all of which can be used to measure the following range of gases and environmental conditions:

  • Ammonia

  • Carbon Dioxide

  • Carbon Monoxide

  • Chlorine

  • Formaldehyde

  • Hydrogen

  • Hydrogen Sulfide

  • Methane

  • Nitrogen Dioxide

  • Ozone

  • Perchloroethylene

  • Sulfur Dioxide

  • Volatile Organic Compounds

  • Temperature and Humidity.

The new PM2.5 & PM10 sensor head clips into the Aeroqual monitor base, just like the existing range of gas sensor heads. At any time one sensor head can be swapped for another. The changeover takes seconds and no configuration or calibration is required. It also makes servicing easy – simply send the sensor head to the service centre, rather than the whole instrument.

How is the Aeroqual PM sensor different?

What makes the Aeroqual PM sensor different is the attention to data quality that Aeroqual designs in to all our instruments. Our customers will benefit from the following features:

  • Precision active sampling

  • Fast T90 response time

  • Humidity compensation

  • K factor adjustment (Series 300, 500 models)

  • Compatibility with a wide range of gaseous measurements.

Together, these features allow the PM sensor head to deliver surprisingly accurate real-time data when compared to instruments that cost 20-30 times more. In head to head field tests with traditional EPA-approved analyzers, the PM sensor has shown r2 correlations of 0.84 (PM2.5) and 0.81 (PM10).

Aeroqual

The PM sensor head has been designed specifically for those who need to gather particulate pollution data quickly and cost effectively. Typical users might include health and safety managers, researchers, air quality agencies, and environmental consultants. Designed to be held in the hand, Aeroqual portable monitors are intended for shorter term use – gathering data over a few minutes up to 24 hours at multiple locations. For long term monitoring please check out our range of fixed dust and particulate monitoring stations.

The Aeroqual PM sensor is being put to work in the following applications:

  • Application: Construction dust and emissions

  • Particulate Matter: PM10

  • Optional Gases: NO2

  • Application: Roadside traffic emissions

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: NO2, CO, VOC

  • Application: Rail corridor and terminal emissions

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: SO2, NO2

  • Application: Smog formation and distribution

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5

  • Optional Gases: O3, VOC, NO2

  • Application: Validation of air quality models

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: O3, NO2, SO2, VOC, H2S, CO

  • Application: Community exposure studies

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: O3, NO2, SO2, VOC, H2S, CO

  • Application: Indoor air quality assessments

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: O3, CO2, CO, VOC, CHCO, NO2, SO2, H2S

  • Application: Personal exposure monitoring

  • Particulate Matter: PM2.5, PM10

  • Optional Gases: VOC, NH3, CH4, Cl2, CHCO, H2, PERC

Because the PM sensor is compatible with the Series 200/300/500 range, a full range of gas sensors can be used on the same monitor base. The changeover is simple – clip out one sensor head, plug in another, and start measuring. New sensor heads can be ordered at any time.

Delivery and support

The PM sensor head is available via our channel partners or factory direct. Shipping within 1-2 weeks from order the PM sensor head is delivered by airfreight to any destination in the world within 2-3 business days. All units come with a standard 12-month factory backed warranty. For your nearest representative please contact us.

As it is a relatively simple instrument, most customers can set up and start monitoring with minimal external support. Ongoing maintenance is low with the PM sensor expected to last up to 8,000 hours of continuous use. A new sensor head can be ordered at any time without need to return the monitor base to the factory.

Learn more about the PM sensor on the following pages:

Related products

PM10 & PM2.5 Portable Particulate Monitor

PM10 / PM2.5 Portable Particulate Monitor

Series 500 – Portable Air Quality Monitor

Series 500 – Portable Air Quality Monitor

Outdoor Air Quality Test Kit (Pro)

Outdoor Air Quality Test Kit (Pro)

Air monitoring made easy

Take the time and hassle out of your next project with a real-time air quality monitoring solution.

Let's chat about your project