Particulate Matter (PM) Defined:
In a certain sense, “Particulate Matter” is a fancy word for “dust.” However, the term “Particulate Matter” does carry connotations about a certain type of dust – in general, dust that, when breathed, is small enough to penetrate lung tissue and cause harm to human or animal life.
Particles that have a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10) are of the most concern. To give an idea on the size of a micron, a human hair has a diameter of about 50 microns. The naked human eye can’t see an item with a diameter smaller than 40 microns. So we are talking about dust that is so small, we can’t see it without a magnifying glass or microscope.
This tiny dust typically has a common source, usually related to human activity. PM10 sized particles are usually natural, in the sense that they are created in nature, like dirt and pollen, but are often stirred up by human activity like outdoor construction and industrial work. PM2.5 sized particles (diameter of 2.5 microns or less) are more commonly man-made and can be found in areas of heavy traffic, power plants, and fires.
Reasons to Measure Particulate Matter (PM):
Particulate Matter sized PM10 and less can penetrate lung tissue. In cases where people are exposed long-term, it can cause health problems like cancer, heart and lung disease, and strokes. Short-term exposure can aggravate existing conditions, triggering asthma attacks or heart attacks.
Technology of Aeroqual Particulate Matter (PM) sensor head:
Aeroqual utilizes various sensor technologies with its 27 different gas-specific sensor head cartridges, each technology chosen as the best match for the gas it is measuring. The PM sensor uses the LPC (Laser Particle Counter) sensor technology and optimized signal processing. When dust particles cycle through the sensor, the laser light 1.) bounces off the particles, 2.) is transmitted as an electrical current, and 3.) is interpreted on the monitor’s screen as Particulate Matter levels. To increase accuracy, this instrument also has algorithms built in to correct for interferences like relative humidity. The final result is a simultaneous readout of accurate, real-time PM2.5 and PM10 levels on a large LCD screen. Each Aeroqual sensor head is shipped with a NIST-Traceable calibration certificate.
Compatibility with Aeroqual Monitor Bases S200, S300, and S500:
The Particulate Matter (PM) sensor head cartridge is designed to pair with a monitor base. The three monitor bases that receive the PM sensor head are the Aeroqual Series 200, Series 300, and Series 500 monitor bases. While the PM sensor head pairs with each base in the same way, and provides the same real-time PM levels readouts on a large LCD screen on each base, there are some differences between each base as well, and it is common to choose a different base depending on the application.
The Series 200 base has a large LCD screen showing PM2.5 and PM10 readouts, is portable, and can operate for up to 8 hours on its internal battery. It fits nicely in the palm of the hand, and is commonly used in laboratories, personal residences, and work areas where it is carried around and referenced for real-time PM measurements.
Purchase Aeroqual Series 200 Monitor Base with PM Sensor Head
The Series 300 base has all the same features as the Series 200 base, with several additional features: analogue output and control relays. It is often used in a laboratory or industrial setting where its analogue output can be used for communicating with datalogging equipment or a PLC, and its control relays can switch equipment on and off.
Purchase Aeroqual Series 300 Monitor Base with PM Sensor Head
The Series 500 base has the same features as the Series 300, with one final additional feature: internal datalogging. This monitor is used in many applications where recording data history is important: for example, a laboratory tracking gas levels during an experiment, an industrial plant safety officer recording gas levels during work shifts, and a community member recording air quality measurements that can be shared with other community members.
Purchase Aeroqual Series 500 Monitor Base with PM Sensor Head
| PM Sensor Features: | PM Sensor Data: |
| Particulate Matter Sizes Measured: | PM2.5 and PM10 |
| Sensor Code / Part Number: | PM |
| Sensor Type: | LPC (Laser Particle Counter) |
| Range: | 0.001-1.000 mg/m3 |
| Min Detection Limit: | 0.001 mg/m3 |
| Accuracy: | +/- 0.005 mg/m3 + 15% |
| Resolution: | 0.001 mg/m3 |
| Response Time: | 5 seconds |
| Temp Operating Range: | 0 – 40° C (32 – 104° F) |
| RH Operating Range: | 0 – 90% RH |
