ACTRIS - Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure

ACTRIS is a pan-European research infrastructure that provides high-quality data on short-lived atmospheric constituents and the processes affecting their variability in natural and controlled atmospheres. The ACTRIS network includes over 100 research facilities across 17 countries, continuously measuring concentrations of various gas-phase species, aerosols, cloud characteristics, and other atmospheric properties. This data offers insights into the processes influencing atmospheric pollutant levels.

Harmonization: Standard Processes Deliver Higher-Quality Results

ACTRIS measurements are conducted in a harmonized manner, meaning that sampling and measurement techniques are standardized. This standardization allows for the comparison of data collected at different sites or at the same site at different times. The data collection protocols and reporting formats are also harmonized.

Specific requirements for harmonized measurements are outlined in formal standards documents. For example, EN 16976* and CEN/TS 17434 are relevant to measuring ultrafine particles in the atmosphere, focusing on particle number concentration and particle size distribution, respectively.

Because all ACTRIS measurements and data are harmonized, the data can be organized into high-quality final datasets. These datasets are publicly available at no cost and are routinely used by governments, researchers, and industry to formulate policies, advance science, and develop technologies to improve air quality.

TSI's Contribution to ACTRIS

Air quality measurement efforts depend on using the right tools. The ACTRIS network measures a wide variety of atmospheric constituents, requiring diverse instrumentation. ACTRIS employs both remote sensing techniques and in-situ measurements. For example, ultrafine particle measurements are conducted in-situ by drawing a small flow of ambient air through an instrument that measures the particles.

TSI particle counters and sizers have been widely used in ACTRIS-affiliated monitoring stations to measure ultrafine particles for years. TSI has a long history of designing Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs), which measure particle number concentration. TSI CPCs are used globally in various applications, including ambient air monitoring.

While CPCs can be used alone for number concentration measurements, they are also part of a system that measures the size distribution of ultrafine particles, known as Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS™). Both CPCs and SMPSs from TSI have been employed in ACTRIS-participating stations for years. TSI is proud to supply instrumentation and solutions to ACTRIS.

For more information, visit https://www.actris.eu/about.

*EN 16976 is formerly known as the Technical Specification CEN/TS 16976, and established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

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