TSI OmniCount™ PWCPC Model 3002

Whether you're using the TSI OmniCount™ Portable Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (PWCPC) in the field, in the lab, or on the move, this FAQ section answers the most common questions from researchers, environmental professionals, and health experts. Discover essential insights on performance, maintenance, usage scenarios, and more - helping you get the most out of your ultrafine particle measurements.

• Getting Started & General Use
• Performance & Capabilities
• Maintenance & Handling
• Compatibility & Integration
• Standards & Compliance
• Support & Contact - Place your questions here and we will be in touch soon.

 

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Getting Started & General Use

What are the dimensions and weight of the device?
The OmniCount™ PWCPC measures approximately 16 x 12 x 8 cm (6 x 5 x 3 inches) and weighs under 1 kg.

How long does the battery last?
Battery life is more than 4 hours, depending on environmental conditions and usage. Very hot or cold ambient temperatures may reduce battery life , and require more power to heat and cool the growth stages. Increased pressure drop on the inlets slightly increases pump speed, which reduces battery life modestly, as does enabling BLE wireless communications. The batteries are hot-swappable, and an external charger accessory will be available soon after launch.

Can the OmniCount™ PWCPC be used outdoors?
Yes, but it is not IP-rated for dust or water protection. If used outdoors, it should be placed in an enclosure. Additionally, since it is a water-based CPC, operation in very cold or very hot temperatures is limited without proper insulation or sample conditioning.

How does the OmniCount™ PWCPC perform in high-humidity environments?
Moderate to high humidity can extend wick life. However, operating in conditions where the dew point is higher than the OmniCount’s moderator temperature may cause excessive condensation in the device’s growth tube, affecting performance. Very dry environments may require more frequent wick refills.

Can I charge the OmniCount™ PWCPC with a USB-C power bank?
Yes, the device operates on a 5V USB-C connection with a 15W power requirement (3 A current is required to sustain operation). Any compatible USB power bank can extend battery life. The batteries are also hot-swappable for continuous operation.

Can the OmniCount™ PWCPC run on USB power from a computer?
Yes, as long as the USB port provides 15W power continuously (5V at 3 A), it can power the device.

Does the OmniCount™ software display real-time data via Bluetooth®?
Yes, the software can display real-time data when connected via Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), just as it does via USB.

How often does the software or firmware need updates?
TSI continuously improves its software based on user feedback. Updates are provided as new features and optimizations become available. Please let us know what you like and what you want to see next. Fill out the form here.

How does the OmniCount™ PWCPC support health and safety professionals?
It enables real-time UFP monitoring inside and outside of respirators, helping assess fit and exposure during actual use. Lightweight and portable, it delivers accurate results even in motion—ideal for PPE testing and hazard detection in the field. Learn more here.

Where can I see a demo of the OmniCount™ PWCPC?
Demo units are available in the US and Europe. Visit TSI at upcoming events or contact your local sales manager to arrange a demonstration.

 

Performance & Capabilities

Can this PWCPC be used in mobile research applications like drones or wearables?
Yes, its compact, lightweight design and stable performance under motion make it ideal for mobile platforms such as drones or personal exposure backpacks in field research. Learn more here.

What is the OmniCount™ PWCPC’s particle detection range?
The D50 (50% detection efficiency) lower limit is <10 nm. The device can count particles up to approximately 1 micron, though it is not a particle collector (sampler) or sizer.

What is the benefit of having two channels?
The dual-channel design allows simultaneous measurements from two different locations or conditions. This is beneficial for applications such as measuring inside and outside of a mask, upstream and downstream of a filter, or comparing a reference and a treated sample.

What is the highest temporal resolution of the device?
The highest temporal resolution is 10 Hz when recording data locally on the device. If using external software for data collection, the time resolution is 1 Hz.

Can users adjust the channel cutoffs?
Yes, the default channel D50 size is <10 nm, but users can modify temperature settings on the device to develop their own measurement methods. Both channels share common temperature controls for the growth engine, so any adjustments made will affect both channels. TSI is exploring future options for adjusting the cutpoints for the two channels independently with an accessory, so stay tuned for updates!

Can the two channels be configured independently?
No, the two channels cannot have independent cutoff sizes. Temperature settings for growth sections can be adjusted, but an inlet accessory would be required to modify size selection, which is under investigation for future options.

Can one channel be disabled to extend wick life?
No, both channels operate together, and the flow control system requires both to be active. However, users can experiment with different sampling conditions to optimize performance.

Does the device include humidity equalization features?
Yes, it incorporates internal Nafion™ tubes to passively reduce humidity differences between the instrument case and each of the two channels. This is valuable when comparing data collected in environments with varying moisture levels.

How does the PWCPC handle hydrophobic particles?
Like the model 3789, the OmniCount™ PWCPC is robust to different particle chemistries, including hydrophobic particles. While nucleation may have some dependence on chemistry at the smallest particle sizes, years of experience with water-based CPC technology show it generally performs well across various particle types for most applications.

Does the OmniCount™ PWCPC measure particle size?
No, a CPC is designed to count particles, not size them. The device grows all detected particles to a measurable size and counts them with high accuracy. While there is a counting efficiency curve for smaller sizes, once particles reach a certain size threshold, they are all detected similarly.

How does the 3002 OmniCount™ PWCPC compare to the 3789 WCPC?
Both devices share the same core CPC technology. The PWCPC model 3002 is designed for portability and dual-channel sampling, making it more suitable for field applications. The 3789 WCPC, on the other hand, is optimized for laboratory environments requiring higher stability, runtime, and smaller size detection.
 

 

Maintenance & Handling

How often does the PWCPC 3002 need maintenance?
The device requires minimal maintenance under normal usage. The primary upkeep involves refilling the working fluid (distilled water) periodically (watch instruction video here). The sample inlets can be easily cleaned as well. For high-concentration sampling, dilution may help extend the cleaning interval. Routine annual service and calibration at TSI are highly recommended.

What does the cleaning process involve?
The most frequent maintenance task is refilling the wicks with distilled water. Watch instruction video here. The device also has front inlets with coarse screens that should be cleaned periodically to prevent debris from entering.

What is the fill station, and how does it work?
The fill station is used to replenish the wick with distilled water. It is not a wick replacement system. The process takes about 1-2 minutes per channel. Watch instruction video here.

How often should the wick be replaced?
Wick life depends on usage – higher concentrations, more frequent use, etc. can require more frequent wick replacement. The wicks should be visually inspected at each refill and the pule ratio status should be monitored as an indication that the wicks need to be replaced.

Can the OmniCount™ PWCPC be flooded?
No, the design and operation make it extremely difficult to flood. There is no liquid reservoir; water is contained within the wick. The low internal volume also prevents excess water accumulation. Even if the device is shaken, turned upside down, or blocked at the inlet, it does not flood. It is important to note that during the refill procedure, the pump should NOT be powered on, which is one of the very few situations in which the PWCPC could flood.

How much noise does the PWCPC 3002 produce?
The device operates with a low hum (virtually indistinguishable above background noise in a typical office) making it much quieter than vacuum pumps or large blowers. It is designed to be unobtrusive and suitable for extended use in personal exposure studies. A small filter or muffler can be added to the exhaust if needed to further quiet the device.

 

Compatibility & Integration

Can an Electrostatic Classifier be used with this unit?
Currently, there is no direct accessory available for pairing with an Electrostatic Classifier. However, TSI is exploring future options for compatibility. Stay tuned!

Can the flow rate be regulated?
The PWCPC 3002 features an active feedback system that maintains a flow rate of 0.1 L/min per channel, even under variations in inlet pressure.

 

Standards & Compliance

Will the unit be calibrated to ISO 17025?
At this time, the PWCPC 3002 will not be calibrated to ISO 17025. TSI is continuously evaluating service options based on customer feedback, so please let us know what you would like to see in the future by filling out the form here.

Is the device compliant with ISO 21501-4?
No, ISO 21501-4 applies to optical particle counters. For CPCs, ISO 27891 is the relevant standard, but the PWCPC 3002 is currently not calibrated to all requirements of this standard, and is not intended to serve as a primary reference CPC.

 

Support & Contact

How can I get in touch with TSI for further questions?
We welcome your inquiries! Contact TSI for further information, product demonstrations, or upcoming trade show appearances where you can see the PWCPC 3002 in action. Just fill out the form below and we'll get back to you.