Introducing the intrinsically safe SidePak AM520i

TSI launches another iteration of the SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitor with the AM520i. The SidePak AM520i brings an important new feature—intrinsically safe certifications that enable its use in potentially explosive environments.

Intrinsically safe air monitoring

The new, intrinsically safe SidePak is certified by IECEx, ATEX and CSA. IECEx uses QA specifications based on IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards for the certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. IECEx is an international system, ATEX is an EU directive, and CSA Group certifies instruments in North American, Europe and Asia. ATEX addresses equipment and protective systems that are built for potentially explosive atmospheres. Explosive environments include oil and gas refineries, chemical processing plants, paper, pulp, and printing industries, refueling stations, and many other operations.

The battery-operated, wearable SidePak deploys a laser photometer to capture readings of dusts, fumes, mists, smoke and fog in a worker's breathing zone. It measures PM10, PM4 (respirable), PM2.5, PM1 and 0.8µm for diesel particulate matter (DPM). Real-time data collection gives immediate results, helping to ensure safer working conditions for wearers.

SidePak in the news

The innovative SidePak aerosol monitor has been used for air quality research as well as for occupational health and safety applications. In this recent article from the Manchester Evening News, Professor Hugh Coe, the head of the school of Atmospheric Composition at the University of Manchester, uses an older model to measure roadside particle pollution in high traffic areas around the English city.

Read more about the new SidePak AM520i in the press release.