Imagine collecting real-time UFP data from a backpack, a drone, or a busy workplace, without compromising accuracy. The TSI OmniCount™ Portable Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (PWCPC) Model 3002 was developed with this very need in mind. Designed for aerosol researchers, environmental scientists, and health and safety professionals, the OmniCount™ PWCPC delivers precise ultrafine particle (UFP) measurements from <10 nm to 1,000 nm, even in challenging and mobile environments.
With dual-channel synchronized measurements, robust portability, and impressive tolerance for motion and tilting, this compact and battery-powered CPC is already proving its value across multiple real-world scenarios. Explore how researchers and field professionals are applying the OmniCount™ PWCPC in practice.
1. Comparing UFP Levels Indoors and Outdoors
Researchers studying indoor air quality often need to quantify how external pollution sources affect indoor environments. The OmniCount™ PWCPC enables users to deploy two sampling lines simultaneously, one indoors and one outdoors, and compare ultrafine particle concentrations in real time. This dual-channel capability is particularly beneficial for:
- Researchers conducting exposure modeling near busy roads or industrial areas
- Building managers evaluating air filtration system performance
- Facility engineers at data centers monitoring UFP levels to protect sensitive equipment from particle intrusion
Example: A university research team uses the OmniCount™ PWCPC to measure the impact of a nearby highway on ultrafine particle infiltration in classrooms. The side-by-side data collection helps quantify the effectiveness of recently installed air filtration systems and informs ventilation upgrades.
2. PPE and Respirator Fit Testing in Real-World Conditions
Conventional respirator fit testing is often conducted in controlled environments. However, real-world use introduces variables such as complex or sudden head movement, speech, or physical exertion that can compromise fit. The OmniCount™ PWCPC helps researchers and safety experts evaluate PPE effectiveness during actual tasks, offering insight into:
- Leakage patterns during movement or exercise
- Fit variability across user demographics
- Impact of users' actions on respirator performance in real-time
Example: A military research group uses the OmniCount™ PWCPC to assess the performance of various respirator models during field training exercises. Dual sampling in and outside the respirator enables them to detect changes in particle penetration when the wearer is under physical stress, directly influencing procurement and training recommendations.
3. Mobile Ambient Monitoring for Exposure Assessments
Whether mounted in a backpack or on a vehicle, the OmniCount™ PWCPC’s robust design allows researchers to gather accurate particle data on the move. It’s ideal for mobile monitoring campaigns in urban areas, where UFP concentrations can vary block by block. With Bluetooth connectivity and battery power for over 4 hours, researchers can:
- Conduct pedestrian exposure studies
- Monitor personal exposure on commutes
- Evaluate street-level pollution for assessing public health hazard
Example: An environmental health team deploys the OmniCount™ PWCPC in a backpack worn by volunteers as they walk through various neighborhoods. The resulting UFP concentration maps reveal pollution hotspots near transit hubs and heavily trafficked intersections, informing local mitigation strategies.
4. Drone-based Measurements in Hard-to-Reach Locations
Many research areas, from wildfire emissions to industrial stack releases, require UFP data from locations inaccessible by foot. The OmniCount™ PWCPC’s lightweight and motion-tolerant design makes it a promising candidate for drone-based sampling. It can be used to:
- Measure vertical UFP gradients in the atmosphere
- Assess emissions from sources like chimneys or flares
- Investigate air quality above urban canopies or agricultural zones
Example: An air quality research group mounts the OmniCount™ PWCPC on a drone to measure particle dispersion from a waste incinerator. The dual-channel function allows them to compare background and source-adjacent UFP levels in real time, providing high-resolution spatial data.
5. Monitoring Harmful Emissions from 3D Printing and Lab Equipment
With the growing use of 3D printers and advanced lab tools, researchers are increasingly concerned about indoor air quality in laboratory and office settings. The OmniCount™ PWCPC can be used to:
- Monitor emissions during various 3D printing materials and settings
- Evaluate air filtration or exhaust systems around lab and industrial equipment
- Document exposure for risk assessments or regulatory compliance
Example: A research team at an industrial innovation center uses the OmniCount™ PWCPC to monitor UFP emissions during 3D printing of nylon and ABS plastics. The data leads to modifications in printer enclosures and ventilation, significantly reducing particle exposure.
6. Field Campaigns with Multiple Sampling Sites
Researchers working across multiple field sites benefit from a lightweight, quickly deployable particle counter. The OmniCount™ PWCPC’s compact form factor and easy setup reduce time between measurements and enable consistent protocol across locations. This is especially useful for:
- Regional air quality studies
- Exposure comparisons in industrial vs. residential zones
- Longitudinal studies tracking seasonal changes
Example: An academic air pollution study uses several OmniCount™ PWCPC units to monitor particle levels at different locations across a city over a two-week period. The uniformity of measurements allows for reliable spatial comparisons and improved data quality for peer-reviewed publication.
A Tool Designed for the Field and the Future
The OmniCount™ PWCPC Model 3002 bridges the gap between lab-grade precision and field-ready functionality. Whether you're studying the micro-scale infiltration of ultrafine particles or mapping pollution across city blocks, this tool gives you the freedom to collect trusted data wherever your work takes you.
Key Features Recap:
- Detects particles from <10 nm to 1,000 nm
- Dual-channel synchronized measurements
- Motion-tolerant and tilt-resistant performance
- 4 hours of battery operation
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless data access
In a world where the boundaries of research continue to expand, the OmniCount™ PWCPC is your partner in pushing those boundaries further.
Want to learn more or schedule a demo?
Contact TSI today and discover how you can measure more, even in motion.