The particle number concentration of fine and ultrafine particles (UFPs) is a key metric of interest within air quality monitoring.

The large European air quality network ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) includes particle number concentration in their suite of measured air quality parameters; numerous ACTRIS-participating organizations use TSI Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs), and have done so for years. Interest in particle number also extends beyond Europe; the MATES studies in California (US) have utilized TSI CPCs as well (3783 Environmental Particle Counter / TAPI M651).

Beyond these established networks, researchers around the globe have used TSI CPCs to measure particle number concentrations in locations as diverse as megacities, neighborhoods, airports, and the open ocean.

Monitoring Compliant to EN 16976*

The Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) 3750-CEN measures particle number concentration of UFPs in the atmosphere. It was created to meet the technical specifications of CEN/TS 16976 by European Committee for Standardization (CEN) which is currently being turned into the European standard EN 16976.

The 3750-CEN CPC is capable of measuring particle number concentrations up to 100,000 particles/cm³. For higher concentrations the Aerosol Diluter 3333-10 is available. Data can be integrated into existing monitoring network data acquisition systems. In order for the aerosol sampling to be compliant with CEN requirements, a sampling system such as the Sampling System for Atmospheric Particles 3750200 should be used.

Near-freeway Monitoring

The Environmental Particle Counter was developed specifically for near-freeway monitoring, i.e. continuous observation in high-concentration environments, and provides quantitative fine and ultrafine particle number concentration data accurately and reliably.

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