Particle Sizers

Why Size Matters

Mass concentrations alone can miss critical details about aerosol behavior. Particle sizers reveal how many particles exist within specific size ranges, offering insight into sources, atmospheric processing, and potential exposure pathways. In outdoor applications, size distributions help distinguish combustion-related ultrafines from mechanically generated coarse particles and track changes during smoke or dust episodes.

Capabilities at a Glance

• Size-Resolved Data: Measure distributions across defined size bins, from ultrafine through coarse fractions depending on model.
• Temporal Resolution: Capture fast dynamics to assess traffic patterns, plumes, and event evolution.
• Robust Deployments: Pair with appropriate inlets, environmental controls, and enclosures for stable operation.
• Data Integration: Export distributions and calculated metrics into analytical workflows and models.
• Research-Grade Insights: Support studies on nucleation events, aging, and deposition modeling.

Applications

• Urban Air Studies: Differentiate traffic emissions, secondary aerosols, and resuspended dust.
• Wildfire Smoke Characterization: Track size shifts with plume aging and dilution.
• Construction and Industrial Perimeters: Evaluate the contribution of coarse versus fine particles.
• Policy and Program Evaluation: Provide scientific evidence to assess interventions.
• Academic and Government Research: Advance understanding of aerosol dynamics outdoors.

Practical Deployment Tips

• Inlets and Conditioning: Use size-selective inlets and dryers if humidity may bias readings.
• Siting: Avoid recirculation zones and maintain consistent heights for comparability.
• Co-Location: Pair with particle counters or reference monitors to build a complete picture.
• Data Volume: Plan storage and processing for high-resolution distributions.
• Maintenance: Schedule checks for flow accuracy, leaks, and contamination.

From Data to Decisions

Size-distribution data can uncover sources, attribute episodes, and inform targeted responses. When linked with meteorology and gas-phase measurements, particle sizing strengthens models and supports transparent reporting. Whether you are characterizing urban ultrafines or assessing coarse dust near active worksites, particle sizers add precision and context that general metrics cannot provide.

Consult our team for guidance on model selection, inlet configurations, and field setups that align with your study objectives and site constraints.