Condensation Particle Counter

What CPCs Do

Condensation Particle Counters detect and count ultrafine particles — often less than 100 nanometers — by growing them to an optically detectable size and recording their concentrations. This capability gives industrial hygienists insight into airborne particle behavior that typical dust or aerosol monitors may not capture, especially during dynamic work activities.

Why CPCs Matter in Occupational Health and Safety

Many occupational environments generate ultrafine aerosols from welding, high-temperature processes, combustion sources, and engineered nanomaterials. These particles can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system due to their size. CPCs add value by:

• Measuring ultrafine particle number concentrations in real time.
• Helping evaluate how tasks and movement affect respirator performance.
• Supporting exposure investigations when conventional PM or optical instruments do not capture the full picture.
• Providing actionable data for training, standard operating procedures, and continuous improvement.

In respiratory protection applications, the TSI OmniCount Portable Water-based CPC (Model 3002) can be used as an additional tool to evaluate respirator effectiveness. Real-time measurements during actual occupational tasks help teams understand fit under motion and workload, and help workers identify more effective donning and usage techniques.

Key Capabilities for OHS Programs

• Ultrafine Sensitivity: Detect particles typically below 100 nanometers to reveal sources and trends that may be missed by other monitors.
• Real-Time Insight: View second-by-second concentration changes to link spikes to specific tasks, locations, or equipment states.
• Field-Ready Use: Portable operation helps industrial hygienists move between areas, compare conditions, and document changes over time.
• Data You Can Act On: Time series data supports training, program adjustments, and communication with stakeholders.

Typical Use Cases

• Respirator Performance Assessment: Use CPC data alongside established fit testing protocols to observe how motion, talking, or task changes influence particle ingress during actual work activities.
• Exposure Investigations: Characterize ultrafine particle levels around welding bays, engine testing, or high-temperature processes to guide controls.
• Process Changes and Controls Verification: Compare baseline and post-control conditions to help evaluate ventilation upgrades, enclosure strategies, or procedural changes.
• Nanomaterial Workflows: Monitor handling and transfer steps for engineered nanomaterials to help identify high-variability tasks.

Selecting a CPC for Your Needs

When choosing a CPC for occupational health and safety applications, consider:

• Particle Size Sensitivity: Ability to detect particles below 100 nanometers.
• Concentration Range: Suitability for both low-level background monitoring and task-based spikes.
• Portability and Runtime: Practical for facility walk-throughs and task sampling.
• Data Logging and Reporting: Efficient export and analysis to support documentation and communication.

The TSI OmniCount Portable Water-based CPC (Model 3002) is designed for teams that need accurate, ultrafine particle measurements with the flexibility to work in the field. As an additional tool in respiratory protection applications, it provides real-time feedback that supports training and continuous program improvement.

Integrating CPCs Into Your OHS Workflow

• Plan: Define objectives, sampling locations, and task timelines.
• Measure: Capture time-resolved data during representative activities.
• Interpret: Link concentration changes to specific motions, tools, or steps.
• Act: Use findings to refine donning techniques, task sequencing, or controls.
• Document: Share results with management and workers to reinforce best practices.

Why TSI

With decades of leadership in precision aerosol measurement, TSI offers instruments and expertise that help you turn complex particle data into clear, actionable insights. From product selection to application support, our team helps you select solutions that fit your workflow and goals.

Get Started

• Explore the OmniCount Portable Water-based CPC (Model 3002).
• Talk with a TSI specialist about integrating CPCs into your respiratory protection and exposure assessment programs.
• Request a demo to see how real-time ultrafine particle data can support training and program performance.