AIRPHOTON / GRASP Earth. products

AirPhoton IN101T is our basic Integrating Nephelometer. It is generally used for simple operations such as determing the bulk properties of aerosols including the overall amount and size of the particles. This instrument is highly valued for its accuracy and reliability, providing essential data for environmental monitoring and research.

The IN102 introduces a cyclone inlet to allow for sampling particles in a specific size range. We carefully monitor and adjust the instrument flow rate. In combination with the cyclone inlet, this allows us to measure particles separately at PM2.5 and PM10, the sizes most critical for air quality studies. This capability significantly enhances our precision and effectiveness in environmental monitoring and research applications.

The IN102Ex Size Scanning Nephelometer extends the capabilities of our IN102 nephelometer aerosol to sample in the range  from PM1 size bin to PM10.  The additional range of the measurements allows us to derive the full particle size distribution, making this model unique for scientific research. We use the same feedback flow control system as described above for the IN102.

The CR100 clean air reference system is designed to compensate for potential calibration drift of the IN101 or IN102 nephelometer. The CR100 pumps ambient air through a high quality HEPA filter that removes aerosol particles from the air to a level that the clean air can be used as a Rayleigh scattering reference for the nephelometer. It can be used as a semi-permanent attachment to the body of the nephelometer or as a portable bench top reference system. The figure at left shows the CR100 system mounted on the body of a IN101 nephelometer.

A custom-made carrying case is available for purchase to use with the IN101 nephelometer and its accessories. The case dimensions are: 31.3″x20.4″x12.2″ and is outfitted with wheels and a retractable handle for easy transport. Figure 9 shows the CC101 carrying case with a IN101 nephelometer and its accessories including the CR100 clean air system.

The Communications Module allows remote communication with the instrument, user can script files to the instrument to change and modify sampling protocols. Users can also download operational status and house keeping information about the instrument. Works both on cellular and WiFi networks. The dimensions are 7” x 5” x 1.5” and it weights around 5kg.

The Aeroexplorer sampling station is a versatile instrument for collecting particulate matter on filters for later analysis. Particulates can be collected in two sizes, typically PM2.5 and PM10 on up to 8 filters on a user programmable scheduled. The instrument has data ports which can be used to communicate with external instruments such as a weather station to enable collection by wind direction or coordination with our nephelometers. The instruments permits an autonomous particle sampling. Pump turns on/off and sampling advances to next filter slot, automatically, as function of minutes, hours or days. All is directed by operator-initiated programs, input with intuitive button controls or script command uploads.

The Dual Inlet configuration of the sampling station allows for simultaneous collection of particles at two different sizes depending on the choice of inlet size. Shown at right is the instrument configured with two cyclone inlets. The system can also be configured to use mini-impactors for the collection of larger-sized particles. This adaptability ensures precise sampling tailored to diverse research requirements.

The AirPhoton 8-slot filter cartridge is a unique design that holds and protects 8 particle sampling filters. This design minimizes the handling of the filters in the field and reduces the frequency of site visits by technicians. Used in conjunction with the AirPhoton Explorer Automated Filter Sampling Station, the cartridge can be deployed through 8 sampling cycles (one of which can be a blank for reference) before exchange with a fresh cartridge is necessary. Each of the 8 slots can hold either 1 filter for straightforward measurements of particles of one size, or 2 sequential filters of different pore sizes for separation of particles by size. When used with the dual inlet system and control box each inlet can be used separately for four sampling cycles. One filter location for each flow can be used as a reference blank.

The IMAP (Inverse Multi-Angular Polarimeter with Polarization) Nephelometer measures polarized scattered light at multiple angles and at multiple wavelengths. As with our other instruments, we use our feedback flow control system to collect data at multiple size bins ranging from PM1 to PM10. Owing to the small size of the sampling chamber and the overall efficiency of the system, this allows us to determine a full particle size distribution within a span of just 5 minutes.