Condensation particle counter APB®

Sensors’ Automotive Particle Bench (APB®) is a small, lightweight, robust, and affordable particle number measurement device that is ideally suited for Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI). Designed to measure tailpipe particulate emissions of diesel and gasoline cars and trucks, the device yields accurate results under both steady-state and transient operating conditions. The major component of the low-cost Sensors APB® is a mixing-type Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) for the measurement of particle number concentrations in the size range from 10 to 200 nm. Note that this OEM module can be easily integrated into third party PTI-based measurement systems. Unlike, full-flow CPCs in which the particle laden air passes through a heated wick surrounded by the working fluid (normally Butanol or Isopropyl alcohol) to become saturated, in mixing-type CPCs, the aerosol flow is kept separate from the source of saturated air and mixed prior to being transported through the condenser. In the condenser (for both full-flow and mixing type CPCs), the super-saturated vapor condenses on the particles and grows them to about 5 -10 μm droplets. These drops are then focused through a nozzle, passed through a laser beam, and are counted by light scattering pulse detection electronics. The APB® is configured to operate with >99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The APB® also includes an internal peristaltic pump for the easy filling / management of the CPC saturator block (reservoir capacity 5 ml) from an external IPA tank that is built into the APA. Under normal operation, the fluid consumption rate is ca.