Description
Fig. 1: AQ Guard Ambient
AQ Guard Ambient, currently the most advanced compact analyzer for determining ambient air quality, continuously and reliably analyses airborne fine dust particles in the range 175 nm – 20 µm. A newly developed mass conversion algorithm calculates PM values based on single particle optical light scattering, taking signal duration and shape into account. Sensor system and algorithms were developed based on the technology of the EN 16450 certified Fidas® 200.
The heated aerosol inlet ensures that results are not affected by relative humidity or by presence of fog droplets. Under any weather conditions AQ Guard Ambient achieves precision comparable to type approved analyzers, which makes it stand out compared to similar devices.
Fig. 2: Comparison of data recorded by AQ Guard Ambient and Fidas® 200 S
Besides the PM10 und PM2.5 fine dust fractions, relevant for regulatory immission control, AQ Guard simultaneously calculates and records PM1, PM4, the total dust load, the particle number concentration Cn as well as the particle size distribution. AQ Guard thus provides precise and comprehensive informationen about particulates as only a single particle counting and sizing device can.
AQ Guard is designed for unattended, continuous operation and features an extraordinarily durable sampling gas blower. Aerosol sampling, aerosol conditioning as well as optical sensor system resist staining but can be cleaned, if necessary, by the user.
Exceptional long term stability of the measuring system is achieved by automatic calibration tracking, which allows up to two years of operation without recalibration. Calibration status can be checked, using a test powder calibrated by Palas®. This makes Palas® aerosol spectrometers the only optical fine dust monitors which can be user calibrated with a traceable standard on site.
Abb. 3: AQ Guard Ambient mounting
AQ Guard Ambient features a robust, attractive weather shield and can be combined with a multitude of mounting systems by a VESA compatible bracket. Special ruggedized versions for hazardous environments are available on demand.
AQ Guard Ambient records air temperature, pressure and relative humidity with integrated sensors. Additional sensors for gaseous pollutants are in development.
Abb. 4: Web interface
AQ Guard Ambient features fast data interfaces and allows real time access over Ethernet, WiFi or cellular network. Since all results are calculated and recorded within the analyzer it requires no external data processing by, e.g., cloud computing. Users retain full control over their data and decide over information access. AQ Guard can provide numerical data, using various communication protocols, as well as visualize information on any type of device using a modern web interface.
Compact design and optional power supply on the Ethernet port (PoE) simplify installation and integration in an existing infrastructure.
